Japanology Plus: Season 2019, Episode 24

2019 - 24: Banknotes

Japan's paper money incorporates some of the most advanced security features in the world, including pin-sharp watermarks, and microscopic text. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is banknotes. Researcher Takashi Uemura, a former employee of what is now known as the National Printing Bureau, tells us why cash is still the payment method of choice for most Japanese shoppers. And in Plus One, Matt Alt learns about the elaborate envelopes that are used to gift money on special occasions.