The Bank of Japan is introducing new banknotes from July

“Get ready for a change in Japan! New banknotes are coming from July 3rd, 2024. Stay informed about the redesign and how it affects your travel to Japan.”

Starting on July 3, 2024, the new series of Japanese notes will be paid out from the Bank of Japan to financial institutions.

They will, in turn, distribute the notes over their counters or through ATMs.

The financial institutions will then start issuing these banknotes after they make necessary preparations. As announced, the Bank of Japan intends to print new banknotes for major denominations in 2023. The new series will present a new lineup of historical figures and national icons for the design. While it adds new security features that include holograms in 3D, it will also have intaglio printing and tactile marks. This will be the first redesign happening in 20 years.

What are the new changes?

1. For 10,000 yen

Eiichi Shibusawa is known as the ‘father of capitalism’ in Japan. He is known to be the founder of hundreds of major companies, including Japan’s first national bank. Additionally, he was also the forerunner of Mizuho Bank. Therefore, he replaces the educator, Fukuzawa Yukichi’s picture in a 1000 yen note. The front side of the new 10,000 yen banknote shows Eiichi Shibusawa and the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building on the back.

2. For 5,000 yen

The new 5,000 yen banknote features on the front Tsuda Umeko, and the back, wisteria flowers. Umeko Tsuda was a pioneer of women’s higher education in the Meiji period. She founded Tsuda University and became a promoter for women learning English.

3. For 1,000 yen

The new 1,000 yen banknote bears the image of Kitasato Shibasaburō on the front and The Great Wave of Kanagawa artwork on the back. Kitasato Shibasaburō was a bacteriologist. Additionally, he was one of the founders of Japanese medicine who researched infectious diseases like Bubonic plague or tetanus.

Travelling to Japan? Don’t worry!

According to the BOJ, 18.59 billion banknotes were in circulation at the end of December last year, equivalent to about eight times the distance between the Earth and the moon if they were laid side by side.
Current banknotes will remain legal tender even after the new bills enter circulation. Therefore, you can easily use old Japanese notes at any place.