KIPS ICOCA – this card is sold by Kintetsu KIPS ICOCA 定期券 – this card is sold by Kintetsu Shikoku ICOCA - this card is sold by JR Shikoku Interoperation Via a number of reciprocal agreements, for ordinary fares, ICOCA can be used interoperably with various other mass transit smart card systems. As of 2014, ICOCA has interoperability with Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, TOICA, manaca, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, hayakaken and several other local smart cards. Since August 1, 2004, in a reciprocal agreement with JR East, ICOCA is also usable in the Tokyo-Kantō area. Conversely, the Suica card of JR East can also be used on JR West rail services. Since January 21, 2006, ICOCA cards can also be used at all locations accepting Osaka PiTaPa smart cards. Since September 1, 2007, ICOCA is also usable in the Hiroshima-Okayama area. Since March 29, 2008, in a reciprocal agreement with JR Central, ICOCA is also usable in the Nagoya metropolitan area. Similarly, the TOICA card of JR Central can also be used on JR West rail services. Since March 5, 2011, in a reciprocal agreement with JR Kyushu, ICOCA is also usable in the Fukuoka-Saga area. Similarly, the SUGOCA card of JR Kyushu can also be used on JR West rail services. Since June 1, 2011, Keihan started selling its ICOCA. Since March 17, 2012, ICOCA became usable in some stations of JR Shikoku. Since December 1, 2012, Kintetsu started selling its ICOCA. Since March 23, 2013, nationwide inter-operation among 10 transportation smart cards started. Retail These cards are available at card vending machines at the train stations. The card costs 2000 yen, which includes a 500 yen deposit that will be returned if the card is turned in. The remaining 1500 yen is immediately available for train rides, and more money can be charged on to the card at similar ticket vending machines or fare adjustment machines inside each station. The card may only be returned in JR West stations, however, so travelers who start their trip in JR west area and finish their trip elsewhere may not be able to return it before departure. Shikoku ICOCA cards are sold at several stations in Shikoku and can only be returned at those stations. Technology The card incorporates contactless RFID technology developed by Sony, called FeliCa. The same technology is also deployed in the Edy electronic cash cards used in Japan, the