Travelex, a market-leading foreign exchange brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Japan, having established a network of over 70 retail stores across the country. 

Having launched its first store in Japan at Tokyo City Air Terminal in 2003, Travelex now employs nearly 400 colleagues across its 70 locations, which are prominently located at both major airports and in city center locations. 

In addition to its store network, which offers customers foreign currency in cash, Travelex has also introduced a number of innovative digital products to the Japanese market, starting with the launch of its first automatic foreign exchange machine in a Tokyo hotel in 2011. Last year, Travelex expanded its digital offering with a remittance product that enables users in Japan to remit money to more than 50 markets across the world almost instantly via their phone. Earlier this year, Travelex also launched its prepaid foreign currency card, the Travelex Money Card, in the Japanese market. 

To celebrate its anniversary, the British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, hosted an event at the British Embassy attended by over 80 guests from the banking, financial institutions, travel, airport, aviation and legal sectors.  

Jun Otani, Director of Travelex Japan, said: 

“Our company's twentieth-anniversary marks a significant milestone—a testament to the dedication and perseverance of each and every individual who has been a part of this remarkable journey. Today, we stand tall, celebrating two decades of excellence, growth, and unwavering commitment to our customers. From those humble beginnings of opening our first store, we now have aspirations to open our 100th store in the coming years.” 

Julia Longbottom, British Ambassador to Japan said: 

“The economic and political bond between the UK and Japan is only growing stronger, and the financial services sector is a key focus area for both countries. As a leading company within the foreign exchange industry, Travelex has been a huge success story in Japan – offering a market-leading solution, innovating in new products, and creating jobs. None of this would have been possible without the support of local Japanese companies and customers, to whom we are extremely grateful.”