[kalleboo]

The current use of QR codes in Japan seems to mainly be for specials, bargains and contests tied to a physical location (i.e. you don't want it to spread virally). For instance, when a new single is released, they'll put up QR codes that link to random cell phone wallpaper downloads in different record stores, to get you to go around and collect them all (and presumably spend money).

For regular ads, it seems advertisers have moved to the method of showing a picture of a search bar+button with the keywords to find the homepage pre-filled out. (URLs are much harder to remember than words, especially when you barely know any english). I think this practice has come with the rise of smartphones and laptops).

I have lined up for a QR code here. But the site it linked to didn't support smartphone...