On July 3, 2024, Japan issued new banknotes for the first time in 20 years: the 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen bills were redesigned, with portraits of great people and Japanese culture depicted in their new guises. However, the appeal of the new bills is not limited to their design. They are also packed with the world's most advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.
In this issue, we will introduce in detail the design of the new bills and the latest technology used in them.
Japanese Culture Embodied in the Design
The new banknotes incorporate many of Japan's leading figures and cultural elements. For example, the new 10,000 yen bill features the portrait of Shibusawa Eiichi (creator of modern Japanese society), the 5,000 yen bill features the portrait of Tsuda Umeko (founder of the Women's Eigaku Juku (now Tsuda University)), and the 1,000 yen bill features the portrait of Kitasato Shibasaburo (bacteriologist known as the father of modern Japanese medicine). The historical background and achievements of each person speak to us through the banknotes.
World Leading Anti-counterfeiting Technology
1) Intaglio Printing Technology
The new bills use a technology called “intaglio printing. This is a printing process in which ink is filled into the indented portions of engraved lines, allowing for the finest of details to be expressed with precision. In particular, the forehead, numbers, and identification marks are printed with a special technique called “deep intaglio printing,” which is characterized by a rough texture to the touch. This enables identification by touch, making it easy to use for the visually impaired.
2) High-definition Watermarking (Suki-ire/Sukashi)
"Suki-ire” is an application of traditional Japanese washi paper techniques, and when the bill is held up to the light, the portrait becomes visible. The new bills have a fine continuous pattern around the portrait, and this technique is highly effective in preventing counterfeiting. Furthermore, this elaborate design is highly valued worldwide.
3) World's First 3D Holographic Printing on a Bill
When the bill is tilted to the left or right, the hologram technology is used to create a 3D effect that makes it look as if the portrait is rotating and looking at you. This is the first time in the world that this technology has been used on a banknote, bringing surprise to the viewer.
Other anti-counterfeiting features
Micro-letters: The word “NIPPONGINKO” is printed in minuscule letters and is so finely engraved that it is difficult to reproduce on a copy machine.
Latent Imaging: When the bill is tilted, the word “NIPPON” appears on the reverse side.
Pearlescent ink: Special ink is used to give a pink luster to the left and right ends of the bill. Special luminescent ink: When ultraviolet rays are applied to the bill, a pink luster appears on the left and right ends.
Special luminescent ink: When exposed to ultraviolet light, a portion of the surface appears to glow.
Designed for identification by touch
To allow people with visual impairments to easily identify banknotes, each bill has a unique texture that are made to be rough-grained with deep intaglio printing. This makes the design user-friendly for all.
The new Japanese banknotes are more than just currency; they are a work of art that combines traditional Japanese technology with cutting-edge technology. We hope that you too will have the opportunity to observe the design and technology of the new bills the next time you visit Japan.
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