#Japan #Tokyo #Marui Group #Museum Epos Card #Art Museums

Expanding Support for Museums with the Newly Designed Museum Epos Card

The Marui Group, based in Nakano, Tokyo, has announced an exciting update to the Museum Epos Card, introducing 11 new designs set to launch on February 13, 2026. This unique card not only provides aesthetic pleasure but also plays a vital role in supporting various cultural institutions.

The inception of the Museum Epos Card was inspired by an idea from a part-time employee and has gained significant traction, with over 8,000 new members joining in its first year. What makes this card special is its structure where purchases lead to donations supporting museum operations, resonating deeply with users who are eager to contribute to art and culture through their spending. Building on this success, the introduction of new designs aims to offer users even more choices to express their passions for art and culture.

The Meaning Behind the New Designs

The new designs symbolize the realization of a shared vision among the creator and three affiliated organizations, emphasizing that one’s love for museums can take many forms. By incorporating pieces from a broader range of museum collections into the card designs, this initiative aspires to cater to diverse interests and tastes, thereby enriching the user experience.

Among the exciting new designs is one featuring the vibrant green mineral, chrome garnet, known for its stunning appearance. Additionally, the design includes the renowned oil droplet tenmoku bowl, famous for its mesmerizing silver patterns, along with references to the Natural History specimen building that houses an extensive array of specimens. Each design reflects a personal connection to the collections, effectively embodying the spirit of the museums themselves, and expanding the spectrum of artistic expression beyond the existing offerings of the Museum Epos Card.

Through this initiative, the aim is to spread awareness about the vast array of museums globally and to advocate for continuing support for these institutions into the future.

Launch of the Museum POP-UP Shop

To commemorate the new designs, a limited-time Museum POP-UP Shop will open at Ueno Marui on the 5th floor. This shop will feature interactive experiences such as face panels of cultural heritage and a stamp rally, along with original goods inspired by cultural masterpieces, including a desk mat depicting intricately painted scenes of Kyoto and trading stickers showcasing warriors from the Edo period.

The POP-UP Shop will run from February 14 to March 1, 2026, and will be managed by a team from the Marui Group, which has extensive experience in retail and event management. This effort ensures that customers receive personalized service and high-quality original products, enriching their shopping experience.

The Museum Epos Card Explained

The Museum Epos Card was born from a passionate idea from a part-time employee, developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Art, the National Cultural Properties Organization, and the National Science Museum. The card features designs inspired by the collections of these museums, and a portion of the points earned through usage will help fund their management and operations. Not only does it allow cardholders to carry a piece of their favorite collections wherever they go, but it also contributes to cultural inheritance and community revitalization.

Unique Features of the Museum Epos Card

1. Choice of Donation Destination: Users can select which museum they want to support based on the design they choose.
2. Initial Donation upon Joining: For every new membership, a donation of 1,000 yen is made by Epos Card to the three museums involved.
3. Ongoing Support with Usage: Each time the card is used, a percentage of points accrued (0.1% of spending) goes directly to the selected museum based on the design chosen by the user.

Special Membership Benefits

Members who spend over 30,000 yen within the first three months of joining will receive exclusive merchandise reflective of the chosen museum, designed specifically to enhance their experience and connection to these cultural institutions.

Through initiatives like the Museum Epos Card, the Marui Group is committed to fostering a love for museums that not only benefits individual cardholders but also has a positive impact on society. They aim to promote spending that resonates with personal interests while broadening the horizons of cultural support.

For more information about the Museum Epos Card and its features, visit the official Marui Group website.

Overview of Participating Museums

• - National Museum of Art: Houses national collections and aims to foster educational outreach.
• - National Cultural Properties Organization: Focuses on preserving Japanese cultural heritage.
• - National Science Museum: Dedicated to research, collection, and presentation of scientific artifacts.

The journey doesn't end here; the Marui Group is continuously exploring opportunities to enhance their offerings that celebrate the passions of individuals, thus building a more engaged and supportive community for cultural institutions.