This May Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso announced that the portraits on ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 bank notes are being redesigned with 3D holograms. This will be a world first and make the bills virtually impossible to counterfeit because the equipment and technology required to produce them is cost-prohibitive except in government-scale operations.
One yen is worth slightly less than one US cent at current exchange rates.
According to an article in The Japan Times, the announcement coincides with the ascension of Crown Prince Naruhito’s ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne upon his father’s abdication that month, although the timing seems coincidental rather than deliberate.
The 10,000-yen note will feature Eiichi Shibusawa, “the father of Japanese capitalism,” on its face with an illustration of Tokyo Station on the back. The ¥5,000 bill will have feminist pioneer
Umeko Tsuda portrayed on its face and an illustration of wisteria flowers on the back, and the ¥1,000 note will carry a holographic replica of the iconic woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by 18th century master Hokusai. The designs are in keeping with a 1984 decision to not feature politicians or military figures on notes in the interest of political neutrality.
The new designs will be introduced in the first half of fiscal 2024, Aso said. The 2,000-yen note will not be redesigned because few remain in circulation. Older bills will remain valid, but the government expects most will be replaced within three to four years after the new bills are issued.
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