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)
Rice 100-yen silver coin
Let me introduce the old 100-yen “Rice Ear” silver coin.
The obverse features a design of rice ears, while the reverse is characterized by the large face value “100.” It was issued from 1959 to 1966 (Showa 34 to Showa 41) and is no longer in circulation, making it a rare 100-yen silver coin.
Collectors and those with fond memories of it likely keep it safely at home or in a safe.
Although its design resembles the current 100-yen coin, it is said that vending machines do not recognize it.
If you’ve found one, consider yourself lucky.
Prince Shōtoku 10,000-yen note
Introducing the “C 10,000-yen note” featuring Prince Shōtoku.
While Prince Shōtoku has appeared on the 100-yen, 1,000-yen, and 5,000-yen notes, he was also depicted on the 10,000-yen note.
Issuance began on December 1, 1958 (Showa 33), and payments were suspended on January 4, 1986 (Showa 61).
Because he was featured on banknotes of various denominations, many people may associate Japanese currency with Prince Shōtoku.
Some may feel nostalgic or even have one stored at home.
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.