Japan’s currency, the Yen (JPY), is not just a medium of exchange; it’s a reflection of the nation’s rich history, culture, and technological advancements. Understanding Japan Money, both banknotes and coins, is essential for anyone planning a trip to Japan or interested in numismatics. This guide provides a detailed look at the currently issued denominations, their designs, and key features.
Japanese Yen Banknotes
The Bank of Japan issues banknotes in four denominations: 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 1,000 yen. Each note showcases prominent Japanese figures and iconic imagery, making them miniature works of art.
10,000 Yen Note
The highest denomination banknote, the 10,000 yen note, has seen revisions over the years. Currently, two versions are in circulation.
Current Design (First Issued July 3, 2024)
- Size: 76mm x 160mm
This latest iteration features a portrait of SHIBUSAWA Eiichi on the front. Shibusawa Eiichi (1840-1931) was a leading industrialist widely known today as the “father of Japanese capitalism”.
The back of the note displays the stunning Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, an iconic architectural landmark in Japan’s capital.
Previous Design (First Issued November 1, 2004)
- Size: 76mm x 160mm
The older 10,000 yen note features FUKUZAWA Yukichi on the front. Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835-1901) was an influential author, educator, philosopher, and founder of Keio University, and is considered one of the founders of modern Japan.
The reverse side of this banknote depicts the Statue of Phoenix in Byodoin Temple. Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, represents Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
5,000 Yen Note
Similar to the 10,000 yen note, the 5,000 yen note also has two designs currently in use.
Current Design (First Issued July 3, 2024)
- Size: 76mm x 156mm
The latest 5,000 yen note showcases TSUDA Umeko on the front. Tsuda Umeko (1864-1929) was a pioneer in women’s education in Japan, and founded Tsuda University.
The back of the note is adorned with Japanese wisteria flowers (fuji), symbolizing longevity and nobility in Japanese culture.
Previous Design (First Issued November 1, 2004)
- Size: 76mm x 156mm
The older 5,000 yen note features HIGUCHI Ichiyo on the front. Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896) was a prominent female writer of the Meiji era, known for her short stories.
The back of this note features Kakitsubata-zu (painting of irises), a masterpiece by OGATA Korin, a renowned Japanese painter of the Rinpa school.
2,000 Yen Note
Unique in its denomination, the 2,000 yen note is less commonly seen in daily transactions but holds cultural significance.
- Size: 76mm x 154mm
- Date of first issue: July 19, 2000
The front design of the 2,000 yen note features the Shurei-mon Gate, a prominent gate in Naha, Okinawa, representing Okinawan culture and heritage.
The back of the 2,000 yen note depicts a scene from The Tale of Genji and a portrait of its author, Murasaki Shikibu. The Tale of Genji is a classic work of Japanese literature, and Murasaki Shikibu is considered one of the earliest and most important novelists.
1,000 Yen Note
The 1,000 yen note, the smallest denomination banknote currently issued, also has updated designs.
Current Design (First Issued July 3, 2024)
- Size: 76mm x 150mm
The newest 1,000 yen note features KITASATO Shibasaburo on the front. Kitasato Shibasaburo (1853-1931) was a physician and bacteriologist who co-discovered the infectious agent of bubonic plague in Hong Kong in 1894, and is celebrated as the “father of bacteriology in Japan”.
The reverse side showcases “Kanagawa-oki nami ura” (Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa), a world-renowned ukiyo-e woodblock print from the series Fugaku sanjurokkei (Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji) by the iconic artist Katsushika Hokusai.
Previous Design (First Issued November 1, 2004)
- Size: 76mm x 150mm
The older 1,000 yen note features NOGUCHI Hideyo on the front. Noguchi Hideyo (1876-1928) was a prominent bacteriologist who made significant contributions to medical research, particularly in the study of syphilis and yellow fever.
The back of this version depicts Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, classic symbols of Japan’s natural beauty.
Japanese Yen Coins
Japanese coins are diverse in their materials and designs, ranging from the lightweight 1 yen aluminum coin to the more substantial 500 yen bicolor coin.
500 Yen Bicolor Clad Coin
- Material: Copper 75.0%, zinc 12.5%, nickel 12.5%
- Diameter: 26.5mm
- Weight: 7.1g
- Edge: Helical ridges with two different pitches
- Year of first issue: 2021
The 500 yen coin is a bicolor clad coin with advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, including helical ridges and latent images. The front design features Paulownia, while the back displays Bamboo and Citrus tachibana. Latent images of “500 YEN” and “JAPAN” are also incorporated into the design.
100 Yen Cupro-Nickel Coin
- Material: Copper 75.0%, nickel 25.0%
- Diameter: 22.6mm
- Weight: 4.8g
- Edge: Milled
- Year of first issue: 1967
The 100 yen coin, made of cupro-nickel, features cherry blossoms on the front, a quintessential symbol of spring in Japan. The back is plain.
50 Yen Cupro-Nickel Coin
- Material: Copper 75.0%, nickel 25.0%
- Diameter: 21.0mm
- Weight: 4.0g
- Edge: Milled
- Year of first issue: 1967
Similar in material to the 100 yen coin, the 50 yen coin features a Chrysanthemum on the front, the imperial flower of Japan. The back is plain.
10 Yen Bronze Coin
- Material: Copper 95.0%, zinc 4.0-3.0%, tin 1.0-2.0%
- Diameter: 23.5mm
- Weight: 4.5g
- Edge: Smooth
- Year of first issue: 1959
The bronze 10 yen coin is recognizable by its smooth edge and distinctive design. The front features Byodoin Phoenix Hall and arabesque, while the back shows an evergreen tree.
5 Yen Brass Coin
- Material: Copper 60.0-70.0%, zinc 40.0-30.0%
- Diameter: 22.0mm
- Weight: 3.75g
- Edge: Smooth
- Year of first issue: 1959
The brass 5 yen coin is unique for having no numerals on either side. The front design includes an ear of rice, gear, and water, representing Japan’s primary industries. The back features a sprouting plant.
1 Yen Aluminum Coin
- Material: Aluminum 100.0%
- Diameter: 20.0mm
- Weight: 1.0g
- Edge: Smooth
- Year of first issue: 1955
The 1 yen coin is exceptionally light due to being made of aluminum. The front depicts a young tree, symbolizing growth and nature. The back is plain.
Understanding Japan money goes beyond simple currency exchange. Each banknote and coin tells a story, reflecting Japan’s journey through history, its cultural values, and its vision for the future. Whether you are traveling to Japan or simply intrigued by global currencies, exploring Japan money offers a fascinating glimpse into this unique nation.
