Japan’s currency, the Yen (JPY), is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market, reflecting the country’s significant economic status. Understanding Japanese money, both banknotes and coins, is essential for anyone traveling to Japan or engaging in business with Japanese entities. This guide provides a detailed overview of the currently issued denominations by the Bank of Japan, offering insights into their designs, features, and history.
Yen Banknotes: Detailed Denominations
The Bank of Japan issues four denominations of banknotes: 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 1,000 yen. Each note is rich in design, featuring prominent Japanese figures and iconic imagery. Recently, in 2024, new banknote designs were introduced, coexisting with the older series issued in 2004.
10,000 Yen Note
The 10,000 yen note is the highest denomination banknote. Currently, two versions are in circulation:
New Series (First Issued July 3, 2024):
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Size: 76×160mm
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Front Design: Features the portrait of SHIBUSAWA Eiichi, a prominent industrialist known as the “father of Japanese capitalism.”
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Back Design: Depicts the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, a historical landmark representing Japan’s modernization and progress.
Old Series (First Issued November 1, 2004):
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Size: 76×160mm
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Front Design: Features the portrait of FUKUZAWA Yukichi, an influential writer, educator, philosopher and founder of Keio University.
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Back Design: Displays the Statue of Phoenix in Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site representing Japanese cultural heritage.
5,000 Yen Note
Similar to the 10,000 yen note, the 5,000 yen note also has new and old series circulating concurrently.
New Series (First Issued July 3, 2024):
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Size: 76×156mm
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Front Design: Showcases the portrait of TSUDA Umeko, a pioneer in women’s education in Japan and founder of Tsuda University.
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Back Design: Adorns Japanese wisteria flowers (fuji), symbolizing longevity and nobility in Japanese culture.
Old Series (First Issued November 1, 2004):
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Size: 76×156mm
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Front Design: Features the portrait of HIGUCHI Ichiyo, a prominent female writer of the Meiji era, known for her poignant literary works.
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Back Design: Presents Kakitsubata-zu (painting of irises), a masterpiece by OGATA Korin, a renowned artist of the Rinpa school, highlighting Japanese artistic heritage.
2,000 Yen Note
The 2,000 yen note is less commonly seen in daily transactions but remains valid legal tender.
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Size: 76×154mm
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Date of first issue: July 19, 2000
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Front Design: Features the Shurei-mon Gate, a symbolic gate in Okinawa, representing the Ryukyu Kingdom’s historical and cultural significance.
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Back Design: Depicts a scene from The Tale of Genji, a classic work of Japanese literature, alongside a portrait of its author, Murasaki Shikibu, celebrating Japan’s literary contributions.
1,000 Yen Note
The 1,000 yen note is the most frequently used banknote in Japan. Similar to the higher denominations, it also has a new series issued in 2024 alongside the older series.
New Series (First Issued July 3, 2024):
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Size: 76×150mm
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Front Design: Features the portrait of KITASATO Shibasaburo, a distinguished bacteriologist who made significant contributions to disease prevention.
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Back Design: Displays “Kanagawa-oki nami ura” (Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa), a world-famous ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, from the series Fugaku sanjurokkei (Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji), representing Japanese art and natural beauty.
Old Series (First Issued November 1, 2004):
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Size: 76×150mm
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Front Design: Features the portrait of NOGUCHI Hideyo, a bacteriologist who made significant contributions to the research of infectious diseases.
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Back Design: Showcases Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, iconic symbols of Japan, representing natural beauty and the fleeting nature of life.
Yen Coins: Varying Sizes and Materials
Japanese coins are diverse in material and design, ranging from 1 yen to 500 yen. Each coin has unique characteristics, making them easily distinguishable.
500 Yen Bicolor Clad Coin
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Material: Crafted from a combination of Copper (75.0%), zinc (12.5%), and nickel (12.5%).
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Diameter: 26.5mm
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Weight: 7.1g
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Edge: Features helical ridges with two distinct pitches, a security feature against counterfeiting.
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Year of first issue: 2021
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Design: The coin incorporates latent images visible when tilted, further enhancing security.
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Front Design: Depicts Paulownia, a tree often associated with good fortune and traditionally used for crests of important figures.
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Back Design: Features Bamboo and Citrus tachibana, elements symbolizing resilience and longevity.
100 Yen Cupro-Nickel Coin
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Material: Made of Cupro-Nickel (Copper 75.0%, Nickel 25.0%).
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Diameter: 22.6mm
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Weight: 4.8g
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Edge: Milled edge.
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Year of first issue: 1967
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Design: A classic and widely used coin in daily transactions.
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Front Design: Adorned with Cherry blossoms, Japan’s national flower, representing beauty and spring.
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Back Design: The back is plain, emphasizing the floral design on the front.
50 Yen Cupro-Nickel Coin
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Material: Composed of Cupro-Nickel (Copper 75.0%, Nickel 25.0%).
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Diameter: 21.0mm
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Weight: 4.0g
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Edge: Milled edge with a hole in the center, making it easily identifiable.
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Year of first issue: 1967
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Design: The central hole is a distinctive feature of this coin.
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Front Design: Features Chrysanthemum, the imperial flower of Japan, symbolizing longevity and rejuvenation.
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Back Design: Plain back, highlighting the chrysanthemum.
10 Yen Bronze Coin
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Material: Bronze composition (Copper 95.0%, Zinc 4.0-3.0%, Tin 1.0-2.0%).
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Diameter: 23.5mm
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Weight: 4.5g
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Edge: Smooth edge.
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Year of first issue: 1959
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Design: Known for its bronze color and depiction of a famous Japanese landmark.
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Front Design: Depicts Byodoin Phoenix Hall, a section of the Byodoin Temple, and arabesque patterns, representing architectural and artistic heritage.
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Back Design: Features an Evergreen tree, symbolizing enduring strength and prosperity.
5 Yen Brass Coin
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Material: Brass composition (Copper 60.0-70.0%, Zinc 40.0-30.0%).
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Diameter: 22.0mm
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Weight: 3.75g
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Edge: Smooth edge with a hole in the center.
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Year of first issue: 1959
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Design: Distinguished by its brass color and central hole, and symbolic imagery.
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Front Design: Features an Ear of rice, Gear, and Water, representing key sectors of the Japanese economy: agriculture, industry, and fisheries.
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Back Design: Depicts a Sprouting plant, symbolizing growth and a hopeful future for Japan.
1 Yen Aluminum Coin
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Material: Made entirely of Aluminum (100.0%).
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Diameter: 20.0mm
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Weight: 1.0g – the lightest Japanese coin.
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Edge: Smooth edge.
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Year of first issue: 1955
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Design: Extremely lightweight due to its aluminum composition.
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Front Design: Depicts a Young tree, symbolizing growth, nature, and a peaceful future.
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Back Design: Plain back, emphasizing the young tree design.
Understanding Japanese Money Currency, with its banknotes and coins, provides not only practical knowledge for financial transactions but also a glimpse into Japanese culture, history, and values reflected in the intricate designs and symbolic imagery. Whether you are a traveler, a collector, or simply interested in international finance, familiarizing yourself with the Yen is a valuable endeavor.
