ZENRIN launched a series of trading cards based on Japan’s national routes. The initial limited-edition Complete BOX sold out in approximately 10 minutes, while the standalone BOX also sold out in approximately 24 hours.
ZENRIN, which produces maps and provides related services, launched “Map Design GALLERY CARD / National Routes,” a series of trading cards themed around Japan’s national routes. The initial limited-edition Complete BOX sold out approximately 10 minutes after launch, followed by the standalone Complete BOX, which sold out in approximately 24 hours. Each pack contains 7 cards and costs ¥550. The cards cover 153 of Japan’s 459 national routes, with 2 series featuring 76 and 77 routes launched simultaneously.
The front of each card features a map depicting the route, road signs, total route length, the length of any sections crossing the sea, and the route’s starting and ending points. The back also includes a map showing where the national route runs through the Japanese archipelago. Three grades, R (Rare), U (Uncommon) and C (Common), are assigned according to total route length. The shorter the route, the higher its rarity, and R cards feature holographic finishing.
Packs containing 7 cards also randomly include distinctive national routes selected by ZENRIN employees as SR (Super Rare) cards. Different SR cards are available in the 2 series, while the routes themselves are kept secret. The Complete BOX is priced at ¥5,500, and the initial limited-edition Complete BOX set could also include an acrylic key holder.
The cards were sold through the online store and at Map Design GALLERY stores in Kokura, Nagasaki Stadium City, Nagasaki Airport and Fukuoka. ZENRIN sought to broaden interest by presenting national routes as a familiar theme, with an emphasis on making the characteristics of each route easy to understand through the cards.