Self-checkout – Markets with automatic checkout in Japan

What happens when education and honesty go hand in hand with technology? In Japan, Self-Checkout is becoming popular, where you scan your purchases and pay without the need for a cashier or a person for that. In this article, we will talk a little about the self-checkout in Japan known as serufureji (セルフレジ).

There are different types of automatic checkouts in Japan. Some can scan a maximum of 10 items, others usually pack your purchases automatically straight from the basket. Some you scan your purchase at the automatic checkout, others you tally the products as you pick them up and place them in your basket.

Basically, you just place each item in front of the barcode reader to tally and pay the bill like at any electronic checkout, vending machines, or at train stations. There probably are security systems based on the weight of the bag or the number of items, but honesty is the main reason for these machines to exist.

The computer keeps you visually and verbally informed about the price of each item you are scanning. In some places, you find a girl or boy ready to bow and thank you for your purchases, but they are on standby to provide support if you have problems with technology.

Self – Automatic checkout in Japan

The automatic payment machines in markets and stores are not a novelty in Japan. As of 2013, there were over 200,000 self-checkout units spread around the world. Not only markets but libraries, CD stores, and many others use this system that is growing more and more.

It may seem impressive or new to Brazilians, but it is something so common and old that you could find it back in 2006 in Europe. Of course, technological advancements are made every year. To have a better experience, we will leave a video from our friend Caipira in Japan that will show up close an automatic checkout in Japan.

I hope you enjoyed this short article about the automatic checkouts in Japan. We appreciate the comments and shares. There are many other examples of honesty and technology in Japan. We recommend checking the articles below:

• Mujin Hanbai – Market stalls without sellers in Japan
• Jihanki Shokudo – Automatic machine restaurant
• Hanbaiki – Automatic vending machines