Bank of Japan officials are stepping up calls for Japan to keep up with the rapid development of digital currencies, which could accelerate the shift to cashless payments in a country where "cash is king". The share of cashless payments in Japan rose to 42.8% in 2024 from 13.2% in 2010, a year ahead of the government's target of 40%, according to government data. Although Japan lags globally in payments technology, the rise in cashless transactions is forcing policymakers to ensure they are prep...