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Japanese yen paper money is a fascinating topic, and understanding its intricacies can be quite rewarding. The Bank of Japan, the country's central bank, is responsible for issuing Japanese yen paper money.
The first paper money issued by the Bank of Japan was in 1885, and it has been an essential part of the country's economy ever since. Today, the Japanese yen is the third most widely traded currency in the world.
The Bank of Japan issues Japanese yen paper money in various denominations, ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 yen. Each denomination features unique designs and security features to prevent counterfeiting. The 10,000 yen note, for example, features a portrait of Fukuzawa Yukichi, a prominent Japanese figure.
Japanese yen paper money is designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 20 years.
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Japanese Currency Basics
Japanese currency is called Yen and is written with the symbols ¥, 円, or JPY.
You'll often see the Yen symbol in Japan, but it's not as widely used as you might think.
In Japan, banknotes are issued in 4 amounts: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000.
The most common banknotes you'll see are the ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 paper bills.
Coins used for currency in Japan are separated into 6 different amounts: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500.
You'll rarely see the ¥2,000 paper bill, but it's worth knowing it exists.
New banknotes of ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 are being issued from July 3, 2024.
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Japanese Currency Denominations
Japanese currency is surprisingly still widely used in Japan, especially in restaurants and stores that don't accept credit cards.
The official currency of Japan is called Yen, and it's written with the symbols ¥, 円, or JPY.
Japan's banknotes are issued in 4 amounts: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000.
The most common banknotes you'll see in Japan are the ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 paper bills.
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In rare cases, you may even come across a ¥2,000 paper bill.
Japanese paper bills are usually in good condition, thanks to banks replacing old banknotes with new ones.
New banknotes of ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 are issued starting July 3, 2024.
The coins used for currency in Japan are separated into 6 different amounts: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500.
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Japan Currency Exchange and Cost
You can exchange money for Japanese yen at the airport, some banks, or currency exchange shops like World Currency Shop and Travelex.
There are also foreign currency exchange machines available for your convenience.
To avoid high fees, consider using ATMs at banks and convenience stores like Japan Post Bank and 7-Eleven, which accept VISA, Mastercard, and other accepted cards.
Transaction fees and currency exchange rates can vary, so it's essential to compare options before making a decision.
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Japan Currency Exchange
Japan is a country where you can't always rely on credit cards, so it's a good idea to carry some cash with you.
You can exchange money for Japanese yen at the airport, or at some banks that offer this service.
Currency exchange shops like World Currency Shop and Travelex are also available in Japan.
Foreign currency exchange machines can be found in various locations, making it convenient to exchange money.
You can also withdraw Japanese yen from ATMs using your VISA, Mastercard, or other accepted cards at banks and convenience stores like Japan Post Bank and 7-Eleven.
It's essential to consider currency exchange rates and transaction fees when deciding where and how to exchange money or withdraw yen.
Japan Cost of Living
Japan is a fascinating country to live in, but it's essential to understand the cost of living before making the move. The Consumer Price Index in Japan is relatively high, which affects the monthly expenses for households.
Food prices in Japan can be steep, with retail prices for basic items like rice and vegetables being quite high. A kilogram of rice can cost around ¥200-¥300, which is roughly $1.80-$2.70 USD.
Monthly expenses for households in Japan vary greatly depending on lifestyle and location. However, a typical household of two people can expect to pay around ¥300,000-¥400,000 (approximately $2,700-$3,600 USD) per month for basic necessities.
Basic mobile phone tariffs in Japan are relatively affordable, with a monthly plan starting from around ¥2,000-¥5,000 (approximately $18-$45 USD). Gasoline prices in Japan are also relatively high, with a liter of gasoline costing around ¥140-¥160 (approximately $1.25-$1.45 USD).
Electric appliances in Japan are also quite expensive, with a basic refrigerator costing around ¥80,000-¥120,000 (approximately $720-$1,080 USD).
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New Japanese Currency Features
The new Japanese currency features a fresh design, with three new banknotes being introduced. These include the ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 paper bills.
The new banknotes will be easier to read, with larger print. This is especially helpful for Japan's aging population.
Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the "father of Japanese capitalism", is featured on the new ¥10,000 bill. He's a key figure in building Japan's modern economy.
Umeko Tsuda, a pioneer feminist and educator, is on the new ¥5,000 bill. She was a trailblazer for women's rights in Japan.
Shibasaburo Kitasato, a physician and bacteriologist, is portrayed on the new ¥1,000 bill. He made significant contributions to medical research, including the study of tetanus and the bubonic plague.
The backs of each bill feature Tokyo Station, wisteria flowers, and a famous painting of Mount Fuji by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.
The new banknotes are scheduled to be issued on July 3, 2024.
Currency Production and Security
Counterfeit Japanese banknotes are extremely rare, with only a few thousand detected annually.
Japan's banknotes are made to incorporate various anti-counterfeiting measures, making it difficult to create counterfeit notes.
However, with advancements in digital image processing technology, there are increasingly sophisticated counterfeit notes that can't be immediately identified as genuine or counterfeit.
The Japanese government continues to develop high-quality banknotes with advanced anti-counterfeiting measures to maintain the safety of their currency and ensure a secure experience for users.
Production Quantity
The National Printing Bureau produces around 3 billion banknotes in an average year. This staggering number is delivered to the Bank of Japan, which is the country's central bank.
The banknotes are manufactured based on an order received from the Bank of Japan, and the production quantity can vary from year to year. However, 3 billion is the average number we can expect annually.
If all the banknotes produced in a year were stacked up, they would reach a height of approximately 300 kilometers. This is an astonishing height, equivalent to about 80 times the height of Mount Fuji.
The sheer scale of banknote production is a remarkable aspect of currency creation.
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Special Paper
Banknotes are made from special paper that's highly durable and difficult to counterfeit. This paper is made from mitsumata, a type of plant that's been used for centuries in Japan to make a unique paper called "washi."
Mitsumata has been used since ancient times as a raw material for Japanese paper, and it was first used to make banknote paper in 1879. This tradition has been passed down through generations.
The special paper used to make banknotes is made from a combination of mitsumata and other fibers, giving it a unique coloring and texture. This makes it stand out from regular paper and helps to prevent counterfeiting.
Counterfeit Are Rare
Counterfeit notes are extremely rare in Japan, with only a few thousand detected annually over the past few years.
The country's banknotes are made with various anti-counterfeiting measures that make it difficult to produce counterfeit notes.
Japan is a relatively safe and secure country, which contributes to the low number of counterfeit notes in circulation.
However, with advancements in digital image processing technology, there is an increasing number of sophisticated counterfeit notes that can't be immediately identified.
These counterfeit notes are often aimed at vending machines and other cash handling machines, highlighting the need for banknotes with advanced anti-counterfeiting measures.
The safety of Japan's banknotes is maintained through continued efforts to develop high-quality banknotes with advanced anti-counterfeiting features.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use old Japanese yen notes?
Yes, old Japanese yen notes remain valid as long as no special measures are taken by the government. However, it's always a good idea to check with your bank or financial institution for the most up-to-date information on accepting older denominations.
Are old yen notes worth anything?
Old yen notes from 1946 to the 1980s retain their face value, but their collector's market value is higher. If you have old yen notes, they may be worth more than their face value, making them a potentially valuable collectible.
Sources
- https://www.banknoteworld.com/banknotes/Banknotes-by-Country/Japan-Currency/
- https://www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/money/japanese-currency/
- https://www.dw.com/en/japan-issues-first-new-banknotes-in-decades/a-69543774
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/02/business/japan-yen-note-nepal-paperbush-intl-hnk/index.html
- https://www.npb.go.jp/en/products/intro/tokutyou.html
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