japan is the most cash heavy developed society. something like 85 per cent of transctions are cash.
it maybe means more future potential but there are other places more ready made.
There's still potential in countries where the amount of digital transactions is higher - new digital transactions in Japan will be in fiat and will only transition to Bitcoin when it's convenient - in a few years probably, and a bit longer before it's significant (if it ever is).
Important things about Japanese adoption are:
-Japan often quick to adapt/create new technology
-People have a lot of savings
-Recent government acceptance
Yes and no.
People here have huge cash savings yes. The government has given approval yes.
There are certain people here who love new tech and jump on it right away. But most people here are old and while I assume even older people here have higher adoption rates for tech overall compared to the west, there are still many many who are more traditional.
People here are really divided. Cash is king. There is still an almost complete lack of widespread payment systems beyond cash.
Every salary man keeps about $1000 in their wallet. Often places will not accept even credit cards let alone debit cards let alone the less popular and competing mobile payment systems.
Every office still has and uses fax machines. I have some business with companies who refuse to accept email or require it to be faxed as well for a paper trail.
While I do not doubt bitcoin will become more and more popular here as it becomes more available. I do not agree with all the gushing love in these forums and the media that Japan will suddenly be investing a billion dollars it will be a huge boom.