100 Yen Coin: Japan's Versatile Currency

Introduction

The 100 yen coin is an iconic part of Japanese currency. It is a versatile coin that is used for a wide variety of purposes. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and uses of the 100 yen coin.

History

The 100 yen coin was first introduced in 1953. It was made of silver and was worth about US$1.00 at the time. The coin was redesigned in 1967 and again in 2005. The current design features a cherry blossom on the obverse and the denomination on the reverse.

Design

The 100 yen coin is made of cupronickel, which is an alloy of copper and nickel. The coin has a diameter of 22.6 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm. The weight of the coin is 4.8 grams.

Uses

The 100 yen coin is used for a wide variety of purposes in Japan. It is used to pay for goods and services, as well as to operate vending machines. The coin is also used in a number of traditional Japanese games.

Vending Machines

The 100 yen coin is the most common coin used in Japanese vending machines. Vending machines in Japan sell a wide variety of products, including food, drinks, and toys.

Traditional Games

The 100 yen coin is used in a number of traditional Japanese games. These games include:

• Pachinko: A pinball-like game where players use 100 yen coins to shoot balls into a pachinko machine.
• Shogi: A strategy board game where players use 100 yen coins to move their pieces.
• Go: A strategy board game where players use 100 yen coins to place their stones on the board.

Economic Impact

The 100 yen coin is an important part of the Japanese economy. The coin is used in a wide variety of transactions, and it helps to facilitate the flow of goods and services. The 100 yen coin also helps to promote economic growth by encouraging people to spend money.

Statistics from the Bank of Japan

• In 2020, there were approximately 10 billion 100 yen coins in circulation.
• The total value of 100 yen coins in circulation was approximately 1 trillion yen.
• The 100 yen coin is the most commonly used coin in Japan.

New Applications

The 100 yen coin can be used in a variety of new applications. These applications include:

• Coin-operated lockers: 100 yen coins can be used to operate coin-operated lockers in train stations and other public places.
• Self-service kiosks: 100 yen coins can be used to operate self-service kiosks in convenience stores and other retail establishments.
• Smartphones: 100 yen coins can be used to make small payments on smartphones.

Conclusion

The 100 yen coin is a versatile and important part of Japanese currency. The coin is used for a wide variety of purposes, and it has a significant impact on the Japanese economy. As technology continues to develop, the 100 yen coin will likely find new and innovative applications.