Japanese Banknotes

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One of the neatest collectible currencies in the world is Japanese Hansatsu. These banknotes were issued during the Edo Period (1603-1868), but there are similar designs issued before the Edo period and after the Edo period, during the Meiji Restoration, which restored Imperial Rule to Japan.

During the period of Japanese history from 1185-1603, Japan was ruled by the Emperor, but his power was not absolute. In reality, Japan was actually controlled by powerful Daimyo, (feudal lords) and Shoguns (warlords). This period has been divided up into separate periods of rule based on who was in control at the time.

After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu became the supreme ruler over Japan. He organized all the Daimyo's into around 300 Han, a type of fief, or domain, from which he demanded loyalty. Those who were his enemies had their houses destroyed and their lands taken. Those who were loyal, he granted powerful positions to in the Han's.

The Han's were able to produce what were called Han-Satsu, a type of  banknote similar to notes issued previously by private issuers, but had since been removed from circulation. Hansatsu were issued in the different han's and they circulated primarily within the han they were issued in, though there were a few exceptions. Hansatsu were based on the gold, silver and copper coinage of the time, but there were a few that that were to be exchanged for commodities such as rice and fish. In 1707 the controlling Tokugawa Shogunate banned the use of paper money, due to abuses of the system. However, in 1730, the practice of issuing Hansatsu was officially resumed.

When Tokugawa Yoshinobu resigned in 1867, the result was the Boshin War in January of 1868, in which the Shogunates forces were defeated and the Emperor declared himself to be restored to power. This period is known as the Meiji Restoration. At this time the government began an exchange program for people to turn in their Hansatsu for the new national currency called the Dajoukansatsu, which was the first banknote issued by a central government in Japan. This was met with reluctance, however, and the exchange ran until 1879.

Below are some noted from my personal collection. These notes are from the Edo Period and are typical Hansatsu notes. As I do not read Japanese, the translations are not complete. I have had to base my identification of these notes from the information I could obtain from the seller, or from other sources in books or on the Internet. Unfortunately, I have not come across a detailed description of these notes in English, and have often had to rely on sources in French or Polish - there is undoubtedly something lost in the translation at some point. Any assistance in the identification or translation of these notes will be greatly appreciated.

	1 Silver Monme 1863

1 Silver Monme Issued by the Shibamura Han in theYamato - Washu Province   Issued in the  Enkyo (Edo) era year 2 Kinoto-ushi   1745

	1 Silver Momme Issued in the Kyoho era year 15 Kanoe-inu 1730

1 Silver Monme Undetermined era and date

	1 Silver Monme Issued in the Tenpo era year 9 1838

1 Silver Monme Issued in the Keio era year 2 hinoe - tora 1866

	1 Monme Issued in the Keio era year  1865

1 Silver Monme Issued in the Keio era Year 1865-1867

	1 Silver Monme Issued in the Koka era year 4 Hinoto-Hitsuji 1847

1 Silver Monme Issued in the Keio era year 1 Nana Meguri Hanchi-ko Mura 1865

	1 Silver Monme Issued during the Bunkyu era, year 4 Hyogo Prefecture of Kasai  1863

3 Silver Bu Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu 1730

	3 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu Nagasawa, Kawachi (Osaka) 1730

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