From manga to national treasures: Japan may mint anime-themed coins to showcase pop culture
Japan’s Finance Ministry is considering issuing commemorative coins that showcase anime and manga characters alongside national treasures, in a bid to promote Japanese culture and diversify revenue sources, Kyodo reports.
Currently, the currency law restricts coin designs to themes of national interest, such as imperial events or the Olympics. A revision would be required to allow cultural motifs like anime.
The initiative would mirror international practices. For instance, Britain has released collectible coins featuring Harry Potter and John Lennon, while France minted a coin with Hello Kitty.
If approved, Japan’s move could further cement its global reputation as a cultural powerhouse, blending tradition with modern creativity.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the Japan Mint had begun producing commemorative silver coins to mark the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Nagoya later this year.