Types of nostalgic Showa-era money: currencies you should know and how they have changed
Showa-era money is packed with fascinating history, featuring denominations and portraits that differ from those used today.
As times changed, the types and values of currency evolved, serving as a mirror reflecting everyday life and the economy of the period.
In this article, we’ll clearly introduce the kinds of currency used in the Showa era and how they changed over time.
Some forms of money are now rarely seen, so this might bring back nostalgic memories.
Of course, those who didn’t live through that era or who are simply interested in history can enjoy it as well.
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Types of nostalgic Showa-era money: currencies you should know and how they changed (1–10)
Prince Shōtoku 5,000-yen note
Let me introduce the Prince Shōtoku 5,000-yen note, known as the “C 5,000-yen note.” Prince Shōtoku had previously been depicted on the 100-yen and 1,000-yen notes, and was later featured on the 5,000-yen note as well.
Issuance began on October 1, 1957 (Showa 32), and it appears that payments were suspended on January 4, 1986 (Showa 61).
While Prince Shōtoku still appears on the obverse as before, the reverse features the Bank of Japan.
Up through the 1,000-yen note, the reverse depicted the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Hōryū-ji, so the change in the reverse design is one of the notable features.
Prince Shōtoku 1,000-yen note
We would like to introduce the so-called “Series B 1,000-yen note” featuring Prince Shōtoku.
While he was also depicted on the 100-yen note, he likewise appeared on the 1,000-yen note.
It was issued on January 7, 1950 (Showa 25) and was withdrawn from circulation on January 4, 1965 (Showa 40).
The obverse of the note depicts Prince Shōtoku, and the reverse shows the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Temple.
Prince Shōtoku has often been chosen as a motif for banknote designs, reminding us once again of his great significance in Japanese history.
Takahashi Korekiyo 50-yen note
Not the coin with a hole! Let me introduce the Korekiyo Takahashi 50-yen note.
Today’s 50 yen is a holed coin, but it used to be a banknote featuring Korekiyo Takahashi.
The obverse of the 50-yen note shows Korekiyo Takahashi, and the reverse depicts the Bank of Japan.
It was issued on December 1, 1951 (Showa 26) and was withdrawn from payment on October 1, 1958 (Showa 33).
Korekiyo Takahashi—pronounced “Takahashi Korekiyo”—was the 20th Prime Minister of Japan.
He was a great figure who received various decorations.
Types of nostalgic Showa-era money: currencies to know and how they changed (11–20)
Ninomiya Sontoku one-yen note
Another one-yen note! Let me introduce the Ninomiya Sontoku one-yen note.
Issued after the Takeuchi no Sukune one-yen note from 1943 (Showa 18), the Ninomiya Sontoku one-yen note began circulation on March 19, 1946 (Showa 21), with payments suspended on October 1, 1958 (Showa 33), the same date as the Takeuchi no Sukune one-yen note.
An interesting point is that the sizes of the two one-yen notes differ slightly.
Ninomiya Sontoku—pronounced “Ninomiya Sontoku”—was a late Edo-period economic reformer, agricultural policy maker, and thinker.
Incidentally, there is also a theory that his name is more accurately read as “Takanori.”
Ten-yen note of the National Diet Building
Introducing the visually striking 10-yen National Diet Building note! Speaking of the National Diet Building, it’s the place where Japan’s legislature convenes.
Many of you may have visited the building while traveling or sightseeing.
The 10-yen National Diet note was issued on February 25, 1946 (Showa 21) and was withdrawn from circulation on April 1, 1955 (Showa 30).
In addition to the depiction of the National Diet Building, the number “10” is prominently displayed, and the overall design feels quite elaborate.
Some of you may remember it or even have it in your home collection.
Colored pattern five-yen note
Not the 5-yen coin! Let me introduce the 5-yen note with a saimon pattern.
Today, the 5-yen coin with a hole in the center is in use, but there was a time when a 5-yen banknote was circulated.
It was issued starting March 5, 1946 (Showa 21) and ceased to be redeemable on April 1, 1955 (Showa 30).
“Saimon pattern” (pronounced saimon moyo) refers to distinctive geometric designs used in banknote artwork.
Its size was 68 millimeters tall by 132 millimeters wide, different from both types of 1-yen notes.
Takeuchi no Sukune one-yen note
There really was a one-yen banknote! Let me introduce the Takeuchi-no-Sukune one-yen note.
Today, denominations below 1,000 yen are issued as coins, but in the Showa era a “one-yen note” was issued.
It was first issued on December 15, 1943 (Showa 18) and appears to have been withdrawn from payment on October 1, 1958 (Showa 33).
Takeuchi no Sukune is a figure from ancient Japan mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki; his name is read as “Takeshiuchi no Sukune” or “Takeuchi no Sukune.” Some of you may remember this.