JAPAN Forward 
As 2024 comes to an end, JAPAN Forward has picked up five top trending words to reflect some of the year's main stories with our readers.
Previously we looked at No 5, No Memorable Quote (名言が残せなかった). Next, we recalled the trending word No 4, 50-50, a nod to the historic achievement of baseball star Shohei Ohtani.
Today, we look at trending word No 3, a new development in Japanese finance.
Third of 5 in a series
No 3: 'New Banknotes' (新紙幣)
Japan released new banknotes in July 2024, the first update in more than two decades. The new notes feature 3D hologram technology to combat counterfeiting.
They replaced figures like Hideyo Noguchi (¥1,000), Ichiyo Higuchi (¥5,000), and Yukichi Fukuzawa (¥10,000) with Shibasaburo Kitasato, Umeko Tsuda, and Eiichi Shibusawa.
Covering the Trend
Veteran contributor Peter Tasker took us on a trip on the history of banknotes, and the background of Shibusawa, considered sometimes "the greatest venture capitalist of modern times."
Like with all new technologies, came debates during its implementation. With small businesses highly dependent on cash, many wondered how they would be affected by the new banknotes.
This expression was about a change in finance, reflecting the history of a country. Another expression on everyone's lips came from the realm of politics. That's next.
Check back for Trending Word No 2 on our list.
Continues in: Japan's Trending Words in Our 2024 Stories:
Hidden Money Scandal (裏金問題)
Follow the series Trending Words in Our 2024 Stories.
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The Best of Japan Forward 2024: Read the series
Author: JAPAN Forward
