Starbucks Japan plans to launch the TOUCH series of pens with built-in FeliCa technology on September 9, allowing users to not only write with the pen but also make payments in Starbucks stores.
Starbucks Japan has previously launched the TOUCH The Cup, a value-rechargeable phone case, the TOUCH The Drip, a value-rechargeable charm launched in collaboration with BEAMS, and the TOUCH The Hug, a small tote bag also featuring FeliCa technology. The newly launched TOUCH The Pen, inspired by the dripping shape of a coffee machine, features a coffee-brown writing stroke and is also equipped with FeliCa technology, allowing users to complete purchases in Starbucks stores using NFC (near-field sensing).
As the fourth product in the TOUCH series, unlike the previous one that had to be purchased through a lottery, the TOUCH The Pen can be purchased on the official Starbucks Japan website. It is available in three designs: black, silver, and white. The suggested retail price is 4000 yen, which is approximately NT$1300. It is expected to go on sale on September 9.
However, since it corresponds to Starbucks' own payment system, it can only be used for consumption in Starbucks stores. Combined with a stylus, it is mainly designed for male office workers. It is convenient for consumers to take out the pen from their chest pocket and scan it on the transaction device to complete the payment, without having to take out the wallet from their backpack or handbag to pay.
