{"product_id":"japan-1-yen-banknote-series-1946-ninomiya-sontoku-bank-of-japan","title":"Japan 1 Yen Banknote - Series 1946 - Ninomiya Sontoku Bank of Japan (PSV 20)","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eProduct Description:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMetalStacks proudly presents a distinguished piece of Asian currency history with this \u003cstrong\u003eJapan 1 Yen (壱圓 \/ Ichi Yen) Banknote\u003c\/strong\u003e from the historic \u003cstrong\u003eSeries A (1946)\u003c\/strong\u003e post-war issue, featuring a finely engraved portrait of \u003cstrong\u003eNinomiya Sontoku (1787–1856)\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the most revered figures in Japanese history, celebrated as a pioneering agricultural reformer, moral philosopher, and economist whose teachings continue to influence Japanese culture, education, and business ethics nearly two centuries after his death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e(PSV 20)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIssued by \u003cstrong\u003eNippon Ginko (日本銀行 — Bank of Japan)\u003c\/strong\u003e during the immediate post-World War II reconstruction era under American Occupation, this note represents a fascinating and transformative chapter in modern Japanese monetary history. Released in \u003cstrong\u003e1946\u003c\/strong\u003e, just one year after Japan's surrender ending the Pacific War, this small-denomination note circulated during a period of historic political, economic, and social transformation as Japan rebuilt from wartime devastation under the supervision of General Douglas MacArthur's Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis particular example is housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly presented within a \u003cstrong\u003ehandsome wood display frame with a black matted backdrop\u003c\/strong\u003e, transforming it into a finished showcase piece ready for immediate display. The note exhibits significant signs of age, circulation, and authentic wartime-era wear consistent with its post-war vintage — including pronounced toning, edge wear, paper texture variations, and visible tearing along the lower-left and right edges that authentically reflect the turbulent era through which this note circulated. These natural characteristics enhance its authenticity and historical character as a genuine artifact of post-war Japan. \u003cstrong\u003eOnly one note is available, making this a truly one-of-one collectible offering.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCountry: Japan (日本 \/ Nippon)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDenomination: 1 Yen (壱圓 \/ Ichi Yen)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSeries: Series A (1946) — Post-WWII Issue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eType: Bank of Japan Banknote (日本銀行券)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePortrait: Ninomiya Sontoku (1787–1856) — Japanese Agricultural Reformer \u0026amp; Philosopher\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIssuing Authority: Nippon Ginko (日本銀行 \/ Bank of Japan)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eEra: Shōwa Period (昭和) — Post-WWII Reconstruction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGrade: Circulated (Authentic vintage condition with visible edge wear)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIssuer: Empire of Japan \/ Bank of Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePaper Type: Government-issued banknote paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStatus: Demonetized (no longer in circulation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePresentation: Rigid currency holder mounted within a wood display frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAvailability: One (1) note only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObverse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a finely engraved portrait of \u003cstrong\u003eNinomiya Sontoku\u003c\/strong\u003e on the right side, depicted in traditional Japanese attire — a fitting tribute given his role as one of Japan's most celebrated agricultural and moral reformers. The inscription \u003cstrong\u003e\"日本銀行券\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Nippon Ginkō-ken \/ \"Bank of Japan Note\") appears across the top, identifying the issuing authority. The denomination \u003cstrong\u003e\"壱圓\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Ichi Yen \/ \"One Yen\") is prominently displayed at the center in traditional Japanese script, with the numeral \u003cstrong\u003e\"1\"\u003c\/strong\u003e appearing in ornate cartouches at both upper corners. A \u003cstrong\u003erooster\u003c\/strong\u003e is depicted at the lower left, perched proudly atop a mound — symbolizing dawn, renewal, vigilance, and the new beginning of post-war Japan. The \u003cstrong\u003eImperial Chrysanthemum Seal (菊紋)\u003c\/strong\u003e appears at the top center, while two \u003cstrong\u003ered official seals (印章)\u003c\/strong\u003e of the Bank of Japan are prominently displayed at the lower left, authenticating the note. The vertical text \u003cstrong\u003e\"日本銀行\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Nippon Ginkō \/ \"Bank of Japan\") runs along the left edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReverse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Displays an elegant ornamental design featuring the denomination \u003cstrong\u003e\"1 YEN\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in Western Latin script, flanked by the bold numeral \u003cstrong\u003e\"1\"\u003c\/strong\u003e on each side. The Japanese characters \u003cstrong\u003e\"日本銀行兌換券\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Nippon Ginkō Dakan-ken \/ \"Bank of Japan Convertible Note\") appear at the top, with \u003cstrong\u003e\"壱圓\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Ichi Yen \/ \"One Yen\") prominently displayed at the center in traditional Japanese script. The intricate \u003cstrong\u003eguilloché security patterns\u003c\/strong\u003e surrounding the central design are rendered in deep blue-green ink and feature elaborate scrollwork, anthemion motifs, and lathe-engraved details characteristic of mid-20th-century Bank of Japan banknote production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Japan 1 Yen 1946 banknote carries profound historical and cultural weight, combining numismatic appeal with deep ties to one of the most transformative periods in modern Japanese history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNinomiya Sontoku (1787–1856):\u003c\/strong\u003e Born into a peasant family in Sagami Province (modern Kanagawa Prefecture), \u003cstrong\u003eNinomiya Sontoku is one of the most revered figures in Japanese history\u003c\/strong\u003e — a self-taught agricultural reformer, moral philosopher, and economist whose teachings on hard work, frugality, repayment of debts (both financial and spiritual), and rural revitalization fundamentally shaped modern Japanese values:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeveloped the \"Hōtoku\" (報徳) philosophy\u003c\/strong\u003e — a system of agricultural and economic reform combining Confucian, Shinto, and Buddhist principles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRevitalized hundreds of failing villages\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout 19th-century Japan through his reform programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePioneered cooperative agricultural lending and savings programs\u003c\/strong\u003e, which became foundational models for modern Japanese credit unions and rural banking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBecame the subject of one of the most famous statues in Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e — the iconic image of young Ninomiya carrying firewood on his back while reading a book, displayed in front of nearly every elementary school in pre-war Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHis teachings influenced generations of Japanese business leaders\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the founders of major corporations like Toyota, Panasonic, and Honda\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePost-WWII Japan (1946):\u003c\/strong\u003e This note was issued in \u003cstrong\u003e1946\u003c\/strong\u003e, the first full year of the \u003cstrong\u003eAllied Occupation of Japan (1945–1952)\u003c\/strong\u003e under General Douglas MacArthur and the \u003cstrong\u003eSupreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is one of the earliest banknotes of the \u003cstrong\u003epost-war monetary reform era\u003c\/strong\u003e, issued as Japan grappled with hyperinflation, food shortages, demilitarization, and the rebuilding of every aspect of its society. The choice of Ninomiya Sontoku as the portrait — a figure representing \u003cstrong\u003ehard work, frugality, and rural revival\u003c\/strong\u003e — was deeply intentional, providing the Japanese public with a moral and cultural anchor as the nation rebuilt from the ashes of war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe 1946 currency reform also saw Japan introduce new banknote designs to replace the \u003cstrong\u003emilitaristic imagery\u003c\/strong\u003e of wartime currency, which had featured generals, samurai, and imperial themes. The new Series A banknotes — including this 1 Yen — emphasized \u003cstrong\u003escholars, philosophers, and peaceful cultural figures\u003c\/strong\u003e, signaling a clear ideological shift toward democratization and rebuilding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rooster Symbolism:\u003c\/strong\u003e The prominent rooster depicted on the obverse carries deep meaning in Japanese culture. The rooster (酉 \/ tori) symbolizes \u003cstrong\u003edawn, vigilance, courage, and renewal\u003c\/strong\u003e — a powerful image for a nation rebuilding after WWII. In Japanese folklore, roosters are also associated with \u003cstrong\u003eAmaterasu, the sun goddess\u003c\/strong\u003e, and are considered messengers of the gods at Shinto shrines. Including the rooster on the first post-war 1 Yen note was a quiet but meaningful statement: Japan was awakening to a new dawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bank of Japan (Nippon Ginko):\u003c\/strong\u003e Founded in \u003cstrong\u003e1882\u003c\/strong\u003e during the Meiji Restoration, the \u003cstrong\u003eBank of Japan (日本銀行 \/ Nippon Ginkō)\u003c\/strong\u003e is Japan's central bank and one of the oldest central banks in Asia. Headquartered in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district in a magnificent Western-style building designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, the Bank of Japan holds sole authority to issue Japanese currency. Notes bearing the Bank of Japan's authority — particularly post-war issues like this 1946 1 Yen — represent the financial heritage of one of the most consequential and historically resilient economies in modern world history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDemonetized \u0026amp; Discontinued Status:\u003c\/strong\u003e As an early post-war issue, the 1946 1 Yen note is \u003cstrong\u003eno longer in active circulation\u003c\/strong\u003e and has been functionally demonetized through decades of currency reform, denomination changes, and the issuance of modern Japanese yen notes. The discontinued status and historical context make these notes highly desirable for collectors of post-war Japanese currency, Asian numismatics, and World War II era memorabilia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Shōwa Era (昭和):\u003c\/strong\u003e This note was issued during the reign of \u003cstrong\u003eEmperor Shōwa (Hirohito)\u003c\/strong\u003e (1926–1989), the longest-reigning monarch in Japanese history. The Shōwa Era spanned both the militaristic pre-war and wartime periods and the dramatic post-war reconstruction and economic miracle — making notes from this era tangible artifacts of one of the most consequential reigns in 20th-century world history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis historic post-war Japanese banknote is securely housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly mounted within a \u003cstrong\u003ewood display frame with a black matted background\u003c\/strong\u003e, ready for immediate display on a desk, shelf, mantel, or wall. The framed setup protects the fragile vintage paper while allowing full visibility of its design, Ninomiya Sontoku portrait, Japanese calligraphy, Imperial Chrysanthemum seal, Bank of Japan seals, and rooster imagery. As with all MetalStacks offerings, the note has been carefully handled and verified for authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBecause only one example is available, the exact note shown — including its individual condition and authentic post-war wear patterns — is the note you will receive. Please note that condition reflects authentic 80-year-old circulation wear and is part of what makes this artifact a genuine survivor of the immediate post-WWII era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor additional details or collector inquiries, please contact MetalStacks at \u003cstrong\u003e(561) 529-3001\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metalstacks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48148532986101,"sku":"MS1YENJPN19462CAT14","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/4444\/9781\/files\/MSSTACK4-1_7_966b0aba-e6ff-49cf-8e3b-0c1991ba1043.png?v=1778786818","url":"https:\/\/metalstacks.net\/products\/japan-1-yen-banknote-series-1946-ninomiya-sontoku-bank-of-japan","provider":"Metalstacks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}