Designing Future Payments Together
On August 3 and 4, 2026, the Ebina Marui department store is set to host an engaging and innovative workshop titled "What Does It Mean to 'Share' Payment Together?" This event is aimed at creating accessible payment solutions for everyone, merging the insights from diverse community members, including people with disabilities, university students, businesses, and local government officials.
The workshop is part of a collaborative design project between Marui Co., Fujitsu, and Kanagawa Prefecture, focusing on future payment methods. This initiative aims to foster co-creation of payment technologies that everyone can use, harnessing Kanagawa's influence, Fujitsu's technological expertise, and Marui's operational knowledge.
Previous Collaborative Efforts
The first workshop in this series took place in March 2026 at Fujitsu's Uvance Innovation Studio, resulting in a wealth of innovative ideas. The upcoming workshop will build upon those concepts while integrating new perspectives from participants. This aims to explore practical avenues for developing future payment systems in collaboration with the community.
Workshop Highlights
Across the two days, workshop attendees can participate in various activities and discussions centered around creating and experiencing these futuristic payment methods. Alongside the workshop, there will be an exhibition booth where visitors can interact with different innovative ideas about future payment solutions. Registration for participants will open on July 9, 2026.
Future Prospects
Following the workshop at Ebina Marui, the collaborative project will culminate in a showcase at Marui Family Mizoguchi in December 2026, where the results will be on display to the public. This aims to amplify participants' voices and ideas, striving for broader societal impact and implementation.
Background of Co-Creation
In today’s business environment, there is a growing demand for solutions that address societal challenges. This led to the emergence of the concept of 'Social Intrapreneurs'—individuals within organizations who utilize their resources to tackle social issues without necessarily starting their own ventures. Marui Group has been actively supporting the development of such intrapreneurs since around 2022, facilitating connections between government, businesses, and consumers that have led to the creation of this project.
Event Details
- - Location: Ebina Marui, 5th Floor Event Space
- - Theme: "What Does It Mean to 'Share' Payment Together?"
- - Dates: August 3 (Monday) and August 4 (Tuesday), 2026
- - Time:
- Session 1: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Session 2: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants regardless of disabilities. Sign language interpreters will be available to ensure a supportive environment for all attendees.
For More Information:
Understanding Social Intrapreneurs
A Social Intrapreneur is someone who works within an organization and leverages its resources to address social issues. The Marui Group has been increasingly focusing on promoting and nurturing Social Intrapreneurs since 2022, leading to initiatives like the translation of valuable resources and the organization of forums to cultivate a community.
Upcoming Initiatives
In 2025, the establishment of the foundation for nurturing Social Intrapreneurs will expand these efforts further, showcasing real-world examples of how individuals can effect change from within their organizations.
This workshop will mark a step forward in developing payment solutions that are not only innovative but inherently inclusive, helping to pave the way for a more equitable future in transactions.