Japan

[gweidion]

I see Japan is getting new banknotes.

https://www.mof.go.jp/english/policy/currency/banknotes/20231212.html

[redlock]

I am still amazed that a country with such a huge cultural heritage like Japan has banknotes whose design is mediocre at best.

[Triggersmob]

I just want the new 500 yen coins.

[gweidion]

I plan to be in Japan in March if anyone wants something, and can remind me closer to the time, I'll keep my eyes open.

What's so good about the 500 yen coin?

[redlock]

I plan to be in Japan in March if anyone wants something, and can remind me closer to the time, I'll keep my eyes open.

What's so good about the 500 yen coin?

The new 500 yen coin is bi-metallic. It was introduced into circulation in 2021. It's a very nicely designed coin. 

See: https://www.mof.go.jp/english/policy/currency/coin/commemorative_coins/20210122en.html

Here you can watch how the coin is made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiRoSZqg1EE&t=794s

[Triggersmob]

I plan to be in Japan in March if anyone wants something, and can remind me closer to the time, I'll keep my eyes open.

What's so good about the 500 yen coin?

Very kind of you Gweidion. If I don't get them before that, I will try and remember to remind you.

[Tanecoins]

Love Japanese coins.

They really use them there too and they are worth something (Well okay not the 1 yen).
Vending machines are huge there and they really need heaps of the 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen.
Also Pachinko parlours.

However technology will probably make them all cards - hopefully not. The rules around Pachinko are really strict and cards will see huge amounts being gambled.

I have most modern ones and a handful of older (Meiji) ones like a 1909 50 sen, 1889 5 sen, 1876 2 sen and 1887 sen. Also the usual aluminium WW2 era 5 and 10 sen coins and some of their "Banana Money" along with a 100 yen note from the 50s I think.

[gweidion]

Although the Suica is widely accepted for small purchases the Japanese still seem to love cash transactions.

[gweidion]

I am back from Japan and brought home a few of the bi-metallic 500 yen coins. Haven't had a chance to look through them yet but should have some to spare for people who want them. Cost plus postage. Let me know.

Had a wonderful time, serious thought about staying on for another couple of weeks but was out of prescription tablets.

[Triggersmob]

Thanks Gweidion. Good to see you had a wonderful time. Japan is somewhere I would like to visit some day.
If you have enough spares, you can put me down for 3. I will onforward one to Redlock and Tanecoins.
Thanks for the kind offer.