From a European point of view, checks are just a thing of the past. The solution to expensive bank transfers is not using checks (which has its own issues) but just make it cheaper (free) and real-time like in the rest of the world.
Free since at least the 70s is in contrast to Japan today which is still $3 to $8 per transaction.
In many parts of the world, checks are outdated, and can be difficult and expensive to use. That is not a mark of being backwards.
The question is, what services exist to pay business and private citizen in lieu of having cash on hand.
In Denmark you have mobile pay, free bank transfers from your free online banking account. Business can setup monthly payment plans via your debit/credit card.
In such a society, who needs a check, digital or paper?