The country’s largest coin has something to say to you.
The 500-yen coin just feels special. Large and weighty, it’s also one of the highest-value coins in the world (its current value is about US$4.42, but in times of more stable exchange rates it hovers closer to five bucks). Even cooler, it’s got a pair of hidden messages, one on each side.
We’ve touched on this before, and thanks to enterprising Imgur user m4n031, there’s a handy guide to spot the tiny, tiny lettering. As shown above, one face of the coin proudly displays its value in numerals…
…but if you look closely…
…each digit also contains two letters. The 5 has an N and an I…
…the first zero two Ps…
…and the final zero an O and an N…
…spelling out “Nippon,” one of the names for Japan in the Japanese language, and specifically the one used by Nippon Ginko (the Bank of Japan), the branch of the government that issues legal tender.
But the 500-yen coin still has more to say. Flip it over to the other side…
…and hidden among the blossoms and vines of the metallic flora are once again letters spelling out Nippon.
▼ The letters are clustered around the center of the design.
The pair of messages is another sign that Japan loves to put thought into little details, and also shows that while you can have fun with a massive stack of yen, you can find some amusement in just a single coin too.
Sources: Imgur/m4n031 (1, 2), Reddit
Top image ©RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Follow Casey on Twitter, before it’s only a matter of time until he parts ways with the 500-yen coin at the top of this article in order to obtain taiyaki or manga.
[ Read in Japanese ]
Japan unveils beautiful new yen coins for Tokyo Olympics, needs your help picking the best design
In Japan, one yen coins don’t get picked up by strangers in public – they multiply instead
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Elderly Kyoto man detained by police for three hours because of hammer in his car
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japanese dating site’s picture of ideally attractive woman: young, no sleeves, college education
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply