Notes
banknote 紙幣, 銀行券;
portrait 肖像;
featured 描かれる;
tetanus 破傷風;
numeral 数字;
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Japan has new banknotes for the first time in 20 years. The portraits on the new bills have changed: The ¥10,000 bill now features Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the “father of Japanese capitalism.” He was a business leader who helped start about 500 companies and organizations. The ¥5,000 bill now features Umeko Tsuda, a pioneer for women’s education in Japan. She started a women’s college called Joshi Eigaku Juku (now Tsuda University) and was one of the first female students sent to the U.S. by the Japanese government. The ¥1,000 bill now features Shibasaburo Kitasato, who found a way to treat tetanus and discovered the plague bacillus. He also started the Institute for Infectious Diseases and the Kitasato Institute.
The new banknotes have larger Western numerals in the center to make them easier for tourists to recognize.
Many people are happy about the new banknotes, but some businesses are worried. They need to update ATMs, vending machines, and other equipment, which may cost a lot of money.
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