Topics / Local WAON Certified by Guinness World Records™

"Local WAON" Certified by Guinness World Records™

AEON's "Local WAON" has been officially certified by Guinness World Records™ for the "most municipalities partnered in a regional e-money card donation programme,"*¹ with 193 partner municipalities. The official certificate was presented on March 27, 2026.

Since 2009, AEON has partnered with municipalities across Japan to issue "Local WAON" cards, where a portion of each transaction is donated back to the community.

When customers use WAON electronic money or AEON Pay (charge payment), Touch payment with WAON with a Local WAON card, AEON donates a portion of the amount spent to the partner municipality to support regional development, childcare services, environmental conservation, and other community initiatives.

Through this program, cumulative donations have grown to 3.6 billion yen as of March 27, 2026. This Guinness World Records™ certification was achieved together with the customers who use Local WAON and the municipalities that partner with AEON.

With this recognition, AEON will continue expanding its circle of regional support through Local WAON.

How to Get a Local WAON Card

Card-type WAON electronic money is available for purchase at "AEON," "AEON STYLE," "MaxValu," and other AEON Group stores nationwide. The issuance fee is 300 yen (tax included).

※ Prices are as of April 2026 at the time of this article. Prices may vary depending on the time of purchase.

Discover Local WAON Designs from Every Region of Japan

Each Local WAON card features a design inspired by the culture, landscapes, traditions, or iconic landmarks of its region. Here are the seven regions where you can find unique Local WAON cards across Japan.

Hokkaido

From Hokkaido's natural heritage to Otaru's romantic night views, Sapporo's creative cityscape, and the magical winter world of SNOW MIKU — the northernmost region offers Local WAON designs that capture its distinctive charm.

Tohoku

The Tohoku region celebrates its cultural heritage and recovery spirit through designs such as Aomori's JOMON pillars, the Sendai Tanabata Festival, and Ishinomaki's manga heritage.

Kanto

Kanto brings together tradition and modernity — from the World Heritage shrines and temples of Nikko to Yokohama's futuristic waterfront and the popular anime character Crayon Shin-chan from Kasukabe.

Tokai & Hokuriku

This region features Mt. Fuji, the dinosaur fossils of Fukui, Aichi's famous Three Heroes of the Warring States period (Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu), and the World Heritage gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go.

Kansai

The heart of Japan's cultural heritage — Kansai's Local WAON designs showcase Himeji Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kyoto's Nijo Castle, Kobe's modern port skyline, and the lively Kishiwada Danjiri Festival.

Chugoku & Shikoku

This region's Local WAON designs highlight vibrant festivals, dramatic landscapes, and historic landmarks — including the Tottori Sand Dunes, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kurashiki's historic canal town, and Matsuyama's castle town.

Kyushu & Okinawa

From Kumamoto's beloved mascot Kumamon to the tropical beaches of Amami and Ishigaki Island, and the endemic Yanbaru wildlife of Okinawa — Kyushu & Okinawa's Local WAON cards embody the region's warmth and natural beauty.