JAPANESE CURRENCY REDESIGN
OVERVIEW
Japan has a rich history over ten thousand years long. They are famous for their balance of cutting-edge technology and infrastructure with picturesque landscapes. Their currency, the yen, is used by over 120 million people. The National Printing Bureau (NPB) has printed all of Japan’s paper yen since the 1870s. They are overseen by the Ministry of Finance, which reports directly to the Prime Minister. There are currently four denominations of banknotes in circulation: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000. Each (except ¥2,000) features a portrait on the front and a landscape or art on the back. The project is to redesign Japanese currency that pays homage to the nation. The NPB will release new bills of all denominations (except ¥2,000) in 2024, so now is an ideal time to examine the design principles of Japanese currency. The new design will be in circulation for the next 25 years.
Japan has a rich history over ten thousand years long. They are famous for their balance of cutting-edge technology and infrastructure with picturesque landscapes. Their currency, the yen, is used by over 120 million people. The National Printing Bureau (NPB) has printed all of Japan’s paper yen since the 1870s. They are overseen by the Ministry of Finance, which reports directly to the Prime Minister. There are currently four denominations of banknotes in circulation: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000. Each (except ¥2,000) features a portrait on the front and a landscape or art on the back. The project is to redesign Japanese currency that pays homage to the nation. The NPB will release new bills of all denominations (except ¥2,000) in 2024, so now is an ideal time to examine the design principles of Japanese currency. The new design will be in circulation for the next 25 years.
CHALLENGES & GOALS
The goal is to celebrate Japanese culture and instill pride in the people with a design that is instantly recognizable as Japanese. The challenge is to pay homage in an original way that stands out from old bills. All current designs use a portrait of a cultural figure, so the redesign shall explore what the nation is proud of without focusing on an individual. This includes landmarks, scenery, and the environment. The new banknote must also include the information distinguishing it as legal tender, such as denomination, official text of the NPB, logo or name of the Bank of Japan, official seal, and serial number. Japan also take rigorous measures against counterfeiting. In addition redesigning the bills every 20 years, each bill contains special printing techniques. These include watermarks at appear when held to the light, holographic designs that shimmer or change color depeding on viewing angle, elements that glow under black light, and raised ink that creates a relief texture.
The goal is to celebrate Japanese culture and instill pride in the people with a design that is instantly recognizable as Japanese. The challenge is to pay homage in an original way that stands out from old bills. All current designs use a portrait of a cultural figure, so the redesign shall explore what the nation is proud of without focusing on an individual. This includes landmarks, scenery, and the environment. The new banknote must also include the information distinguishing it as legal tender, such as denomination, official text of the NPB, logo or name of the Bank of Japan, official seal, and serial number. Japan also take rigorous measures against counterfeiting. In addition redesigning the bills every 20 years, each bill contains special printing techniques. These include watermarks at appear when held to the light, holographic designs that shimmer or change color depeding on viewing angle, elements that glow under black light, and raised ink that creates a relief texture.
RESEARCH
All 126 million people in Japan use yen. Therefore, the design must be relevant to the entire nation. Japan is a culture that seeks to avoid conflict and keep its people united. One of Japan’s strengths is that few counterfeit bills have been found over the past several years, thanks in part to the frequency of their design updates. Their culture also values abiding by laws and regulations, so on average there is less crime than in the U.S. This project has the opportunity to highlight an aspect underappreciated in its existing currency. The two most dominant religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto, both of which place importance on respecting and harmonizing with nature. Therefore reverence for nature is a prevalent cultural value.
All 126 million people in Japan use yen. Therefore, the design must be relevant to the entire nation. Japan is a culture that seeks to avoid conflict and keep its people united. One of Japan’s strengths is that few counterfeit bills have been found over the past several years, thanks in part to the frequency of their design updates. Their culture also values abiding by laws and regulations, so on average there is less crime than in the U.S. This project has the opportunity to highlight an aspect underappreciated in its existing currency. The two most dominant religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto, both of which place importance on respecting and harmonizing with nature. Therefore reverence for nature is a prevalent cultural value.
SOLUTION AESTHETIC
To remain timeless and universal, the redesign celebrates the natural beauty of Japan. Koi and cranes symbolize good fortune, making them appropriate subjects for currency. This ¥1,000 note references the myth that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will have a wish granted. Hydrangeas are a highly prized flower in Japan; many travel and hold festivals to see them bloom. As such, they best encapsulate the beauty of the nation’s flora. The backgrounds are traditional textile patterns. Although man-made, they represent water and waves, and are still in use after a thousand years. In this way, Japan’s appreciation for nature is as timeless as nature itself. The use of blue, pink and gold draws directly from the colors of hydrangeas and koi. The environmental theme embodies the NPB’s aim to produce currency “in harmony with the environment”. Everyone in the nation will appreciate the new design, regardless of their personal views.
To remain timeless and universal, the redesign celebrates the natural beauty of Japan. Koi and cranes symbolize good fortune, making them appropriate subjects for currency. This ¥1,000 note references the myth that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will have a wish granted. Hydrangeas are a highly prized flower in Japan; many travel and hold festivals to see them bloom. As such, they best encapsulate the beauty of the nation’s flora. The backgrounds are traditional textile patterns. Although man-made, they represent water and waves, and are still in use after a thousand years. In this way, Japan’s appreciation for nature is as timeless as nature itself. The use of blue, pink and gold draws directly from the colors of hydrangeas and koi. The environmental theme embodies the NPB’s aim to produce currency “in harmony with the environment”. Everyone in the nation will appreciate the new design, regardless of their personal views.
