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Japanese Government Issues Commemorative Coins for the Centennial of the National Park Network
Numismatists and outdoor enthusiasts alike are excited about this small-scale government program to raise awareness of Japan's beautiful, protected natural resources.
What’s new: The year 2031 will mark the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the National Parks Act. For this reason, the government has decided to issue commemorative coins. The design of the coins will depict the natural environment of all 34 national parks in Japan. The first coins to be issued will show the nature and some of the animals of the three national parks in Okinawa Prefecture.
Go deeper: The animals are the Iriomote wildcat in Iriomote-Ishigaki Iriomote-Shikiko National Park (西表石垣国立公園), the green turtle in Kerama Islands Keramasoto National Park (慶良間諸島国立公園), and the Okinawa rail in Yambaru National Park (やんばる国立公園). All three have been drawn in beautiful color.
Why it matters: Japan's national park system is diverse, well-maintained, and contains some of the country's most beautiful places. Most are also easily accessible. This campaign will help raise awareness of some of Japan's protected natural resources.
By the numbers: While a modest program, it's still a pretty penny!
Although the face value of each coin will be only 1,000 yen (US $6.81), each coin will cost 13,800 yen (about US $94) during the official roll-out sale. The Japan Mint will only sell 40,000 of each type of coin. Those who wish to receive them can apply beginning at midnight on May 14, 2024.
Assuming there will be one coin for each national park, the government plans to sell a total of 552,000,000 yen ($3.8 million) of these special coins.
About five types of commemorative coins will be issued each year until 2031.
What’s next: While the multi-year rollout of the remaining coins can certainly be characterized as a slow burn, it is bound to generate some excitement among numismatists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Who knows? Since the supply is limited, speculation on these coins may yield a handsome return. Why not get started this spring and collect all 34!
Link to Japanese Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k10014340241000/k10014340241000.html
#nationalparks #numismatist #numismatics #Mint #国立公園 #古銭学者 #貨幣学者 #造幣局
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Unveiling the Real Japan: An American Expat's Inside Look | Hot takes, commentary, and unfiltered insights on life as a foreigner in Japan.
Japan needs to expand the areas of national parks similar to the UK. There are plenty of places that still need protection from development.
Mark, you're always publishing stories and bringing forward information I don't see elsewhere. Very interesting - and thank you very much!