NTT DOCOMO to launch “EVERING” Smart Ring with Visa Touch Payment

Norbert Gehrke
Tokyo FinTech
Published in
2 min readApr 20, 2024

NTT DOCOMO and EVERING have concluded a business partnership agreement to promote a smart life business utilizing smart rings. As the first initiative of this collaboration, the Visa touch payment-enabled smart ring “EVERING” will be launched at some DOCOMO shops nationwide in early May 2024. The service can be used even without a DOCOMO subscription.

The smart ring “EVERING” is compatible with Visa touch payment, allowing users to complete transactions simply by waving the ring over a compatible reader without having to take out their wallet or smartphone, providing a new payment experience.

In addition to being usable at convenience stores and commercial facilities, Visa touch payment is planned to be compatible with public transportation systems, enabling users to board and exit buses and trains with just the “EVERING”.

“EVERING” operates on a prepaid system where users charge a set amount in advance. It can be used by simply registering a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, Diners Club) on the dedicated smartphone app. In case of loss or theft, the app allows users to suspend usage with a single tap, providing peace of mind.

Furthermore, “EVERING” does not require charging and is water-resistant up to 5 atmospheres, making it usable in any situation. The part that comes into contact with the skin is made entirely of zirconia ceramic without any metal, allowing those with metal allergies to use it safely. It is also compatible with the smart locks “bitlock” and “Sesame,” enabling users to lock and unlock doors.

DOCOMO has been providing three cashless services — “d card,” “d Barai,” and “iD” — to promote a more convenient and efficient cashless society that fits different lifestyles. Going forward, DOCOMO will propose the use of smart rings to further enhance the value of experiences in payment scenarios.

EVERING launched “EVERING” in 2021 as Japan’s first smart ring capable of Visa touch payments. Since then, it has expanded the usage scenarios for “EVERING” to include smart locks for home entrances, office employee IDs, and more. EVERING will continue to strive to expand the functions, services, and connections associated with “EVERING,” such as payments, keys, IDs, tickets, and more.

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Norbert Gehrke
Tokyo FinTech

Passionate about strategy & innovation across Asia. At home in Japan. Connector of people & ideas.