The History of Japanese Banknotes
You are probably aware that new banknotes will be issued starting tomorrow. So this time, I would like to talk about the history of the portraits on banknotes.
Portraits are depicted on banknotes for the purpose of preventing forgery, but besides that, the portraits on banknotes also represent the image of Japan that the government of that time or the current government aims to convey.
【From the Meiji Era to pre-World War II】
Historical Figures Who Supported the Imperial System
Prince Shotoku
Fujiwara Kamatari
Sugawara no Michizane etc
Characters in the Kojiki
Empress Jingū
Yamato Takeru
From the Meiji era to pre-war period, it is clear that Japan's system of imperial rule was prominent. The government at that time aimed to center Japan around the Emperor, and this policy can be inferred. Hence, historical figures who contributed to the Emperor and characters from the Kojiki are depicted on banknotes.
[Post-war]
Politicians who promoted democratization
Hirobumi Itō
Kaoru Inoue
Takahashi is clear.
Prince Shotoku, etc.
After the war, the portraits on the banknotes strongly reflected the intentions of the GHQ, and individuals who contributed to the imperial system or characters from the Kojiki were mostly excluded.
Instead, politicians who led Japan to democratization were adopted as portraits. Prince Shotoku, as an ancient politician who advocated for peace, was exceptional in that his adoption continued.
Cultural figures who shaped Japan
Yukichi Fukuzawa
Inazo Nitobe, Higuchi Ichiyo
Natsume Soseki, Noguchi Hideyo
政治家が紙幣の肖像に使用した場合、時勢によって、その人物の行った政策が批判されるリスクが発生する。そのリスク軽減の為、政治家から文化的な功績のある文化人へ紙幣の肖像は移行していった。
来年度より採用される人物
・渋沢栄一
・津田梅子
・北里柴三郎
この３名が来年度からの新紙幣の肖像になる人物なのだが、ここから日本がどうなって欲しいのかが読み取れるはずだ。
新一万円札の渋沢栄一。彼は日本経済の父と言われる経済人である。日本がここから経済的に勢いを取り戻して欲しい願いが読み取れる。
新五千円札の津田梅子は女子教育に重要な功績の人物で津田塾を設立した。日本がここから女性にも、もっと活躍して欲しい願いが読み取れる。
The new 1000 yen bill features Kitasato Shibasaburo, who excelled in the field of bacteriology and laid the foundation for preventive medicine. It conveys the hope that Japan will continue to be healthy and active in preventive medicine or preventive care from here on.
It would be great to see women actively contributing and everyone continuing to do so, to regain a financially strong Japan. I also hope for that.
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