Summary
The Hokkaido Tourism Organization has launched HOKKAIDO LOVE! WAON, a new regional electronic-money card whose use returns a portion of spending to Hokkaido tourism promotion.
The Hokkaido Tourism Organization introduced HOKKAIDO LOVE! WAON, a new regional electronic-money card featuring the tourism mascot Kyun-chan, with sales beginning on November 13, 2025. A portion of each transaction made with the card is directed to Hokkaido tourism promotion.
What happened
The card was unveiled through a press conference held earlier in October 2025 and released nationwide on November 13. Its design features Kyun-chan and the character’s handmade costumes, incorporating motifs that highlight Hokkaido’s food, culture and natural landscapes.
Why it matters
Regional WAON cards allow cardholders to contribute to a specific area every time they use the card. By choosing HOKKAIDO LOVE! WAON, visitors and residents alike can support tourism promotion across the prefecture through everyday purchases, creating a passive but sustained funding stream for the region.
Key details
- Sales start date: November 13, 2025.
- Retail locations: Approximately 139 stores across Hokkaido including AEON and MaxValu outlets, plus the Kyun-chan Shop at the former Hokkaido Government Office (Akarenga).
- Issue fee: JPY 300 for a physical card. AEON Pay and WAON issued through smartphones carry no issue fee.
- Design: Kyun-chan character with themed costumes highlighting Hokkaido’s food, culture and nature.
For international readers
Visitors staying in Hokkaido for longer periods, or those who make repeat visits, may find the card a convenient way to pay at supermarkets and shops while contributing to tourism promotion in the region. The card is available at major AEON group stores, which are commonly used for daily shopping across the prefecture.
Source: Hokkaido Tourism Organization announcement.
Source Details
| Source | Hokkaido Tourism Organization |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 北海道観光を応援するご当地WAON「HOKKAIDO LOVE！WAON」が誕生！！ |
| Original Published | 2025-10-15 |
| Region | Hokkaido |
| Target Reader | general |
| Review Status | reviewed |
| Risk Level | normal |
| Original Source | Hokkaido Tourism Organization |
Editor Note
販売開始日は2025年11月13日、道内約139店舗で販売、発行手数料は物理カード300円。スマホ版は無料である点を再確認してから公開してください。