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 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The 10-yen National Diet note was issued on February 25, 1946 (Showa 21) and was withdrawn from circulation on April 1, 1955 (Showa 30).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.
Prince Shōtoku 100-yen note
A 100 yen that isn’t a coin! Introducing the Prince Shōtoku 100-yen note.
Prince Shōtoku has appeared on banknotes of various denominations, and he was also featured on the 100-yen note.
It was issued on February 25, 1946 (Shōwa 21) and was withdrawn from circulation on June 5, 1956 (Shōwa 31).
For roughly ten years, it served as the 100-yen note essential to everyday life.
The reverse side appears to depict Hōryū-ji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
You might even have a 100-yen note tucked away at home.
In conclusion
In the Showa era, there were types of currency different from those of the Heisei and Reiwa eras.
The designs of coins and banknotes vividly reflected the spirit of their times and were closely connected to people’s daily lives.
Learning about the history of Japanese currency can lead to new discoveries and bring back memories of those days.