1,000 Yen Banknote — Noguchi Hideyo Series (2004–2024)

千円札野口英世

Heisei Era

Noguchi Hideyo (1876–1928) was a pioneering bacteriologist who dedicated his career to yellow fever research in West Africa. He was chosen for the 1,000 yen note for his international scientific contributions. The design features cherry blossoms and advanced Bank of Japan security features. This series was retired in July 2024 when the new series featuring Kitasato Shibasaburo entered circulation.

Cultural context

Who appears on Japanese banknotes reflects cultural and political choices. Fukuzawa Yukichi on the 10,000 yen, Higuchi Ichiyo on the 5,000 (2004 series). The absence of certain historical figures from currency is itself a topic of debate.