Hitachi Group will integrate blockchain into Japan's largest points management platform, benefiting 150 million users

Japanese cryptocurrency and blockchain development firm Tech Bureau and $89 billion multinational conglomerate Hitachi are implementing the NEM-based Mijin blockchain platform into Hitachi Group’s point management platform “PointInfinity.”

With more than 150 million members and users, the PointInfinity platform is the most widely used system by merchants and service providers in Japan. PointInfinity also allows merchants to deploy a points and e-money based management system where they can design their own membership programs and point of sale (POS) software for loyalty programs and special offers.

Based on the NEM cryptocurrency

Hitachi's point management solutions are particularly popular among restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores, which can offer users unique products, discounts and points.

Tech Bureau and Hitachi Group are looking to integrate Mijin blockchain technology into Hitachi’s points management solution to automate the points processing and management of the electronic currency settlement platform in a more secure, transparent, efficient and immutable ecosystem.

The Mijin Blockchain Platform is based on the 9th largest cryptocurrency and blockchain network NEM. The platform allows large enterprises (such as Hitachi Group) to use an immutable, undeletable and transparent blockchain network that supports multiple assets, multi-signature accounts and smart contracts.

Providing native support for multiple assets is particularly important and necessary for Hitachi Group, as users of Hitachi Group Points Management Solutions run a variety of loyalty points programs that rely on different levels of rewards and assets.

Prioritize security and immutability

Unlike most other blockchain platforms being explored by large enterprises and technology companies, the Mijin blockchain platform prioritizes security and immutability. Hitachi Group believes that Tech Bureau's secure blockchain technology has great potential and has begun testing the Mijin blockchain platform since February 9.

After gathering the results of these tests, Hitachi decided to participate in this proof-of-concept and implement the Mijin blockchain technology into its own PointInfinity.

If Hitachi and Tech Bureau successfully integrate Mijin blockchain technology into PointInfinity, it will become the largest non-financial blockchain implementation to date. After integrating Mijin, Hitachi will begin using blockchain technology to process data points from 150 million users.

Government support

Mijin developers wrote:

“Through this specific application test, the large-scale point management solution ‘PointInfinity’ will use Mijin to verify the predictability of blockchain technology applications that have entered the product development and expansion phase. PointInfinity currently has more than 150 million users, and Hitachi Group will participate in this proof of concept.”

One major advantage that Tech Bureau and Hitachi have over their competitors in the global blockchain market is that the Japanese government and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry fully support Hitachi’s vision of using blockchain technology to optimize point management solutions.

A report by Nomura Research Institute of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry stated:

“Local currencies should be used to replace settlements using fiat currencies and require a high level of availability. Local currencies may require higher availability than point services. In this regard, blockchain is efficient and can be used to create and operate a more stable system.”

With the support of local government agencies, Hitachi Group will be able to focus on developing blockchain products rather than diverting resources to avoid future conflicts with regulators.