New Banknotes to Be Introduced from Fiscal...

The new banknotes, which will begin circulating from the next fiscal year, were unveiled to the press. One of their features is that the thickness of the paper varies depending on the location.

The new bills feature portraits of Eiichi Shibusawa on the 10,000-yen note, Umeko Tsuda on the 5,000-yen note, and Shibasaburo Kitasato on the 1,000-yen note. Various anti-counterfeiting technologies have been used.

Reporter:
“Oh, it’s not smooth. It feels bumpy.”

The thickness of the paper differs depending on where you touch it, and printing techniques that apply raised ink to create uneven surfaces have been used. In addition, for the first time in the world, hologram technology that makes the portrait appear three-dimensional has been adopted.

By enlarging the numerical figures and changing the position of the identification marks, the new banknotes have been designed so that anyone can easily distinguish their denominations — a universal design.

Preparations are underway for the new banknotes to begin circulating in the first half of fiscal 2024. Until circulation begins, they can be viewed at the Currency Museum in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, as well as at 32 branches of the Bank of Japan nationwide.

In addition, the current banknotes can still be used even after the new ones are issued. The Bank of Japan has said, “We would like people to be careful about fraud such as claims that ‘the current banknotes will no longer be usable.’”