First new banknotes were issued in Japan in 20 years. The new banknotes adopt new technologies to tackle counterfeit: high-resolution watermark around the portraits and the world’s first 3D holograms. Universal design also applies to new banknote. There are tactile marks to identify the denomination by touching. The eleven diagonal lines marked on banknotes are placed in different position by each denomination. Larger printing of Arabic numerals make banknotes easier to read for especially the elderly.
The new banknotes feature the portrait of three well-known Japanese: an industrialist who brought in the Western capitalism to Japan such as establishment of the first modern bank, an female educator who was committed to women’s higher education and a founder of women’s university more than a century ago, and a physician and bacteriologist who contributed a discovery of serum therapy to the treatment of diphtheria. The Japanese prime minister told that the historic figures in the new banknotes represent Japan’s capitalism, women’s empowerment, and innovation in science and technology.
While ATMs and station ticket machines have been replaced to accept new banknotes, only 30% of vending machines are compatible with new banknotes, according to a survey by industry association. On the other hand, 80-90% of cash registers in convenience stores and supermarkets are compatible with the new banknotes.
The good news is that old banknotes are still valid and in use.
