About Tech Talks
In the Tech Talks series, we’re excited to bring you the unique culture and perspective of the Product Teams in the PayPay group with members representing diverse backgrounds from approximately 50 countries around the world.
This time, we spoke with Shusuke Funatsu-san, a Product Manager (PdM) at PayPay Card.
Shusuke Funatsu
PayPay Card Product Manager
I joined PayPay Card as a fresh graduate in 2018, back when it was known as YJ Card. Initially, I worked in the System Operations Management Department, where I focused on system maintenance and operations, as well as internal IT tasks. In 2023, I was transferred to the development department, where I now manage both development and product management responsibilities.
What led you to join PayPay Card and what are your current responsibilities?
I joined PayPay Card (previously YJ Card) as a new graduate in 2018. The opportunity to work as an in-house system engineer developing internal systems to support our products, while having the chance to plan new services and enhance existing ones, was a major attraction. Additionally, the opportunity to work in Fukuoka was also a decisive factor.
Currently, I am involved in multiple projects as a PdM, continually embracing new challenges.
Lately, I have worked on developing features that integrate with Apple Pay and Google Pay, collaborating closely with PayPay’s engineering team. Many of the functionalities are developed by the PayPay Product Development team. Although I am a member of the PayPay Card team, I also reach into PayPay’s backend systems, applying the insights gained to refine specifications and product requirements.
In an ongoing major project between PayPay and PayPay Card, I am assuming the role as a Product Manager from the PayPay Card side. I am responsible for tracking the bugs or issues that occur on the PayPay Card side and coordinating with the operational departments to implement fixes and manual recovery efforts.
Which project stands out as particularly significant to you?
A noteworthy project is one that involved developing a system to match authorization details with sales data.
The process for credit card payments involves a flow where, when a customer makes a purchase using a card, the merchant requests “authorization” from the card company (a procedure that checks the user’s credit information with the card company to confirm if the payment can be processed), and later on, the merchant sends a “capture” to the card company (the actual billing process). As I briefly mentioned in a previous interview, developing a system to automatically match this authorization information with sales data was challenging, as we had to meet high accuracy requirements within a limited project timeframe.
While the data fields provided by merchants to PayPay Card are standardized, they can sometimes be left unset or entirely different values are input, depending on the merchant or acquirer. We had to thoroughly investigate which fields would allow accurate data matching, by executing queries and painstakingly verifying each piece of data—such as merchant, amount, and transaction date—one by one, to establish rules and iteratively analyze and improve. The massive data volume—millions of sales entries and several hundred million authorization records—was daunting. However, overcoming these challenges through trial and error fostered a sense of achievement, motivating continued efforts.
The work required perseverance, but instead of just performing routine tasks, I found it intriguing to consider how I could create something new by repeatedly engaging in trial and error. Developing products for PayPay Card is enjoyable because it involves developing systems that were once considered too complex or impossible to achieve in the long established credit card industry, giving me a tangible sense of contributing to change.
What do you prioritize in your work?
Leveraging my strength as a PdM with an engineering background, I prioritize creating an environment where engineers can concentrate fully on development.
When writing a product requirement document (PRD), I avoid merely outlining a broad framework. Instead, I compile detailed information regarding interfaces, functionality, and security in a manner similar to a specification document. In a recent project, we had to build various mechanisms connected to AWS services, and I personally created architecture diagrams for the PRD. To reduce the time engineers spend waiting for internal approvals, I completed the approval process beforehand and provided them with a pre-approved PRD.
Though this might extend beyond PdM responsibilities, by anticipating needs, I help clarify tasks for engineers, thereby enhancing workflow and promoting efficient project progression.
Additionally, to resolve uncertainties as quickly as possible, I make it a point to ask others for help. Of course, I first study on my own by thoroughly reviewing documents but spending too much time on this can delay the project. Even if I have never spoken to someone before, I muster the courage to reach out and request their cooperation to ensure smooth progress in our work.
Recently, I also sought guidance from a PayPay member. Although our communication was in English, using an interpreter made it seamless. However, I aspire to be able to speak directly in English someday, so I put effort into improving my English communication skill. In the PayPay product department, communication often occurs in English, and I believe that learning English will broaden my career opportunities at PayPay Card. Being in such an environment is beneficial because it contributes to my personal growth as well.
What challenges are you currently pursuing, and what future objectives do you have?
I am engaged in developing new services in collaboration with PayPay, which is a significant challenge for me personally, as it involves working with team members from diverse backgrounds.
When I read the PRD created by the PayPay members, I was very impressed by how thoroughly it organized the differences in payment services and transaction flows from a user perspective. Even for elements that might seem obvious, making them visible allows me to further adopt a user-oriented approach in product development as a PdM.
Currently, we are conducting product development based on analysis results from the business department, but in the future, I hope to conduct user analysis and market research on my own. By gaining more business-oriented experience, I aim to broaden my perspective and achieve significant growth as a PdM.
Lastly, do you have a message for our readers?
The PayPay group continues to embrace challenges to deliver innovative services. The proximity between the service planning department and the system development department allows us to advance development together through frequent discussions. The products we develop are widely used in society, providing a great sense of fulfillment due to the direct feedback we receive.
While the finance industry might be perceived as rigid or heavily regulated, PayPay Card offers an environment conducive to exploring new technologies and projects. We encourage individuals who are eager to take on new challenges and help shape the future of a cashless society to join us!
Current job openings
*Job openings and employee affiliations are current as of the time of the interview.