Japanese consumers juggle multiple loyalty programs with no easy way to consolidate or spend points. A payment app could aggregate points from various brands into a single wallet.
Integrate APIs from major Japanese retailers and service providers. The app would let users view, combine, and spend points at checkout.
Retailers would pay for premium placement and marketing access to users with aggregated spending power.
Start with Rakuten and 2-3 other major point systems, focusing on payment at convenience stores and transit.
The biggest risk is getting enough partners onboard to make the app truly useful.