Japan Unveils Cutting-Edge Banknotes to Combat Counterfeiting

Japan introduces new banknotes incorporating 3-D hologram technology to prevent counterfeiting, a move praised by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as historic. Featuring notable Japanese figures, the bills aim to energize the economy. Despite the new release, older bills remain in use, with a majority of transactions still done in cash.

Japan has issued its first new banknotes in two decades, each packed with advanced 3-D hologram technology to fight counterfeiting. The move, praised by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as 'historic,' includes new 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen bills.

'I hope the people will like the new bills, and they will help energize the Japanese economy,' Kishida stated at the Bank of Japan. Although older currency will remain valid, the introduction aims to energize Japan's cash-heavy economy.

The new banknotes feature larger print for easier reading and honor Japanese figures Eiichi Shibusawa, Umeko Tsuda, and Shibasaburo Kitasato. The government plans to print nearly 7.5 billion new notes by March next year, helping the nation balance traditional cash transactions with evolving payment methods.