1945 Japan 10 Yen Banknote – Final Wartime Imperial Issue (Pick# 77a) A bold WWII-era note issued by the Empire of Japan, featuring patriotic architecture and symbolic design during the final year of conflict.

Historical Context

The 1945 10 Yen note (Pick# 77a) was issued in the closing months of World War II, as Japan faced severe economic strain, resource shortages, and impending defeat. This note replaced coinage and earlier paper issues, serving as a practical solution for daily transactions in a collapsing wartime economy.

Released in the 20th year of the Shōwa era (1945), it reflects Japan’s continued use of imperial imagery and nationalistic themes even as the empire neared surrender. It circulated briefly before the Allied occupation began later that year.


Design Features

Obverse: Printed in black ink over a green and brown underprint, the note features the Bank of Japan headquarters building, symbolizing financial authority and national resilience. The denomination “10 Yen” appears in Japanese script and Western numerals, with ornate framing and the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal at top center.

Reverse: Displays a stylized phoenix in flight, rendered in green ink, representing rebirth and imperial continuity.

Color Scheme: Black on green and brown (obverse); green (reverse), with intricate linework and traditional motifs.


Specifications & Corner Data
Feature Description
Pick Number P-77a
Denomination 10 Yen
Issuing Authority Empire of Japan
Year of Issue 1945 (Shōwa 20)
Material Paper
Size Approx. 140 × 76 mm
Printer Japanese Government Printing Bureau
Watermark None
Security Features None
Reverse Printed with phoenix design
Languages Used Japanese
Block Variant #50 (common)


Collector Appeal

This note is ideal for:

WWII and Pacific War collectors
Historians of Japanese wartime finance
Exhibits on imperial symbolism and economic collapse

Its architectural imagery and wartime issuance make it a compelling artifact from Japan’s final year of imperial currency.