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Learn about the Japanese Yen (JPY), its symbol ¥, and its role as the official currency of Japan. Get currency info, exchange rates, and detailed insights.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency of Japan. Introduced in 1871, it is the third most traded currency in the world, following the U.S. Dollar (USD) and the Euro (EUR). The yen plays a central role in global finance and trade, particularly in Asia. It is often considered a safe-haven currency during times of global economic uncertainty.
Economic Position: Japan is the third-largest economy in the world, with major industries in technology, automobiles, electronics, and finance.
Key Drivers: Japan’s economy is driven by advanced technology, automotive manufacturing, consumer electronics, robotics, and global exports.
Global Trade: The yen is widely used in international trade and is a key currency in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also one of the most commonly held reserve currencies worldwide.
Memberships: Japan is part of the WTO, IMF, World Bank, G7, and G20.
Imports and Exports: Imports include energy resources such as oil and natural gas, as well as raw materials. Exports are led by automobiles, electronics, precision machinery, and technology products.
Economic Outlook: The yen is considered stable and often strengthens during times of global uncertainty, reflecting Japan’s status as a safe-haven economy.
The Japanese Yen was introduced in 1871, replacing the complex Tokugawa-era monetary system. Initially pegged to silver, it later shifted to the gold standard. After World War II, the yen was fixed to the U.S. Dollar under the Bretton Woods system until 1971, when it transitioned to a floating exchange rate. Since then, it has become one of the world’s leading reserve and trading currencies.
Symbol
¥
Nicknames
None
ISO 4217 Code
JPY
Central Bank
Bank of Japan (BoJ)
Subunits
Sen = 1/100 (not used in practice)
Denominations
Banknotes: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 / Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500
Usage
Used exclusively in Japan. It is also widely held as a reserve currency and commonly used in global foreign exchange markets.
Peg/Floating System
Free-floating