What is the Japanese yen?

This article provides basic information regarding the Japanese yen: denominations currently in use, typical exchange rates, and more. Japan uses the Japanese yen, with the international symbol being ¥. Currently, there are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen banknotes in circulation.

When did yen become a currency?

The issuance of yen banknotes began in 1872, two years after the currency was introduced. Denominations have ranged from 1 yen to 10,000 yen; since 1984, the lowest-valued banknote is the 1,000 yen note. Before and during World War II, various bodies issued banknotes in yen, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Imperial Japanese National Bank.

What is a yen currency?

The yen is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar and the euro. The yen, which means "round object" or "circle" in Japanese, comes in four denominations of bills while coins come in six denominations. Coins were first minted in 1870. They feature images such as flowers, trees, temples, and rice.