Why was automated ticketing introduced in Tokushima now?

As part of Japan's nationwide digitalization push to address labor shortages and improve efficiency.

Which tickets are accepted at the new gates?

Magnetic tickets, commuter passes, and QR codes from JR Shikoku's app. IC cards not yet supported.

Why can't IC cards like ICOCA be used?

JR Shikoku's system is not yet integrated with national IC networks; phased rollout ongoing.

What is the significance of nationwide automated ticketing?

Achieves standardization of Japan's rail infrastructure, enabling future AI and IoT integration.

IC card compatibility, unmanned stations, and multilingual support are expected next steps.

Tokushima Bids Farewell to Manual Ticket Inspection: Final Piece of Japan's Automated Ticketing Puzzle Falls into Place

Published Jun 13, 2026 6:35 PM ・ Updated Jun 18, 2026 7:14 PM ・ 3 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Tokushima Prefecture has introduced automated ticket gates, marking the end of manual ticket checking across Japan. This completes the nationwide rollout of automated ticketing systems in all 47 prefectures.

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, June 13) Tokushima Prefecture was the only one among Japan's 47 prefectures without automated ticket gates. Today, however, automated gates were launched at JR Tokushima Station in Tokushima City, officially ending manual ticket inspection. This marks the completion of automated ticket gate installation across all of Japan.

According to reports by NHK and Shikoku Broadcasting (JRT), passengers at JR Tokushima Station can now use the new automated gates.

The newly installed gates accept black-backed magnetic tickets, commuter passes, and QR codes generated via JR Shikoku's ticketing app. However, they do not accept tickets purchased onboard trains (known as 'seirishiken' in Japanese) or transportation IC cards such as ICOCA or PASMO.

Tokushima's adoption of automated gates completes the final missing piece of Japan's nationwide automated ticketing infrastructure.

A male student who regularly commutes through JR Tokushima Station said, 'I think it'll feel unfamiliar at first, but eventually travelers will be able to use the station smoothly.'

Michihiro Mitani, station master of JR Tokushima Station, said, 'We've kept you waiting. From now on, passengers will be able to pass through the gates smoothly, and we will strive to provide a comfortable journey.' (Translation: Yang Weijing) 1150613

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan
Organizations: NHK

Tokushima Bids Farewell to Manual Ticket Inspection: Final Piece of Japan's Automated Ticketing Puzzle Falls into Place

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