Electric money usable in 7-Eleven is named "nanaco (Nanako)"

It was introduced in Seven Eleven from the spring of 2007, it becomes available for Ito-Yokado in 2007, and it will be available at more than 10,000 stores such as JCB member stores.

So, this strange giraffe is an image character like "Nanako of Kirin". It seems that the long neck seems to be just the number "7". According to the press release it seems like this setting.

【Character "About Ninaco of Giraffe"】
◇ Character is "Nanako of Giraffe".
◇ The long neck looks like the figure "7".
◇ It is a fashionable girl with a pattern of "7" color in the body.
◇ We can see ahead ahead of everyone. So I like new things.
◇ I am full of curiosity and I also love shopping.
◇ Be aware of the convenience of "nanaco (Nanako)" as soon as possible,
Everyone is using it ahead of time.
◇ Electronic money that makes shopping more fun and convenient.
◇ It is "nanaco (nanaco)".

The name "nanaco" and this card design seems to be for the following reasons.

【About name and card design】
◇ Put on a familiar word sensation "nanaco (Nanako)",
I put various thoughts / messages.
◇ "7" & amp; Eye HLDGS., Feel free to use like a "coin".
◇ "7" days = Everyday, usable in usual places, familiarity.
◇ And, convenience that can be used in "Seven Business Styles" including Seven - Eleven.
◇ The theme color is "7 color rainbow".
◇ Connecting customers and stores, becoming a brilliant bridge, fun, convenience is
It spreads.
◇ It expresses such a wish.

Seven & eye HLDGS. Determining the name of original electronic money
Spring 2007 "nanaco (Nanako)" was born! (73 KB, PDF file)
http://www.7andi.com/news/pdf/2006/0519_01.pdf

The card itself is a prepaid system with a contactless IC chip. Issued at the store in Seven Eleven and available. It also features point service function.

In order to charge, we use the new ATM which Seven Eleven stores POS cash register, Seven Bank are introducing.

Indeed, how much will it spread? Or, I would like to unify all the electronic money related considering the convenience ... ....