Wireless Watch Japan reports that the new Mobile Suica system, which allows contactless ticketing from a mobile-based wallet, has gone live on the Tokyo metro system. Using the FeliCa-based mobile wallet available on 12 handset models as of this launch, the system allows access to any of Tokyo's 900 stations by waving the handset near the ticketing barrier.

WWR says Suica-based payment is possible at large electronics retailer Bic Camera and some other shops in and around Japan Rail facilities. This kind of commerce ecosystem is the kind of catalyst that is needed to spark uptake of new payment systems. Another critical factor is that FeliCa-based payment capability is already embedded in millions of handsets already in the hands of consumers. DoCoMo reported some 10 million FeliCa-based handsets were in circulation in January of this year, or about half of its 3G subscribers.