Japan launches new banknote with world's first anti-counterfeiting 3D design

In the first design change in 20 years, the 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen notes will feature larger denominations than current versions, making them easier to identify for everyone regardless of age or nationality. Additionally, tactile markings will allow the visually impaired to identify the notes they are holding.

Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931), known as the "father of Japanese capitalism" for founding about 500 companies, will appear on the 10,000 yen note, with the red brick Tokyo Station building on the back.

Meanwhile, the 5,000 yen note will feature a portrait of educator Umeko Tsuda (1864-1929), who worked to improve the status of women in society. Wisteria flowers, beloved in Japan since ancient times, will appear on the back.

The 1,000 yen note will feature a portrait of microbiologist Shibasaburo Kitasato (1853-1931), known as the "father of modern Japanese medicine" for his contributions to the treatment of tetanus. On the back is "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," a work by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai depicting large waves and Mount Fuji.

According to the Japanese government, nearly 7.5 billion new notes will be printed by the end of March next year. Existing notes will remain legal tender after the new notes are issued.

In Japan, there were 18.54 billion banknotes in circulation as of the end of 2023. If lined up horizontally, the number would be about eight times the distance between the Earth and the Moon, according to data from the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

The new notes come as cash-loving Japan moves to promote cashless payments. The value of cashless transactions is growing in the country, but is still short of the government's target of about 40% by 2023.

According to data from industry groups, in 2021, cashless transactions accounted for more than half of all transactions in the UK, Canada and the US as well as China, Singapore and South Korea.