2004 (2011) Japan 1000 Yen Banknote – Hideyo Noguchi & Mount Fuji Reflections
Pick# 104d | Numista# 202070
Issued by the Bank of Japan, this 1000 Yen note belongs to the Series E and features a brown serial number with double-letter prefix—a sought-after variant prized for its aesthetic refinement and tribute to scientific legacy. This note bridges tradition and modernity, showcasing Japan’s reverence for knowledge and natural beauty.
🖼️ Design Highlights
Obverse: Portrait of Hideyo Noguchi, the pioneering bacteriologist whose research on yellow fever earned global acclaim. His image honors Japan’s contributions to science and medicine. The note includes bilingual inscriptions in Kanji and Roman characters, with microtext security woven into the design.
Reverse: A serene view of Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Motosu, based on the iconic photograph “Kohan no Haru” by Okada Kōyō. Cherry blossoms frame the scene, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting beauty of life.
Color Scheme: Multicolor print with dominant blue and violet tones, enhanced by latent images, pearl ink, and intricate microprinting.
📌 Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Japan
Issuer Bank of Japan
Year of Issue ND (2004–2019)
Denomination 1000 Yen
Pick Number P# 104d
Printer National Printing Bureau
Size 150 × 76 mm
Material Cotton-based paper with advanced security layers
Watermark Portrait of Hideyo Noguchi
Serial Format Brown ink, double-letter prefix
Security Features Microprinting, latent images, tactile bars, watermark, EURion constellation
Demonetized No – still legal tender
🎁 Why Collect This Note?
The P-104d variant with brown serial and double-letter prefix is a standout in modern Japanese numismatics, ideal for:
Collectors of science-themed or nature-inspired currency
Admirers of Mount Fuji and Japanese landscape art
Gifts for those in medical fields or born during the Heisei era
Fans of Japan’s blend of innovation and tradition
Whether you're building a Japan-specific collection or curating notes that celebrate global scientific figures, this banknote offers elegance, symbolism, and enduring value.
