4650) "Centenary Anniversary of the Showa Era", Japan: The Mint of Japan has issued 1000 Yen Silver Proof and Colour Coins to mark the Anniversary: Date/Year of Coin issue: 19.08.2026:
This year, Japan acknowledges the centenary anniversary of the longest imperial reign since the change to hereditary Imperial rule.
Prior to this system of government established in 1867, Japan was ruled by a hereditary military dictatorship that held absolute power from 1603 to 1867.
A pivotal figure is Emperor Shōwa, given name of Hirohito who reigned from 1926 and ending in 1989, the longest era in modern Japanese history lasting 62 years and which the Japanese nation commemorates this year.
The Shōwa era remains central to Japan’s modern identity.
Remembered as a time of hardship, resilience, and extraordinary transformation, the Shōwa era saw Japan recover from devastating conditions with the conclusion of World War II, able to reinvent itself politically and socially while continuing to honour centuries-old traditions.
The first two decades of the Shōwa period were dominated by political turmoil and militarisation following the Great Depression.
Economic hardship led to the rise of ultra-nationalism which saw Japan aggressively invading Manchuria, a rich region in China, marking the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Japan’s humiliating defeat in World War II brought sweeping change.
For the first time in its history, the country was occupied by foreign powers under American leadership.
The Emperor’s role was transformed from divine sovereign to symbolic figurehead, while democratic institutions were introduced under a new constitution.
From 1947 onwards and with a new constitution defining the duties of the Emperor and the Imperial family, Japan became a significant economic powerhouse on the world stage during the remainder of the 20th century that saw rapid post-war economic growth and positioning itself as a primary source for global technological domination.
From the 1950s, Japan embarked on what came to be called the ‘Japanese Miracle’ as Industrial production boomed, cities modernised and the country emerged as one of the world’s leading economies.
Advances in technology, infrastructure and design also shaped a new global identity for the nation.
The Silver Coin:
The silver Proof and colour coins have been minted by the Mint of Japan at their facilities in Osaka on behalf of the Ministry of Japan.
The Reverse of the 1000 Yen Silver Proof and Colour Coin depicts in colour, a composition of the events representing the Shōwa era.
Featured is an image of the "Series 0 train" which operated along the Shinkansen lines until 2008.
Behind the train is the Tokyo radio and television tower, representing the technological advances.
To the right is a group of Japanese men and women in western clothing representative of the early 1930s and the start of the Shōwa era.
In the background is an expressway built over a river together with modern skyscrapers symbolising Japan's post-war reconstruction and dynamic economic growth.
To the right is a placard that depicts the official centenary anniversary logo 昭 和 100年 1926 - 2026. (Shōwa Era 100 Years 1926 - 2026).
Above the primary design along the upper periphery is the Japanese text - "日 本国 (Nippon koku)".
The Obverse of the 1000 Yen Silver Proof and Colour Coin features an image of Mount Fuji, a national natural landmark, centred together with illustrations of sakura blossoms at its foot, and against the mountain backdrop, three doves, symbolising peace.
The design is intentionally reminiscent of Japan’s 1000 yen silver commemorative coin issued to mark the XVIII Olympiad held in Tokyo in 1964, the first Olympic Games hosted in Asia and officiated by Emperor Shōwa.
Above the primary design along the upper periphery is the Japanese text - "昭 和 百 年" ("Centennial of the Shōwa Era)".
Below the image of Mount Fuji is the text denoting "HIM Naruhito’s era" and year of issue - "令 和 8 年" ("year 8 of Reiwa Era") equating to 2026.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Mintage Limit
1000 Yen .999 Silver 31.1 g. 40 mm. Proof & Colour 40,000
Each silver Proof and colour coin will be encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity in Japanese and English text.
Links to interesting posts on Coins & Banknotes of Japan:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
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DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented: ·
ReplyDelete"Thanks for sharing this informative post,"
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