Exciting news for everyone who’s been eagerly waiting—personalized Suica cards are back on the market! After a pause due to semiconductor shortages, JR East has finally resumed issuing these handy transportation IC cards as of September 1, 2024. You can now purchase personalized Suica cards (My Suica) at ticket machines across major JR East train stations.

Personalized Suica Cards (My Suica)

According to JR East, the semiconductor shortage has gradually been resolved, and they expect to fully resume issuing personalized Suica cards this fall. A representative from JR East mentioned, “Once everything is ready, we will immediately announce the specific release date.”

One big advantage of having a personalized Suica card is that it can be reissued if lost—perfect for those of us who tend to misplace things! This peace of mind makes the card even more appealing.

As for non-personalized Suica cards, while they are currently available at major JR East station visitor centers, they are only sold to foreign tourists and limited to one card per person(Buying A Suica card in Tokyo 2024: Suica Card Revival? Where to Buy?). When self-service machines will resume selling these cards is still unclear. However, with personalized cards returning soon, non-personalized ones may not be far behind. Although non-personalized Suica cards lack the reissue feature, they are easier to purchase and use, making them ideal for short-term travelers or those who prefer not to register personal information.

Welcome Suica

The Welcome Suica (the red Suica card) was previously limited to sales at Haneda Airport International Terminal due to chip shortages. However, with an increase in chip inventory, this uniquely designed Suica card is now available at more locations.

Here’s where you can currently buy Welcome Suica cards:

The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan

Personalized PASMO Cards Also Reissued

The semiconductor shortage didn’t just affect Suica cards—it also impacted other transportation IC cards. During the same period, the issuance of new PASMO cards by major private railways and bus companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area was also halted.

However, with the return of personalized Suica cards, personalized PASMO cards are now also available for purchase at major stations on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Other regional transportation IC cards like JR Tokai’s TOICA and JR West’s ICOCA were unaffected by the semiconductor shortage and continue to be issued as usual.

Your Perfect Tokyo Travel Companion

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo with family or friends, keep an eye on the latest announcements from JR East to see when you can get your hands on a new personalized Suica card. This card will make everything from transportation to shopping a breeze, ensuring a more convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

Besides easy transportation, the Suica card can be used at many stores and vending machines, making your time in Tokyo even smoother. Especially at busy stations and attractions, using a Suica card can save you a lot of time.

Whether you plan to explore the bustling streets of Tokyo or take a day trip to the suburbs, having a Suica card in hand will undoubtedly make your journey more enjoyable and hassle-free. We hope this article has been helpful and that you’ll soon get your very own Suica card to explore Tokyo with ease!

Reference: 記名式Suicaの販売を再開へ　JR東日本が秋にも　不足していた半導体を確保　PASMOは「未定」