NFC Tag

An NFC tag embeds a Near Field Communication chip that transfers data when a smartphone is held within about 10 cm. Passive tags require no power and last indefinitely. Like QR codes, NFC tags enable smartphone-based information retrieval, but with different technical characteristics and cost structures.

NFC's key advantage is no camera needed. Data reads automatically on tap, unaffected by lighting, rain, or gloves that challenge QR scanning. NFC tags are also physically difficult to copy, offering better anti-counterfeiting than QR codes.

However, NFC tags cost 30-100 yen each (vs under 1 yen for QR labels). They are unsuitable for mass distribution (flyers, packaging) but ideal for high-value products (luxury brands, pharmaceuticals) and reusable scenarios (access control, transit cards). QR codes and NFC tags are complementary, not competing technologies.