A new collaboration credit card brings the world of Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou) to your wallet. The “Natsume Yuujinchou Epocard” is now available, featuring original illustrations and a built-in donation mechanism to support the series’ real-world model locations.
The beloved anime, based on Yuki Midorikawa’s manga serialized in Hakusensha’s Monthly LaLa (over 18 million copies in print), follows Natsume Takashi, a boy who can see yokai. He inherits his grandmother Reiko’s “Book of Friends” and, alongside his self-proclaimed bodyguard Nyanko-sensei, returns the names of yokai bound within. The series first aired on TV Tokyo in 2008, celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023, and saw its seventh season, Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi, broadcast in October 2024.
Hitoyoshi Station (Kumagawa Railway) submerged
Bishamon-do, maintained by local volunteers
These funds will be used for recovery support and environmental preservation of the model locations that suffered devastating damage from the July 2020 heavy rain disaster. (Note: The donation function is only available for the “Nyanko-sensei and Flower Hand Box” design.)
Nyanko-sensei and Flower Hand Box
Cardholders can choose from two designs. The “Nyanko-sensei and Flower Hand Box” features an exclusive collaboration illustration between the anime and Sumioka Kyoudogangu Seisakusho, a workshop specializing in Kumamoto’s traditional “flower hand box” toy.
SOUND THEATRE ~Ongi no Shou Natsukasumi~
The second design uses the key visual from the music and reading drama SOUND THEATRE × Natsume Yuujinchou ~Ongi no Shou Natsukasumi~, returning after about eight years.
New enrollment and usage bonus
New cardholders (or those switching) who spend a cumulative total of ¥100,000 or more (tax included) within three months of enrollment will receive an exclusive, non-sale flower hand box-style gama-guchi box pouch.
Pop-up shop celebrating the debut of the Natsume Yuujinchou Epocard
To commemorate the card’s launch, a pop-up shop will tour five locations, starting at Yurakucho Marui. The shop will feature exclusive merchandise using the new illustrations, a purchase-based lottery, and standing panel displays.
For full details, fans are encouraged to check the official website.
Natsume Yuujinchou Epocard Overview
1. Card Issuer: Epocard
2. Name: Natsume Yuujinchou Epocard
3. Application Start Date: June 12, 2026
4. Designs: 2 types
5. Annual Fee: Free forever
6. International Brand: Visa
7. Donation via Usage: 0.1% of Epocard points (1 point per ¥200 spent, 0.5% rebate) is donated (donation function only on “Nyanko-sensei and Flower Hand Box” design)
8. Benefits (common to all Epocard types):
- Discounts: Approximately 10,000 partner facilities nationwide (restaurants, theme parks, etc.) as of March 2026.
- Point bonuses: Extra points at partner stores (Monteroza, Nojima, KEYUCA, etc.) and via the Epocard Point-Up site.
- Life-stage support: Cardholder insurance, overseas travel services, rent payment/guarantor services, etc.
