How Ponta Pass Station is Driving Shibuya's Digital Transformation Amidst Major Change
LOUNGE / FEATURES
February 7, 2025

How Ponta Pass Station is Driving Shibuya's Digital Transformation Amidst Major Change

PONTA PASS

Ponta Pass Station, Offering Unique Real-World Experiences, Returns to Dogenzaka!

Amidst the rise of cashless payments, attention has turned to the importance of points. "Ponta Pass" is an app service that offers convenience and savings in all aspects of life, from everyday convenience store purchases to supporting favorite artists and idols, and enjoying entertainment like music, movies, and e-books. The second pop-up store, "Ponta Pass Station," will be held until February 9th. Let's explore the campaign that KDDI is orchestrating in Shibuya.
The second installment, following the first which attracted 15,000 visitors, runs until Sunday, February 9th. Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe (center left in photo) and Hiroshi Arai from KDDI's Personal Business Division (center right in photo) also attended the press conference, highlighting the event's role in regional revitalization.

Text by KAWASE takuro

Engaging Gen Z in Shibuya, a City Undergoing Major Redevelopment

Shibuya, the historic hub of youth culture and fashion, is undergoing a profound transformation. This once-in-a-century redevelopment is reshaping it into a city that appeals to mature adults, symbolizes the diversity and inclusivity sought by Gen Z, and embodies digital convenience. While it's natural to feel nostalgic for its past or lament that it's no longer the Shibuya we knew, perhaps this is the perfect moment for those who grew up with Shibuya to embrace its positive evolution.
This time, free "Meiji Milk Chocolate" bars will be distributed, allowing visitors to create custom sleeves and share joyful moments. Attendees can also try their luck with the "SHIBUYA O-to Coupon" lottery and the "Unsei Agisugi! Suki Photo Mikuji" fortune-telling experience.

Teaming Up with Meiji Chocolate Ahead of Valentine's Day

KDDI's aggressive promotion of its Ponta services aims not only to increase brand awareness but also to secure a dominant position in the point-based economy. To address user concerns about which carriers and apps offer the best rewards and convenience, KDDI is expanding its Ponta Pass services and launched "Ponta Pass Station" as a physical space for hands-on experiences. The first event in October last year focused on savings at Lawson, but this second iteration offers free "Meiji Milk Chocolate" with customizable sleeves, in addition to Lawson's rewards. Visitors can even enjoy a complimentary "MACHI café" hot café latte from Lawson.
Members of KAWAII LAB. proudly display their custom sleeves, easily designed with messages and characters via the touch panel. You might even catch a glimpse of them at Ponta Pass Station!

Shibuya Ward and the Shibuya Center Shopping Street Association Also Support the Event

A key objective of this event is for KDDI to collect data on visitor demographics and location within Shibuya, with the premise of protecting personal information, and share this data with Shibuya Ward and the Center Shopping Street Association. This analysis will help envision the future of Shibuya by understanding how people interact with the city and what captures their interest. As with the previous event, members of KAWAII LAB. are participating as special ambassadors for Ponta Pass. They will serve as "one-day café managers," attracting Gen Z fans who are keen on idol culture and entertainment.
Ponta Pass is also sponsoring "Machi Passport," an initiative to enhance foot traffic within Shibuya Center Gai and benefit local businesses. The press conference included a talk show featuring Mr. Suzuki, a director of the association (left in photo), along with Shibuya Ward's Gen Z representatives, sponge managers, and student members.

KDDI's Involvement in Shibuya's Digital Transformation for Next-Generation Customer Experiences

Experience the current pulse of Shibuya, a hub of youth culture, through your smartphone. Ponta Pass Station serves as the starting point for this journey. How will this once-in-a-century renovation engage people and transform the area into a place of excitement? Adults who may feel hesitant about such significant changes are encouraged to visit Ponta Pass Station and observe KDDI's initiatives firsthand. It's worth noting that while Ponta Pass has a monthly fee of 548 yen, it offers benefits that far exceed this cost.
Members of FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, and CUTIE STREET, all affiliated with KAWAII LAB., will perform. Don't miss their talk show, themed around Valentine's Day.
Ponta Pass Station
Address | ZeroBase Shibuya (2-5-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Dates | February 6 (Thu) - February 9 (Sun), 2024

*Details will be updated on the special website.
Inquiries

Ponta Pass Special Website
https://prcp.pass.auone.jp/popup-store-2nd/index.html

Photo Gallery