Final answer:
The QR code became widespread in Japan in the early to mid-2000s, during the period when the Bank of Japan was implementing quantitative easing to stimulate the economy. This technological adoption paralleled the broader economic and technological innovations taking place at the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The QR code became widespread among the general public in Japan in the early 2000s. When the Bank of Japan introduced a policy of quantitative easing in March 2001, it marked a significant effort to tackle the economic stagnation of the time. Although this monetary policy was principally aimed at combating deflation and stimulating economic growth, its implementation coincided with a broader technological adoption across Japan, including QR codes.
By the mid-2000s, QR codes were commonly being used in various aspects of daily life in Japan, serving as a tool for accessing information quickly and efficiently. The technology, originally developed for industry, was embraced by the Japanese public to a much greater extent than elsewhere, revolutionizing many customary practices. For instance, from advertising to personal information sharing, QR codes became a fixture in the collective consciousness of Japan's tech-savvy society.
Although the exact year QR codes became widespread is not explicitly stated in the information provided, comprehensive adoption was likely around the early to mid-2000s, following the implementation of policies that laid the groundwork for a more innovative economy.