Beyond the Bills: The Iconic Imagery of Japanese Yen Past and Present
While currency is a part of our day-to-day lives, passed hand to hand in exchange for goods and services, how well do we really know what it looks like? With the recent debut of the new F series bills on July 3rd, 2024, why not take a moment to appreciate the thoughtful selection of art, culture, famous figures, and symbolic iconography depicted on past and present Japanese yen?
Previous 1,000 Yen Bill
This blue banknote features Hideyo Noguchi, a bacteriologist whose studies of syphilis were world-acclaimed. On the back, beloved Mount Fuji, symbolizing perseverance and purity, presides over picturesque Lake Motosu.
New 1,000 Yen Bill
The new F series bill features physician and bacteriologist Kitasato Shibasaburo, who discovered both the cause of and prevention methods for tetanus. The back of the banknote depicts the famous “Great Wave of Kanagawa” painting which is symbolic of change and Western influence in Japan.
Previous 2,000 Yen Bill
Released in July of 2000, this green bill commemorates the 26th G8 summit which was held in Okinawa. Shurimon, the gate to the Ryukyu Kingdom’s famous Shuri Castle grounds in Naha, is featured on the front of the bill. On the back, a scene from the famous literary work “The Tale of Genji” has been borrowed from a 12th-century scroll alongside a depiction of the author, Murasaki Shikibu. These bills are not widely circulated in mainland Japan and are considered “rare”.
At this time there is no announcement for a new 2,000 yen bill. Given their low circulation rate outside of Okinawa, they are often not accepted at ticket or vending machines and some have said they can prove troublesome for salesclerks and businesses to sort.
Previous 5,000 Yen Bill
This purple bill features the portrait of Ichiyo Higuchi, who is said to have been Japan’s first female novelist. A print of the famous “Irises” by Ogata Korin, a revered folding screen artist, is pictured on the back of the bill.
New 5,000 Yen Bill
Japan’s first-ever female exchange student, pioneer of women’s education, and founder of Tsuda University, Umeko Tsuda, is featured on the front of this bill. The wisteria on the back symbolizes love, kindness, and longevity.
Previous 10,000 Bill
A man of many hats philosopher, writer, samurai, educator, and founder of Keio University and the Institute for the Study of Infectious Diseases, Fukuzawa Yukichi is pictured on the front of this bill. The reverse features the Byodo-In Temple’s famous phoenix statues, which have been declared a national treasure.
New 10,000 Yen Bill
It is only fitting that the father of capitalism in Japan, Shibusawa Eichi, is portrayed on the front of the new version of the country’s largest bill. On the back is the historic red brick façade of the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station, which is representative of the Western building styles popularized during the Meiji Period.
Visiting Japan after July 3rd, 2024? Keep your eyes peeled for these newly released banknotes as they make their way into the economy! And don’t worry, the older versions of the bills will still be accepted. In fact, some businesses like train stations, fast food restaurants, ramen shops, and paid parking lots may only be able to accept previously issued bills as it will take time to update vending and ticket machine systems.
About the author:
Nadine Pryor
Nadine first became interested in Japan and Japanese culture after working with an exchange program at her university. After hearing so many wonderful things from the exchange students she worked with she was longing for a chance to see Japan for herself. That opportunity came to her in the form of the JET program where she spent 5 years on a small island in the beautiful prefecture of Okinawa. While living in this very rural community of just under 1,300 people she was lucky to experience a glimpse into some of Okinawa’s unique traditions and culture. In her free time, she traveled the main island of Japan as well as eastern Asia, seeking out the most delicious foods and exciting experiences. She currently resides in the United States but hopes to return to Japan in the future.
