Introducing PayPay to Three Major Airports in the Kansai Region! The West Japan Sales Division’s Quest for New Horizons

In this edition of our Professional Series, which delves into the lives of the extraordinary professionals working in the PayPay group, we spoke with Noriaki Oda from the West Japan Sales Division, the team committed to increasing PayPay merchants and selling paid services, about some notable projects and future goals.

Shifting Gears: My Move to PayPay Sales

Why did you decide to join PayPay?

Originally, I was a career advisor and sales representative at a staffing company focused on medical professions. My primary tasks included advising job applicants on suitable employment opportunities, setting up interviews, accompanying clients, and providing follow-up after employment. Despite being multitasked, when faced with a lack of suitable job matches, I proactively researched potential new partner hospitals or care facilities, conducting negotiations via calls or visits. The thrill of successfully finding a fitting position amidst challenges, creating valuable connections, provided a great sense of achievement. Over time, my fascination with the depth and enjoyment of sales grew. Subsequently, I discovered a job posting online for a sales role in a new payment venture. Sensing profound future potential, I applied to become a salesperson at PayPay.

A Team Committed to Revenue Growth and Merchant Development in West Japan

The West Japan Sales Headquarters shoulders the responsibility for advancing cashless transactions through market expansion.
Our team’s mission is to maximize revenue of our merchants’ businesses. We engage in multifaceted approaches, such as reaching out to companies throughout Kansai and spearheading the introduction of new services. As the team leader, I’m tasked with maximizing our team’s results, which involves a wide range of duties, from sales activities to supporting and educating team members. Each member brings unique experience; we strive to harness our strengths for the best possible outcomes daily.

Perseverance is the Path to Success: Kansai’s Three Airports

Can you share a notable project you’ve worked on?

One particularly memorable project involved finalizing PayPay’s adoption at the three airports operated by Kansai Airports in March 2024, after years of negotiations.

The challenge involved meeting the consistently high expectations, often difficult to achieve through expertise in sales with non-chain stores. As a result, we mustered a project team with members from the Enterprise Sales team, which had experience in airports, and members from the Partner Sales team since the contract was to be executed via a general agency. Through persistent engagement and relationship-building, we secured a preliminary agreement for PayPay’s implementation as one team.

Ultimately, the introduction of PayPay to the three airports led to PayPay’s adoption across all major airports in the country. This was in response to the demand from the people working in the airport, which I believe has significantly enhanced airport convenience. Also, Kansai Airports’ strong inbound traffic presents a substantial GMV opportunity as we support the needs of inbound travelers. PayPay’s introduction has helped from a global perspective too, in this way.

What makes working at PayPay rewarding?

The distinguishing feature of PayPay’s Sales team is the sheer speed at which we can deliver value. It’s rewarding to see firsthand the reactions of merchants and app users and directly receive their gratitude; a real perk of the job. PayPay’s service presents a sales opportunity in any scenario where a payment takes place, so there are abundant opportunities for discussions with business owners and participation in innovative projects. Every experience and connection I gain here is a valuable asset.

Striving for Optimal Team Performance While Embracing New Challenges

Could you describe your team’s atmosphere?

Our team, including myself, consists of fewer than ten members and is characterized by a friendly and open environment. Each member brings their unique personality to the team, with our core concept centered on maximizing individual performance. We all understand what we need to do, cooperating seamlessly to get the job done.

I believe communication is fundamental, so I prioritize “listening” as a team leader. Understanding the challenges and work requirements team members face, as well as engaging in casual conversations, often inspires new ideas. I strive to maintain open dialogue, allowing imagination to flourish through communication.

Please tell us about your future goals and vision

I want to leverage my experience to tackle even more new challenges. I want to promote cross-functional collaboration, reaching beyond departmental boundaries to solve the issues that we face, gain new insight, and put that to good use in the next endeavor.

At PayPay, raising your hand can open doors to new opportunities. I aim to continuously expand my horizons alongside PayPay without fear of change. Job done if I can tell my children without restraint that “I was part of all this.” (laughs)

Lastly, do you have any message for the readers?

PayPay is a nimble business taking on new challenges all the time. While this can be demanding, it’s suited for those who thrive on change. Regardless of age, gender, or experience, there are significant opportunities that can be grabbed by anyone. Join us in actively shaping Japan’s future—a workplace where proactive thinkers can truly make an impact!

*Job openings and employee affiliations are current as of the time of the interview.