Technology

UnionPay International Powers Seamless Payments for a Culturally and Technologically Enriching Japan Travel Experience

Published

1 year ago

April 10, 2025

SHANGHAI, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — April brings one of Japan’s most anticipated international showcases of cutting-edge technology and innovation, drawing visitors from around the world. With an increasingly diverse tourism offering, Japan is reaffirming its status as a top global travel destination. In response to rising demand, UnionPay International is expanding its acceptance network and payment capabilities across Japan, offering global travelers a secure and convenient way to experience the country at its best.

This growing demand is evident in Japan’s record-breaking tourism numbers. In February 2025, the country welcomed approximately 3.26 million international visitors, up 16.9% year-over-year, setting a new record. South Korea led the inbound market, followed by China. In 2024, international travelers spent a total of ¥8.14 trillion in Japan, with the largest shares going to accommodation (¥2.74 trillion), shopping (¥2.4 trillion), and dining (¥1.2 trillion). These figures underscore the significant economic contribution of inbound tourism and highlight the growing need for seamless, efficient payment solutions.

UnionPay International is meeting this demand by enhancing its payment services across Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Hokkaido, UnionPay International allows travelers to focus on discovery and enjoyment—without the hassle of payment concerns.

Since launching operations in Japan in 2005, UnionPay International has partnered with 15 major local acquirers to establish a robust acceptance network. Today, UnionPay cards are accepted at 82% of merchants and 100% of ATMs nationwide. Travelers also have access to more than 300,000 contactless terminals and 1.5 million QR code payment terminals.

UnionPay International’s services are designed to support every stage of the journey. Travelers can book flights on over 90 international airlines, reserve hotels on major platforms, and shop in-store at key retailers.

Tax refunds are just as accessible—shoppers spending over 5,000 yen at tax-free stores can easily receive their rebates directly to their UnionPay cards.

Innovating Payment Interconnectivity Worldwide

As a global financial infrastructure provider and leading international card network, UnionPay International is dedicated to improving cross-border payment connectivity. Outside the Chinese Mainland，over 260 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 83 countries and regions; in 37 markets, more than 220 UnionPay-powered e-wallets offer broad access to mobile payments.

This global expansion makes it easier for international tourists—including those from key source markets such as Hong Kong, Macau SAR, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe—to use payment tools they already trust while traveling in Japan.

UnionPay International is the top card brand in the Greater Bay Area by issuance and coverage. In Africa, UnionPay cards are accepted in 51 countries, with 13 markets issuing over 5 million cards. In SEA, nearly 50 million UnionPay cards have been issued, supported by more than 30 e-wallets in the region. In Europe, Spanish provider Pecunpay has launched UnionPay cards, and French users can now apply for UnionPay cards via the “Yi An” app.

UnionPay International’s ongoing investment in Japan’s payment infrastructure reflects a shared commitment to openness, innovation, and cultural connection. This vision is aligned with the themes of this season’s major international event, where tradition meets technology and culture embraces the future.

From shopping in department stores to navigating Japan’s extensive transit system, UnionPay International empowers travelers to explore more, worry less, and fully immerse themselves in Japan’s unique charm and forward-thinking spirit.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/unionpay-international-powers-seamless-payments-for-a-culturally-and-technologically-enriching-japan-travel-experience-302425568.html

SOURCE UnionPay International

Technology

FranklinWH Introduces Enhanced 15 kWh aPower in Australia and New Zealand

Published

23 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

Expansion comes as policy shifts and rising power costs accelerate demand for residential energy storage

SYDNEY, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FranklinWH, a leading provider of whole-home energy management and battery storage solutions, today announced the launch of its enhanced 15 kWh aPower battery in Australia and New Zealand, as demand for residential energy storage continues to grow, driven by evolving policy settings and increasing interest in energy independence.

The updated aPower builds on the company’s established platform, increasing usable capacity from 13.6 kWh to 15 kWh and raising warrantied throughput from 43 MWh to 60 MWh, an increase of 40 percent. These updates deliver more usable energy over the life of the system while maintaining the same footprint and price.

“The energy landscape is shifting quickly, and more homeowners are thinking beyond the upfront specs to what really pays off over time,” said Steve Ruskin, General Manager of FranklinWH Australia. “This upgrade is about delivering more performance over the life of the system, more usable energy, greater throughput, while staying true to our ‘buy once, buy right’ philosophy.”

The increase in warrantied throughput translates into savings for homeowners. Based on typical usage patterns and an electricity rate of A$0.35 per kilowatt-hour, the additional throughput may represent up to approximately A$5,950 in value over the lifetime of the system. The increase in usable capacity also improves energy density, lowering the effective cost per kilowatt-hour and supporting more efficient use of stored energy.

The 15 kWh configuration also aligns with current and upcoming policy frameworks benefitting residential battery adoption. This includes the updated Cheaper Home Batteries Program, with changes coming into effect for Australian homeowners from 1 May, 2026, helping households maximise value as incentives continue to evolve.

As the residential battery market expands, FranklinWH continues to focus on reliability and system performance. The aPower incorporates design elements to support durability, including structural reinforcement to reduce cell stress over time, per-cell temperature monitoring, and the separation of the battery pack and control systems to maintain reliable performance.

“We believe performance should be measured over years, not just at installation,” Ruskin added. “We focus on building systems that deliver consistent, reliable results over time. That long-term perspective is what ultimately defines value for homeowners.”

The aPower is designed to operate as part of the FranklinWH System, an integrated home energy management platform that coordinates energy generation, storage, and consumption. The system is designed to optimise multiple energy inputs, provide reliable backup power, and support more efficient and independent energy use at the household level.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH Energy Storage is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH System. FranklinWH is a market-oriented, research-driven company focused on next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Located in Macquarie Park, Sydney with a global head office in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team has decades of experience in energy systems, from design, through manufacturing, to sales and installation. FranklinWH is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions.

Contact: Media@franklinwh.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/franklinwh-introduces-enhanced-15-kwh-apower-in-australia-and-new-zealand-302759086.html

SOURCE FranklinWH Australia Pty Ltd

Technology

Peninsula Visa Launches Comprehensive OCI Processing Services

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Peninsula Visa, a trusted leader in immigration and visa processing services with over 50 years of expertise, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing services. To celebrate this milestone, Peninsula Visa is offering new users an exclusive 20% discount with promo code OCI20 at checkout.

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Peninsula Visa, a trusted leader in immigration and visa processing services with over 50 years of expertise, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) processing services. To celebrate this milestone, Peninsula Visa is offering new users an exclusive 20% discount with promo code OCI20 at checkout.

For 50 years, Peninsula Visa has helped families navigate immigration. OCI processing is one of our most impactful services, connecting the Indian diaspora to their heritage. We’re proud to bring our expertise to help families secure OCI status with confidence. Evan James, CEO

A Full Suite of OCI Services

Peninsula Visa’s OCI services cover every stage of the OCI lifecycle, ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora receive expert support from start to finish.

The four service types now available are:

New OCI Application — For foreign nationals of Indian origin, spouses of Indian citizens or existing OCI card holders, and minor children with at least one Indian parent applying for OCI status for the first time.OCI Card Renewal — For card holders whose OCI card has expired, or whose linked passport has been renewed or replaced and requires an updated booklet.Re-issuance (Age Milestones) — OCI cards must be re-issued when minors reach the age of 18 and again when card holders turn 50, due to significant changes in appearance. Peninsula Visa guides clients through both transitions seamlessly.Miscellaneous OCI Services — Covering corrections to existing records, lost or damaged card replacement, address changes, and other administrative updates to the OCI file.

Why Choose Peninsula Visa for Your OCI Application

Peninsula Visa brings decades of institutional knowledge and a client-first philosophy to every OCI case.

Key value propositions include:

Expert Guidance — Dedicated OCI specialists with deep knowledge of consulate requirements, eligibility rules, and documentation standards across all service types.High Approval Rate — A meticulous multi-stage review process that identifies and resolves issues before submission, dramatically reducing the likelihood of rejection or delay.Fast Turnaround — Standard processing in 12-15 Business Days for most OCI service types, with real-time status updates throughout the process.End-to-End Support — Personalized document checklists, secure document uploads, expert form preparation, consulate submission, and post-submission tracking — all in one place.

Launch Promotion

Save 20% on any OCI service — new users only

OCI20

Enter code OCI20 at checkout. Available to new users. No expiration date.

Leadership Perspective

“For 50 years, Peninsula Visa has helped individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration documentation. OCI processing is one of the most impactful services we have ever added — it directly connects the Indian diaspora to their heritage country in a lasting, meaningful way. We are proud to bring our proven expertise and client-centric approach to this important service, and we look forward to helping thousands of families secure their OCI status with confidence.”

Founded in 1975, Peninsula Visa has built its reputation on precision, transparency, and a genuine commitment to client outcomes. The addition of OCI processing services reflects the company’s ongoing mission to expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of immigrants and their families across the United States.

Get Started Today

Eligible applicants can begin their OCI journey by visiting Peninsula Visa’s dedicated OCI Services page. New users can take advantage of the 20% launch discount by entering promo code OCI20 at checkout when selecting any OCI service type.

Media Contact

Evan James, Peninsula Visa, 1 4087277515, media@peninsulavisa.com, https://peninsulavisa.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peninsula-visa-launches-comprehensive-oci-processing-services-302760544.html

SOURCE Peninsula Visa

Technology

Peninsula Visa Launches Comprehensive OCI Processing Services

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

A Full Suite of OCI Services

Peninsula Visa’s OCI services cover every stage of the OCI lifecycle, ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora receive expert support from start to finish.

The four service types now available are:

Why Choose Peninsula Visa for Your OCI Application

Peninsula Visa brings decades of institutional knowledge and a client-first philosophy to every OCI case.

Key value propositions include:

Launch Promotion

Save 20% on any OCI service — new users only

OCI20

Enter code OCI20 at checkout. Available to new users. No expiration date.

Leadership Perspective

Get Started Today

Media Contact

Evan James, Peninsula Visa, 1 4087277515, media@peninsulavisa.com, https://peninsulavisa.com/