August 12, 2026, 8:35 a.m. (JST)
[Japan] Recochoku (Tokyo, Japan) released the “PlayPASS PAK App,” a dedicated app for its “PlayPASS PAK” playback media service, for free on August 3, 2026.
Until now, “PlayPASS PAK” had been accessed through the “PlayPASS Music Player” app. By spinning off the “PlayPASS PAK” functionality into a dedicated app, Recochoku has revamped the entire process—from launch to authentication to playback. This is said to make accessing content more intuitive.
Recochoku began offering “PlayPASS” in 2016. “PlayPASS” is a system where users scan the QR code printed on a card included with eligible products—such as CDs and DVDs—using a smartphone, and then play songs or videos via the “PlayPASS Music Player” app.Customers who have purchased “PlayPASS”-enabled products have highly praised its convenience, noting that they can “start listening immediately after purchase” and “enjoy the content even without a dedicated playback device.”
Furthermore, in October 2025, the company launched “PlayPASS PAK,” a playback medium that expands the functionality of “PlayPASS.” “PlayPASS PAK” is a service that allows users to enjoy various digital content—including audio, video, and images—simply by holding NFC-enabled cards or merchandise up to their smartphone.
Until now, both “PlayPASS” and “PlayPASS PAK” have been accessed through the “PlayPASS Music Player” app.
The newly released “PlayPASS PAK App” consolidates all the operations required to use “PlayPASS PAK” within a dedicated app. This has made the process—from launching the app to authenticating cards and merchandise to playing content—much more intuitive.
The design is intended to intuitively convey the value of the “tap your smartphone to play instantly” experience even to first-time users, allowing them to more seamlessly discover the appeal of enjoying content with “PlayPASS PAK.”
Users who are already using “PlayPASS PAK” with the “PlayPASS Music Player” app can complete the transition by downloading the new app and re-authenticating their existing cards. (paymentnavi Editorial Team)
