Japan’s currency, the Yen (JPY), is more than just a medium of exchange; it’s a reflection of the nation’s rich culture, history, and technological prowess. As a visitor or someone interested in Japanese finance, understanding Japanese Money is essential. This guide will walk you through the currently issued banknotes and coins by the Bank of Japan, highlighting their designs, features, and the stories they tell.
Japanese Yen Banknotes: A Closer Look at the Paper Currency
Japanese banknotes are renowned for their intricate designs and anti-counterfeiting technology. Let’s explore each denomination, from the highest to the lowest value.
The 10,000 Yen Note: Featuring Eiichi Shibusawa and Tokyo Station
The 10,000 yen note is the highest denomination banknote in Japan. There are two versions currently in circulation, reflecting recent and older designs.
- New Design (Issued July 3, 2024)
Size: 76×160mm
Date of first issue: July 3, 2024
[Front] Portrait: SHIBUSAWA Eiichi
[Back] Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
The new 10,000 yen note features Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931) on the front, often dubbed the “father of Japanese capitalism.” The reverse side showcases the iconic Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building, a symbol of Japan’s modernization and connectivity.
- Current Design (Issued November 1, 2004)
Size: 76×160mm
Date of first issue: November 1, 2004
[Front] Portrait: FUKUZAWA Yukichi
[Back] Statue of Phoenix in Byodoin Temple
The older 10,000 yen note features Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), a renowned author, educator, and founder of Keio University. The back displays the majestic Phoenix statue from Byodoin Temple in Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The 5,000 Yen Note: Umeko Tsuda and Wisteria Flowers
The 5,000 yen note also comes in two designs, with a new version released alongside the updated 10,000 yen and 1,000 yen notes.
- New Design (Issued July 3, 2024)
Size: 76×156mm
Date of first issue: July 3, 2024
[Front] Portrait: TSUDA Umeko
[Back] Japanese wisteria flowers (fuji)
The new 5,000 yen note honors Umeko Tsuda (1864-1929), a pioneer in Japanese women’s education and the founder of Tsuda University. The reverse side beautifully depicts Japanese wisteria flowers (fuji), symbolizing longevity and grace.
- Current Design (Issued November 1, 2004)
Size: 76×156mm
Date of first issue: November 1, 2004
[Front] Portrait: HIGUCHI Ichiyo
[Back] Kakitsubata-zu (painting of irises), work of OGATA Korin
The older 5,000 yen note features Ichiyo Higuchi (1872-1896), a prominent female writer of the Meiji era. The back showcases Kakitsubata-zu, a renowned painting of irises by the celebrated artist Ogata Korin.
The 2,000 Yen Note: Shureimon Gate and The Tale of Genji
The 2,000 yen note is less commonly seen in daily transactions but holds cultural significance.
- Design (Issued July 19, 2000)
Size: 76×154mm
Date of first issue: July 19, 2000
[Front] Design: Shurei-mon Gate
[Back] A scene from The Tale of Genji and portrait of its author, Murasaki Shikibu
The 2,000 yen note is unique as it doesn’t feature a portrait of an individual on the front. Instead, it displays the Shureimon Gate, a historical gate in Okinawa. The reverse side depicts a scene from The Tale of Genji, considered the world’s first novel, and a portrait of its author, Murasaki Shikibu.
The 1,000 Yen Note: Shibasaburo Kitasato and The Great Wave
Similar to the 10,000 and 5,000 yen notes, the 1,000 yen note has a new design released in 2024, alongside the older, existing design.
- New Design (Issued July 3, 2024)
Size: 76×150mm
Date of first issue: July 3, 2024
[Front] Portrait: KITASATO Shibasaburo
[Back] “Kanagawa-oki nami ura” (Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa) from the series Fugaku sanjurokkei (Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji), a Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai
The new 1,000 yen note honors Shibasaburo Kitasato (1853-1931), a prominent physician and bacteriologist who is considered the “father of modern Japanese bacteriology.” The back features “Kanagawa-oki nami ura” (Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa), a world-renowned ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai.
- Current Design (Issued November 1, 2004)
Size: 76×150mm
Date of first issue: November 1, 2004
[Front] Portrait: NOGUCHI Hideyo
[Back] Mt.Fuji and cherry blossoms
The older 1,000 yen note showcases Hideyo Noguchi (1876-1928), a bacteriologist who made significant contributions to the research on yellow fever and syphilis. The back presents a classic image of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, iconic symbols of Japan.
Japanese Yen Coins: Metal Currency of Japan
Japanese coins are diverse in their materials, sizes, and designs, each with unique characteristics.
The 500 Yen Coin: Bicolor and Advanced Technology
The 500 yen coin is the highest denomination coin and is notable for its bicolor clad composition and advanced anti-counterfeiting features.
- Design (Year of first issue: 2021)
Material: Copper 75.0%, zinc 12.5%, nickel 12.5%
Diameter: 26.5mm
Weight: 7.1g
Edge: Helical ridges with two different pitches
[Front] Paulownia [Back] Bamboo, Citrus tachibana
The 500 yen coin features paulownia on the front and bamboo and Citrus tachibana on the back. It also incorporates latent image technology, revealing the words “500 YEN” and “JAPAN” when tilted, enhancing security.
The 100 Yen Coin: Cherry Blossoms and Cupro-Nickel
The 100 yen coin is a common and recognizable coin, made of cupro-nickel and featuring a beloved national symbol.
- Design (Year of first issue: 1967)
Material: Copper 75.0%, nickel 25.0%
Diameter: 22.6mm
Weight: 4.8g
Edge: Milled
[Front] Cherry blossoms
[Back] –
The 100 yen coin prominently displays cherry blossoms on the front, a quintessential symbol of spring and Japan’s natural beauty.
The 50 Yen Coin: Chrysanthemum and Cupro-Nickel with a Hole
The 50 yen coin is distinctive due to the hole in its center and features the chrysanthemum, the imperial flower of Japan.
- Design (Year of first issue: 1967)
Material: Copper 75.0%, nickel 25.0%
Diameter: 21.0mm
Weight: 4.0g
Edge: Milled
[Front] Chrysanthemum
[Back] –
The 50 yen coin features the chrysanthemum on its front, a flower with strong ties to the Japanese Imperial Family.
The 10 Yen Coin: Byodoin Phoenix Hall and Bronze
The 10 yen coin is made of bronze and showcases a historical architectural marvel.
- Design (Year of first issue: 1959)
Material: Copper 95.0%, zinc 4.0-3.0%, tin 1.0-2.0%
Diameter: 23.5mm
Weight: 4.5g
Edge: Smooth
[Front] Byodoin Phoenix Hall, arabesque
[Back] Evergreen tree
The 10 yen coin displays the Byodoin Phoenix Hall on its front, the same temple featured on the back of the older 10,000 yen banknote, along with arabesque patterns. The back shows an evergreen tree.
The 5 Yen Coin: Rice, Gear, Water, and Brass
The 5 yen coin is made of brass and is known for its unique design elements representing key sectors of the Japanese economy.
- Design (Year of first issue: 1959)
Material: Copper 60.0-70.0%, zinc 40.0-30.0%
Diameter: 22.0mm
Weight: 3.75g
Edge: Smooth
[Front] Ear of rice, gear, water
[Back] Sprouting plant
The 5 yen coin incorporates an ear of rice, a gear, and water on the front, symbolizing agriculture, industry, and fisheries – vital parts of the Japanese economy. The back features a sprouting plant, representing growth and nature.
The 1 Yen Coin: Young Tree and Aluminum
The 1 yen coin is the smallest denomination and is remarkably lightweight due to its aluminum composition.
- Design (Year of first issue: 1955)
Material: Aluminum 100.0%
Diameter: 20.0mm
Weight: 1.0g
Edge: Smooth
[Front] Young tree
[Back] –
The 1 yen coin features a young tree on its front, symbolizing growth and the future. Its aluminum composition makes it incredibly light.
Conclusion: More Than Just Currency
Japanese money, in the form of yen banknotes and coins, is a fascinating blend of artistry, technology, and cultural representation. From the portraits of influential figures to the depictions of iconic landscapes and flora, each piece of currency tells a story. Understanding these details can enrich your experience in Japan and provide a deeper appreciation for the nation’s heritage and values. Whether you are a traveler, a collector, or simply curious about global currencies, exploring Japanese money offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Japan.
