2024 New Yen Banknotes — First Redesign in 20 Years
2024年新紙幣シリーズ
Reiwa Era
In July 2024 the Bank of Japan issued its first redesign in two decades. The 1,000 yen features Kitasato Shibasaburo (bacteriologist), the 5,000 yen Tsuda Umeko (pioneer of women's education), and the 10,000 yen Shibusawa Eiichi (industrialist). The new notes use 3D hologram technology and have sparked strong collector interest in first-run serial numbers.
Cultural context
Tsuda Umeko studied in the USA and founded Tsuda University; her inclusion on the 5,000 yen highlights women's educational history. Shibusawa Eiichi is often called the 'father of Japanese capitalism' and was central to Meiji-era industrialization.