Round-the-clock automated-teller machines are expected to become commonplace in Japan in the near future.

Some major banks have already begun operating their ATMs on a 24-hour basis, and many others plan to tie up with convenience stores to provide the service.

In September, UFJ Bank became the first major Japanese bank to offer 24-hour banking services when it made 308 of its 2,000 ATMs available for withdrawals, fund transfers, balance inquiries and changes of personal identification numbers around the clock.