Note: This article covers Shopify's Japanese yen (JPY) billing option and its setup steps, which are specific to merchants whose Shopify billing profile is based in Japan. The information below will not be directly relevant if you are not billed as a Japan-based Shopify store.
Since May 2024, Shopify has applied a fixed monthly subscription fee billed in Japanese yen. With the yen having weakened so much recently, it's a relief to be able to pay a fixed amount unaffected by exchange rates.
However, if you've been running your Shopify store since before May 2024, take note! If you signed up for Shopify after JPY billing was introduced, the yen-based pricing is generally applied automatically, but if you were already running Shopify before that, you'll need to configure this yourself in the admin.
This article explains, in detail, the specific steps for setting up JPY billing for your Shopify plan, and how much of a difference there is between paying in yen versus paying in US dollars. Store owners who may be paying in dollars should check this right away.
The blog article below introduces the differences between Shopify plans. Please use it as a reference.
How Much Difference Is There Between Paying Shopify in Yen and in Dollars?
Shopify Plans
| Plan | Monthly subscription fee, paid in yen (monthly billing) | Monthly subscription fee, paid in yen (annual billing) | Monthly subscription fee, paid in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 4,850 yen | 3,650 yen | $33 |
| Shopify | 13,500 yen | 10,100 yen | $92 |
| Advanced | 58,500 yen | 44,000 yen | $399 |
As of November 19, 2024, 1 US dollar is 154.02 yen. At this exchange rate, the monthly subscription fee differs between yen billing and dollar billing as follows.
| Plan | Yen billing (monthly) | USD billing (monthly) | Yen billing (annual) | USD billing (annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 4,850 yen | 5,082 yen ($33) | 43,800 yen | 46,206 yen ($300) |
| Shopify | 13,500 yen | 14,169 yen ($92) | 121,200 yen | 127,528 yen ($828) |
| Advanced | 58,500 yen | 61,453 yen ($399) | 528,000 yen | 552,623 yen ($3,588) |
As the table above shows, yen billing works out cheaper across every plan. Converted over a full year, the difference for each plan is as follows.
| Plan | Annual difference (monthly billing) | Annual difference (annual billing) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 2,784 yen | 2,406 yen |
| Shopify | 8,028 yen | 6,328 yen |
| Advanced | 35,436 yen | 24,623 yen |
Based on Shopify's current pricing, if the exchange rate is 1 dollar = 146 yen or higher, yen billing works out cheaper. (Calculated using the Basic plan.)
Note that Shopify Plus is not eligible for yen-based pricing.
Things to Note When Switching to Yen Billing
Once you set your billing currency to Japanese yen in the Shopify admin, all invoices from that point forward will be issued in yen.
Some of the charges billed by Shopify include a currency-conversion fee, so if you're paying for a theme or apps, keep in mind that a conversion fee may apply.
Charges Without a Currency-Conversion Fee
Shopify's monthly subscription fee
Charges With a Currency-Conversion Fee
The following charges are converted from US dollars to Japanese yen before being billed, so a 1.5% currency-conversion fee is included in the invoice.
- App charges (one-time fees, usage fees, subscription fees)
- Shopify POS subscription
- Themes
- Domains
- Shipping labels
- External service transaction fees
The exchange rate used for billing is calculated based on the latest exchange rate information, and you can check the rate applied to each invoice in the admin.
Reference: Shopify Help Center
How to Set Up Yen Billing on Shopify
1. From the Shopify admin, go to Billing and click "Billing profile."
2. Click "Manage" in the Currency section.
3. Under "Change currency," set JPY (Japanese yen).
4. Confirm that "Address and currency" in the billing profile has been updated.
Stay Up to Date on Shopify Information for Efficient Store Operations
Shopify is constantly being updated — features, information, and the admin interface are all frequently improved to make it an even better platform. This information is also updated regularly on Shopify's official Help Center, so we recommend building a habit of keeping an eye out for information and settings that matter to you. Here at Tsun Media, we'll keep bringing you the latest information on Shopify and EC stores!
