There's No Reason Not to Use the Generous and Value-Packed 'Ponta Pass'

PONTA PASS | Ponta Pass

An App for All Smartphone Users: Generous and Convenient

Points and coupons are now indispensable in every aspect of our lives. Amidst the proliferation of apps alongside recent cashless trends, the newly revamped "Ponta Pass" offers an unprecedented sense of value and security. Through a press conference featuring the beloved character Ponta-kun and numerous popular idol units from KAWAII LAB., we introduce the full scope of this service.

There's No Reason Not to Use the Generous and Value-Packed 'Ponta Pass' | PONTA PASS

Key members from participating companies (from left): Mr. Takagi from Loyalty Marketing, Mr. Shigetada from KDDI, Mr. Katsuta from Lawson, and Mr. Sato from Mitsubishi Corporation.

Text by KAWASE Takuro

A Time When One in Two People Consider Coupons When Buying Goods or Services

Paying with our smartphones at the convenience store we visit daily has become the norm. It frees us from the hassle of preparing change, and the ability to earn points by having an app is a welcome bonus. In this context, KDDI, the company behind au and UQ mobile, conducted a survey on "discounts" targeting 1,000 men and women aged 18 to 59 nationwide. The findings revealed that approximately 80% of people are conscious of discounts, and over 51% are more aware of coupons compared to last year.

Mr. Shigetada, Deputy General Manager of KDDI's Personal Business Division, the core of this service, took the stage to explain the overview of Ponta Pass.

Value and Security, Closely Tied to Daily Life, Converge in Ponta Pass

Unlike traditional point cards or stamp cards, smartphone coupons are more convenient and used more frequently. KDDI, recognizing this, developed services such as "au Smart Pass Premium" and "au Smart Pass." These services not only accumulate Ponta points but also offer a wide range of benefits, including entertainment content like music, videos, and e-books, as well as support for smartphone malfunctions and damage. "au Smart Pass Premium" and "au Smart Pass" have just been revamped into "Ponta Pass" and "Ponta Pass Lite."

Ms. Katsuta, Lawson's Managing Executive Officer and Head of Marketing Strategy, passionately promoted the value of the "Too Much Giveaway Campaign."

Experience Value First with Lawson's 'Age-sugi Challenge'

First, pay attention to the free and discounted coupons for Lawson products. From October to November, free coupons for "Karaage-kun" were distributed three times, along with coupons for Lawson and Ponta Pass's "Collaboration Bakery" and "Machi Cafe."

Mr. Takagi, Senior Managing Director of Loyalty Marketing, discussed consumer trends and interests regarding coupons and points.

Surprising Scope of Coupons Covers Fan Activities and New Movies!

In addition to value at Lawson, Ponta Pass excels in entertainment. A highlight is the exclusive live broadcast of the "2024 MAMA AWARDS," a K-POP awards ceremony on November 22nd and 23rd, for Ponta Pass users. Furthermore, movie tickets at Lawson and United Cinemas are discounted to 800 yen (600 yen after January 10, 2025)! Additionally, using au PAY offers an enhanced Ponta point reward rate through "Ponta Pass Boost." Leveraging cutting-edge technology, coupons connect to every aspect of life.

Mr. Sato, a department manager in Mitsubishi Corporation's retail business, suggested the potential of a connected point economy with a wide range of participating companies.

Try the Initial Free Period Even with Other Carriers

For those who might think, "This is only for au or UQ mobile users, right?" – good news! For a monthly fee of 548 yen, users of any carrier can access value and security that exceeds this cost. The first 30 days are free, so why not download the app first? After the free period ends, the monthly fee will be automatically applied, but with such valuable coupon experiences continuing, this app is sure to become indispensable!

Midway through the press conference, Ponta-kun and members of KAWAII LAB. units FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, and CUTIE STREET made an appearance.

Experience Excitement at the Pop-Up Store Near Shibuya Station

To commemorate the renewal of Ponta Pass, "Ponta Pass Station" has opened for a limited time. On the first floor, all visitors can enter a lottery for coupons usable in Shibuya and special merchandise. The second floor offers "Sarutahiko Coffee" in collaboration with Ponta Pass, while the third floor hosts daily performances and talk events by popular idol units from KAWAII LAB., DJs, and artists. If you're in Shibuya, we recommend taking some time to visit.

The "Ponta Pass Station," marked by its orange and blue colors, has been bustling with long queues since its opening.

Ponta Pass Station
Address | ZeroBase Shibuya (2-5-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Period | October 3 - October 13, 2024
Hours | General Open 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Special Events 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Site |https://prcp.pass.auone.jp/popup-store/index.html