Designing the Future of Payments from Lived Experience: Ebina Marui to Host Co-Creation Workshop for Inclusive Payment Solutions

Ebina Marui (Marui Co., Ltd., headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Masahiro Aono) will collaborate with Kanagawa Prefecture (Governor: Yūji Kuroiwa) and Fujitsu Limited (head office: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Takahito Tokita) to host the co-creation workshop titled "What Did 'Paying Together' Mean?" at Ebina Marui. This event is part of the "Co-Creative Design Project for Diverse Future Payment Methods," aiming to co-create accessible future payment solutions for everyone.

People with disabilities, university students, government officials, and corporate representatives will gather to co-create unprecedented payment experiences. Starting from the authentic voices of people with lived experience, the initiative combines Kanagawa Prefecture’s outreach capabilities, Fujitsu’s technology, and Marui Group’s expertise in payment systems and store operations.

"What Did 'Paying Together' Mean?" Workshop

The first workshop, held in March 2026 at Fujitsu’s co-creation facility, "Uvance Innovation Studio (UiS)," generated diverse ideas. This upcoming session will further develop those concepts while incorporating new perspectives, challenging participants to co-create future payment systems with end-users and explore new possibilities for real-world implementation.

A glimpse of the March workshop, which welcomed participants including people with disabilities and students from Den-en Chofu Gakuen University (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

On August 3 (Mon) and 4 (Tue), 2026, in addition to the workshop, an experiential exhibition booth will be open to visitors, allowing them to experience and feel future payment methods. This space will encourage everyone to explore and discuss what accessible payment futures could look like. Workshop participants will be recruited starting July 9 (Thu).

Future Developments

Following this workshop at Ebina Marui, an exhibition showcasing the co-creation outcomes will be held at Marui Family Miguchi in December 2026. The goal is to amplify participants’ voices and ideas, expand empathy, and bridge the gap toward societal implementation.

Background of Co-Creation

In today’s landscape, businesses are increasingly expected to address social challenges. However, one does not necessarily need to start a venture to contribute. Individuals who work within organizations and leverage their company’s human resources, networks, and social influence to solve social issues are known as "Social Intrapreneurs." Since around 2022, the Marui Group has been actively nurturing and supporting such talent. Through these efforts, natural connections between government, businesses, and citizens have formed, giving rise to this "Co-Creative Design Project for Diverse Future Payment Methods."

Event Overview

Venue: 5F Event Space, Ebina Marui

Content: A workshop where participants explore the theme "What does 'paying together' mean?" and co-create ideas for future payment systems

Dates: August 3 (Mon) and 4 (Tue), 2026

Time: ① 11:00–13:00 ② 15:00–17:00

Participation Fee: Free

Registration: https://dshinsei.e-kanagawa.lg.jp/140007-u/offer/offerDetail_initDisplay?tempSeq=130250

※ This event is open to all, regardless of disability status. Sign language interpreters will be available to ensure an inclusive environment.

※ Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.

▼ Kanagawa Prefecture

https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/osirase/1368/tomoniikiru/index.html

▼ Fujitsu

https://global.fujitsu/ja-jp

▼ Ebina Marui

https://www.0101.co.jp/082/

▼ Marui

https://www.0101.co.jp

What is a "Social Intrapreneur"?

A "Social Intrapreneur" refers to individuals who, while employed within organizations such as corporations, leverage their company’s resources to tackle social challenges.

Since around 2022, the Marui Group has promoted awareness and development of social intrapreneurship through initiatives such as translating and publishing guidebooks, hosting Japan’s first forum, and building communities. In fiscal 2025, the Marui Group established the General Foundation "Social Intrapreneur Development Foundation," expanding its activities.

▼ Establishment of the Social Intrapreneur Development Foundation (2025)

Marui Group establishes the General Foundation "Social Intrapreneur Development Foundation"

"Social Intrapreneur: A Way of Life That Can Change the Future While Working at a Company"

The original book "The Intrapreneur's Guide to Pathfinding" (authors: Marjorie B. Brands, Maggie D. Price, Florencia Estrada) introduces practical cases, knowledge, and know-how of "Social Intrapreneurs" active in global corporations.

In September 2022, aiming to raise awareness of "Social Intrapreneurship" — a relatively unfamiliar concept in Japan at the time — the Japanese edition was translated and published.

The translation was carried out by Marui Group employees under the supervision of Peter D. Pedersen, external director of the Marui Group and sustainability expert. This book is highly recommended for anyone within an organization who wishes to tackle social challenges. (Price: ¥1,980 including tax)

▼ Marui Group https://www.0101maruigroup.co.jp