How to Identify Counterfeit Japanese Yen

The Bank of Japan has equipped yen notes with various security features to counter forgery. Understanding these features is key to identifying counterfeit yen. Let’s go through the prominent security features that will help you recognize genuine banknotes:

1. Watermark

A watermark is one of the most straightforward ways to verify the authenticity of Japanese yen banknotes.

• Hold the note up to a light source. You should be able to see a watermark of a portrait that matches the printed one on the note. For example, on a ¥1,000 note, the portrait of Hideyo Noguchi should be visible as a watermark.
• The watermark appears with varying shades of light and dark, creating a three-dimensional effect, making it challenging for counterfeiters to replicate.

2. Holographic Image (¥5,000 and ¥10,000 Notes)

Higher denomination notes, such as ¥5,000 and ¥10,000, are equipped with a holographic image for additional protection.

• This hologram changes its appearance when tilted, displaying a vibrant, shifting pattern.
• For example, the ¥10,000 note features a holographic image of Yukichi Fukuzawa that changes colour depending on the angle of view.

3. Intaglio Printing (Raised Printing)

Japanese yen notes use intaglio printing, a process where ink is pressed into the paper to create raised areas.

• You can feel these raised prints by running your fingers over specific areas, such as the denomination numbers or the portrait.
• The texture of intaglio printing gives the notes a distinct tactile feel, which counterfeit notes often fail to reproduce accurately.

4. Pearl Ink

The Bank of Japan uses a special pearl ink on some parts of the banknote, especially on higher denominations.

• The ink gives the banknotes an iridescent shine when held at an angle.
• For example, on the ¥10,000 note, the numbers in the bottom right corner change colour with movement due to the pearl ink.

5. Latent Images

Latent images are hidden features that are only visible when viewing the note from a specific angle.

• On Japanese yen, the number representing the note’s denomination becomes visible when you tilt the note horizontally.
• This feature helps confirm authenticity, especially when other security features are unclear.

6. Microprinting

Japanese yen banknotes contain tiny texts that are difficult to replicate.

• Under magnification, look at the denomination number or other decorative patterns. You will see microprinted words like “NIPPON GINKO” (Bank of Japan).
• Counterfeiters often fail to reproduce such fine details accurately, leading to smudging or a lack of clarity in counterfeit notes.

7. Security Thread

All Japanese yen notes have a security thread embedded vertically through the paper.

• When held up to the light, this security thread appears as a dark line running from top to bottom.
• The thread will contain visible text with the denomination value and “NIPPON GINKO” in an alternating pattern.

8. Luminescent Ink

Some parts of the Japanese yen banknotes are printed with luminescent ink that glows under ultraviolet (UV) light.

• Use a UV light to check the note—certain areas will fluoresce, revealing otherwise invisible patterns or numbers.
• Genuine yen banknotes will have specific glowing features that counterfeiters often miss or fail to replicate.