, formerly known as , is a

smart card A smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC or IC card) is a physical electronic authentication device, used to control access to a resource. It is typically a plastic credit card-sized card with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) c ...

using

RFID Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromag ...

http://www.tokyomango.com/tokyo_mango/2007/03/taspo_rfid_card.html Taspo RFID Card For Cigarette Machines - Tokyo Mango developed by the Tobacco Institute of Japan (TIOJ), the , and the for introduction in 2008. Following its introduction, the card is necessary in order to purchase cigarettes from

vending machine A vending machine is an automated machine that provides items such as snacks, beverages, cigarettes, and lottery tickets to consumers after cash, a credit card, or other forms of payment are inserted into the machine or otherwise made. The fir ...

s in Japan. The name "Taspo" is a

portmanteau A portmanteau word, or portmanteau (, ) is a blend of wordsstore value, giving purchasers the option to pay by card or by cash. Users are able to add more value at vending machines. Consumers can apply for the cards by filling out a form available at tobacco retailers and mailing it, along with a copy of a verifiable identification document (driver's license, health-insurance card, etc.) and a facial photo to TIOJ. No fees are required to obtain the card. Cardholders can cancel lost or stolen cards by contacting TIOJ to remotely disable the cards' use at vending machines. The final pilot program began in March 2008, and was phased in after that, becoming operational nationwide by 1 July 2008.

References

External links

Taspo official website

Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association
{{Japanese smartcards Contactless smart cards Tobacco control Smoking in Japan

See also

References

External links