The new yen banknotes (2024+) in 2026: what every visitor should know
⚡ 30-Second Answer: New banknotes issued July 3, 2024: ¥10,000 (Shibusawa Eiichi), ¥5,000 (Tsuda Umeko), ¥1,000 (Kitasato Shibasaburo). Old notes remain valid — mixing is fine. Some vending machines, old ticket dispensers, and unstaffed hotel kiosks may not yet accept the new notes, but major ATMs, convenience stores, and chains all accept both. Tourists: either old or new is fine.
Quick Reference Value Issue date July 3, 2024 ¥10,000 new Shibusawa Eiichi ¥5,000 new Tsuda Umeko ¥1,000 new Kitasato Shibasaburo Old notes valid Still accepted Last verified June 2026
Japan rolled out new ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000 banknotes in July 2024, featuring updated portraits and security features. Both old and new banknotes are valid currency, but some older vending machines and small shops still don't accept the new design — a "new bill rejection" pattern that should slowly fade through 2027. ATMs, major retailers, and konbini accept both designs without issue.
TL;DR
- Both old and new yen are valid — Bank of Japan accepts all designs since 1885.
- Some vending machines reject new bills — try a different one or use IC card / coins.
- Major retailers and ATMs accept both.
- Trend: rejection rate ~5% in 2025, ~3% in 2026, declining.
Who's on the new banknotes?
| Denomination | Old portrait | New portrait |
|---|---|---|
| ¥10,000 | Yukichi Fukuzawa | Eiichi Shibusawa |
| ¥5,000 | Ichiyō Higuchi | Umeko Tsuda |
| ¥1,000 | Hideyo Noguchi | Shibasaburō Kitasato |
The ¥2,000 banknote (rare) and all coin denominations are unchanged.
Will my old yen still work?
Yes — without restriction. Bank of Japan honors all banknotes issued since 1885 (rare exception: pre-1946 wartime currency).
The "rejection" issue applies only to vending machines and some self-service kiosks that haven't been updated to accept the new design.
Where might rejection happen?
- Older vending machines (parking, water, snacks)
- Self-service kiosks at small restaurants
- Coin-operated services (lockers, laundry)
- Some retail registers at small family shops
ATMs at Seven Bank, Japan Post Bank, and major bank ATMs all accept both designs. Major retail registers at Mitsukoshi, Bic Camera, etc., all accept both.
What if a vending machine rejects my new bill?
Three options:
- Try a different vending machine
- Use an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) instead
- Use coins
For most travelers, this is a minor inconvenience that comes up 0–2 times per trip.
What this means for your trip
- ✅ Both old and new yen work at ATMs and major retailers.
- ✅ Carry small bills (¥1,000) and coins for vending machines that may reject ¥10,000.
- ✅ Top up Suica with cash or card instead of relying on vending.
- ⚠️ Don't worry about rejection at major retailers — they all accept both.
See also
Last verified 2026-05-07.