Japanese Hansatsu

Explore the Exotic Japanese Hansatsu Banknotes of Old Japan

Welcome to the world of Japanese Hansatsu!

These fascinating banknotes are from a long ago era, when things were not at all as they are today. Through the Hansatsu notes you can glimpse into the past of an exotic land that was just coming out of its seclusion. Strange denominations and ancient deities often make their showing, but only the ardent student of Japanese culture would ever be able to fully decipher the many things hidden in plain sight on these remarkable notes. Still, we take a peak into the hidden meanings of Hansatsu. 

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One of the neatest collectible currencies in the world is Japanese Hansatsu. These banknotes were issued during the Edo Period (1603-1868), but there are similar designs issued before the Edo period and after the Edo period, during the Meiji Restoration, which restored Imperial Rule to Japan.

During the period of Japanese history from 1185-1603, Japan was ruled by the Emperor, but his power was not absolute. In reality, Japan was actually controlled by powerful Daimyo, (feudal lords) and Shoguns (warlords). This period has been divided up into separate periods of rule based on who was in control at the time.

After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu became the supreme ruler over Japan. He organized all the Daimyo’s into around 300 Han, a type of fief, or domain, from which he demanded loyalty. Those who were his enemies had their houses destroyed and their lands taken. Those who were loyal, he granted powerful positions to in the Han’s.

The Han’s were able to produce what were called Han-Satsu, a type of banknote similar to notes issued previously by private issuers, but had since been removed from circulation. Hansatsu were issued in the different han’s and they circulated primarily within the han they were issued in, though there were a few exceptions. Hansatsu were based on the gold, silver and copper coinage of the time, but there were a few that that were to be exchanged for commodities such as rice and fish. In 1707 the controlling Tokugawa Shogunate banned the use of paper money, due to abuses of the system. However, in 1730, the practice of issuing Hansatsu was officially resumed.

When Tokugawa Yoshinobu resigned in 1867, the result was the Boshin War in January of 1868, in which the Shogunates forces were defeated and the Emperor declared himself to be restored to power. This period is known as the Meiji Restoration. At this time the government began an exchange program for people to turn in their Hansatsu for the new national currency called the Dajoukansatsu, which was the first banknote issued by a central government in Japan. This was met with reluctance, however, and the exchange ran until 1879.

Hansatsu notes are vertically printed and narrow, which has garnered them the nickname of ‘Bookmark Notes’ by some collectors. The notes have many different designs and motifs, and are usually filled with the Japanese Kanji script both in printed and handwritten form. One of the more prevalent design features is that of a corpulent man standing on two barrel shaped rice bales, and carrying an oversized sack over his shoulder. These depictions are of the Daikokuten, one of the Shichi Fukujin, or the Seven Gods of Fortune. Originating from the Buddhist faith in India, where he was known as Mahakala and was a fierce warrior god. Towards the end of the fifth century, he was ensconced in Buddhism, and he made his way to Japan by the eighth century where, over time, he lost his fierce ways and became a chubby, happy man. Renamed Daikokuten, he adopted a magic mallet, a large treasure sack, bales of rice, and became the god of wealth, happiness, farming, and of course, good fortune. He rapidly grew into a favorite deity throughout Japan.

His association with agriculture has him depicted almost always standing or sitting on two rice bales. This has also made him a favorite deity for cooks and kitchens. Tradition also has it that the main pole in a house is often called the Daikokuten pole, meant to support the house with good fortune.

The oversized sack of treasure has in it three items, in abundance: Wealth, Wisdom and Patience.

The magical wooden mallet is said to be able to grant whatever wish you want when it is struck on the ground, and when shaken, coins will magically appear to fall out of it. The mallet contains a wish granting jewel, called the Hoju, that is a special symbol of power in Buddhism. The Hoju is said to be able to grant wishes, bring calm, and give understanding of the Dharma, or Buddhist law. The Dharma is also considered to be wealth in Buddhist teachings. The jewel has also been said to contain the sacred ashes of the Buddha himself. The mallet can also be seen with three jewels in a flame, or a single pointed flame.  The three jewels and flame are, along with rice, powerful fertility symbol. On Hansatsu notes, these jewels can most often be seen on the ends of the rice bales.

Daikokuten is sometimes depicted with three heads, and is then known as the Sanmen Daikoku, which is depicted to show him as the protector of the three Buddhist “Treasures”: Buddha himself, Law and Buddhist disciples. This depiction of him was quite popular during the Edo Period in Japan.

Below are some typical Hansatsu notes from my personal collection. As I do not read Japanese, the translations are not complete. I have had to base my identification of these notes from the information I could obtain from the seller, or from other sources in books or on the Internet. Unfortunately, I have not come across a detailed description of these notes in English, and have often had to rely on sources in French or Polish – there is undoubtedly something lost in the translation at some point. Any assistance in the identification or translation of these notes will be greatly appreciated.

Japan 500 Monme - No Date
Japan 500 Monme - No Date
Japan 500 Monme - No Date
Japan 500 Monme - No Date
3 Bu Bean denomination - 1863 redated 1865
3 Bu Bean denomination - 1863 redated 1865
3 Bu Bean denomination - 1863 redated 1865
3 Bu Bean denomination - 1863 redated 1865

Though faded, the back of this note shows Jurojin, one of the Shichifukujin and the god of wisdom and longevity. Its denomination was good for 3 Bu worth of beans, a type of commodity note.

1 Silver Monme - 1746 (Enkyo 3) Yoshu (Iyo no Kuni), Ozu Domain Issued by the Kato Han in Iyo Province.
1 Silver Monme - 1746 (Enkyo 3) Yoshu (Iyo no Kuni), Ozu Domain Issued by the Kato Han in Iyo Province.
1 Silver Monme - 1746 (Enkyo 3) Yoshu (Iyo no Kuni), Ozu Domain Issued by the Kato Han in Iyo Province.
1 Silver Monme - 1746 (Enkyo 3) Yoshu (Iyo no Kuni), Ozu Domain Issued by the Kato Han in Iyo Province.

This note features Benzaiten, one of the Shichifukujin, or 7 lucky gods. The only female of the group, she was often portrayed playing the Biwa, a stringed instrument similar to a lute in appearance.

Benten is the goddess of the arts, geishas, composers, designers, painters, sword makers and even gamblers. Benten is also an agricultural goddess who is called upon for rain and abundant harvests.

After the Han system of governance was ended in 1871, several areas were reorganized and this included the merging of prefectures, districts, towns and villages. Included in the merges going on were Chita District and Mukawa Districts becoming Nukata Prefecture.

Then in April,1872 Nagoya Prefecture had a name change to Aichi Prefecture. It is said that Aichi was named after a poem by Takechi Kurohito in his 3rd volume of “A Collection of 10,000 Leaves” or “Man-yoshu”:

 

The cry of a crane

Calling to Sakurada

It sounds like the tide

Draining from Ayuchi Flats,

Hearing the cry of the crane.

(The name Ayuchi is an older spelling of Aichi)

The next two Hansatsu were issued in Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village. There is no date, but given the naming convention, it must be 1872 or later.

1 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
1 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
1 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
3 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
3 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
3 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
3 Silver Monme - Circa 1872 Aichi prefecture, Chita city, Kami-Nomura Village
1 Silver Monme Issued by the Shibamura Han in the Yamamoto-Wahsu Province during the Enkyo (Edo) era, year 2 (Kinoto Ushi) - Western year 1745
1 Silver Monme Issued by the Shibamura Han in the Yamamoto-Wahsu Province during the Enkyo (Edo) era, year 2 (Kinoto Ushi) - Western year 1745
1 Silver Monme Issued by the Shibamura Han in the Yamamoto-Wahsu Province during the Enkyo (Edo) era, year 2 (Kinoto Ushi) - Western year 1745
1 Silver Monme Issued by the Shibamura Han in the Yamamoto-Wahsu Province during the Enkyo (Edo) era, year 2 (Kinoto Ushi) - Western year 1745
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 (Kanoe-inu) Western year 1730
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 (Kanoe-inu) Western year 1730
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 (Kanoe-inu) Western year 1730
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 (Kanoe-inu) Western year 1730
1 Silver Monme - Osaka Promissory Note - No Date Circulating Promissory Note for use within the port/ferry of the Buddhist temple Nakatsu.
1 Silver Monme - Osaka Promissory Note - No Date Circulating Promissory Note for use within the port/ferry of the Buddhist temple Nakatsu.
1 Silver Monme - Osaka Promissory Note - No Date Circulating Promissory Note for use within the port/ferry of the Buddhist temple Nakatsu.
1 Silver Monme - Osaka Promissory Note - No Date Circulating Promissory Note for use within the port/ferry of the Buddhist temple Nakatsu.
1 Silver Monme Issued in the Hyogo Province in the 1800's, featuring Hotei on the front top.
1 Silver Monme Issued in the Hyogo Province in the 1800's, featuring Hotei on the front top.
1 Silver Monme Issued in the Hyogo Province in the 1800's, featuring Hotei on the front top.
1 Silver Monme Issued in the Hyogo Province in the 1800's, featuring Hotei on the front top.
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Tenpo era - Western year 1838
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Tenpo era - Western year 1838
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Tenpo era - Western year 1838
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Tenpo era - Western year 1838
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 2 (Hinoe-Tora) - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 2 (Hinoe-Tora) - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 2 (Hinoe-Tora) - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 2 (Hinoe-Tora) - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme Genji Year 1 Yamato Karen Ja Temple - Western Year 1864
1 Silver Monme Genji Year 1 Yamato Karen Ja Temple - Western Year 1864
1 Silver Monme Genji Year 1 Yamato Karen Ja Temple - Western Year 1864
1 Silver Monme Genji Year 1 Yamato Karen Ja Temple - Western Year 1864
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865-1867
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865-1867
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865-1867
1 Monme Issued during the Keio era - Western year 1865-1867
1 Monme Issued during the Koka era, year 4 Hinoto-Hitsuji - Western year 1847
1 Monme Issued during the Koka era, year 4 Hinoto-Hitsuji - Western year 1847
1 Monme Issued during the Koka era, year 4 Hinoto-Hitsuji - Western year 1847
1 Monme Issued during the Koka era, year 4 Hinoto-Hitsuji - Western year 1847
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Koka era year 4 - Western year 1847 Variant
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Koka era year 4 - Western year 1847 Variant
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Koka era year 4 - Western year 1847 Variant
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Koka era year 4 - Western year 1847 Variant

The back of this note has three Hoju (Wish Granting Jewels) – compare to the note above.

1 Silver Monme Issued during the Ansei era - Western year 1854
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Ansei era - Western year 1854
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Ansei era - Western year 1854
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Ansei era - Western year 1854

This note from the Goshu Province depicts Jurojin with a deer and a staff. He is one of the 7 Lucky Gods, and he represents longevity.

1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 1 Nana Meguri Hanchi-ko Mura - Western year 1865
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 1 Nana Meguri Hanchi-ko Mura - Western year 1865
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 1 Nana Meguri Hanchi-ko Mura - Western year 1865
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Keio era year 1 Nana Meguri Hanchi-ko Mura - Western year 1865
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Bunkyu era, year 3 Hyogo Prefecture of Kasai - Western year 1863
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Bunkyu era, year 3 Hyogo Prefecture of Kasai - Western year 1863
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Bunkyu era, year 3 Hyogo Prefecture of Kasai - Western year 1863
1 Silver Monme Issued during the Bunkyu era, year 3 Hyogo Prefecture of Kasai - Western year 1863
Rare Silver 1 Monme 1836 (Tenpo 7). Issued in Yamato Province by Hatamoto Taga of the Soga Daifuku Ryomura. Direct Retainer to the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Rare Silver 1 Monme 1836 (Tenpo 7). Issued in Yamato Province by Hatamoto Taga of the Soga Daifuku Ryomura. Direct Retainer to the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Rare Silver 1 Monme 1836 (Tenpo 7). Issued in Yamato Province by Hatamoto Taga of the Soga Daifuku Ryomura. Direct Retainer to the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Rare Silver 1 Monme 1836 (Tenpo 7). Issued in Yamato Province by Hatamoto Taga of the Soga Daifuku Ryomura. Direct Retainer to the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Exchanged by Hirano-Ya Tatsunosuke.  Paper watermarked at top. This note debpicts a rare style of vignette for hansatsu: sun, moon, and stars vignette at the top front. The back features a horse at the top.

Rare 1856 (Ansei 3) Silver 1 Monme note. Issued in Hitachi Province, Mito Domain, - Mito-Tokugawa Han.
Rare 1856 (Ansei 3) Silver 1 Monme note. Issued in Hitachi Province, Mito Domain, - Mito-Tokugawa Han.
Rare 1856 (Ansei 3) Silver 1 Monme note. Issued in Hitachi Province, Mito Domain, - Mito-Tokugawa Han.
Rare 1856 (Ansei 3) Silver 1 Monme note. Issued in Hitachi Province, Mito Domain, - Mito-Tokugawa Han.

The note above features one of the Shichifukujin on the front: Fukurokuju, the god of Happiness (fuku), Riches (roku) and Longevity (ju). Sometimes confused with Jurogin because one of the associated animals is a deer, he is more readily distinguished by his elongated head, more than half his height, and often covered with a cloth or hood. Other animals which can accompany him are the snake, the stork and, in the bottom vignette, the tortoise.

The back of this note depicts a different god, Marishiten, with three heads, six arms and brandishing a variety of weapons while riding atop of a boar. The three heads and sets of arms is an indication that it is thought to be a combination of three gods/goddesses that were imported from India/China as Hinduism and Buddhism migrated to Japan.

Marishiten is not one of the Shichifukujin, but is a god of the Vajrayana sect of Buddhism and is a protector from evil, misfortune, theft, cures diseases and resolves arguments, among other things. In Japan this deity’s popularity was at it’s highest during the Edo period, but declined rapidly during the Meiji reform.

3 Silver Bu Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu - Western year 1730
3 Silver Bu Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu - Western year 1730
3 Silver Bu Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu - Western year 1730
3 Silver Bu Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu - Western year 1730
3 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu Nagasawa, Kawachi (Osaka) - Western Date 1730
3 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu Nagasawa, Kawachi (Osaka) - Western Date 1730
3 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu Nagasawa, Kawachi (Osaka) - Western Date 1730
3 Silver Monme Issued during the Kyoho era, year 15 Kanoe-inu Nagasawa, Kawachi (Osaka) - Western Date 1730
1 Silver Monme issued by the Yanagimoto Han in Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued during the Bunsei era, year 13 - Western year 1830
1 Silver Monme issued by the Yanagimoto Han in Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued during the Bunsei era, year 13 - Western year 1830
1 Silver Monme issued by the Yanagimoto Han in Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued during the Bunsei era, year 13 - Western year 1830
1 Silver Monme issued by the Yanagimoto Han in Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued during the Bunsei era, year 13 - Western year 1830
1 Silver Monme issued by the Mangani Temple of Abeyamain Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued in Keio 2nd year during the Edo era - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme issued by the Mangani Temple of Abeyamain Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued in Keio 2nd year during the Edo era - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme issued by the Mangani Temple of Abeyamain Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued in Keio 2nd year during the Edo era - Western year 1866
1 Silver Monme issued by the Mangani Temple of Abeyamain Yamato no Kuni Nara-Ken Prefecture Issued in Keio 2nd year during the Edo era - Western year 1866
3 Silver Monme issued by the Hatake Mura Village in Atsumi Gin, Mikawa no Kuni - Achi Ken Prefecture Issued during the Meiji era, year 2 - Western year 1869 Valid until Meiji 5th year - Western year 1872
3 Silver Monme issued by the Hatake Mura Village in Atsumi Gin, Mikawa no Kuni - Achi Ken Prefecture Issued during the Meiji era, year 2 - Western year 1869 Valid until Meiji 5th year - Western year 1872
3 Silver Monme issued by the Hatake Mura Village in Atsumi Gin, Mikawa no Kuni - Achi Ken Prefecture Issued during the Meiji era, year 2 - Western year 1869 Valid until Meiji 5th year - Western year 1872
3 Silver Monme issued by the Hatake Mura Village in Atsumi Gin, Mikawa no Kuni - Achi Ken Prefecture Issued during the Meiji era, year 2 - Western year 1869 Valid until Meiji 5th year - Western year 1872

The gentleman catching a fish in this vignette is not Daikokuten, but is instead the ‘laughing god’ Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. According to legend, Ebisu gained ill favor with his elders at the age of three, and he was cast into the sea, who is always happy and laughing, and evidently very generous. He is depicted as always wearing traditional Japanese court clothing with a fishing rod and a fish known as a ‘red sea-bream’ (pagrus cardinalis), which is supposedly the most delicious fish that can be prepared. In some modern illustrations, he is also associated with jellyfish.

Ebisu is the patron of merchants and tradesmen, as well as fishermen. Perhaps due to his clothing, it is considered good luck to purchase clothing and material on Ebisu Day.

Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - 1836 Showing Hotei - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and a farmer on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - 1836 Showing Hotei - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and a farmer on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - 1836 Showing Hotei - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and a farmer on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - 1836 Showing Hotei - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and a farmer on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - No Date Showing Benziten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and Ebisu - another Lucky God - on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - No Date Showing Benziten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and Ebisu - another Lucky God - on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - No Date Showing Benziten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and Ebisu - another Lucky God - on back
Japan (Hansatsu) Kamikiri District Buzen City Fukuoka District Kyushu Island - No Date Showing Benziten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front and Ebisu - another Lucky God - on back
Japan (Hansatsu) - 50 silver Mon Akashi Han Hyogo Prefecture Kan En Year 3 - Western Year 1750 Showing Bishamon - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 50 silver Mon Akashi Han Hyogo Prefecture Kan En Year 3 - Western Year 1750 Showing Bishamon - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 50 silver Mon Akashi Han Hyogo Prefecture Kan En Year 3 - Western Year 1750 Showing Bishamon - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 50 silver Mon Akashi Han Hyogo Prefecture Kan En Year 3 - Western Year 1750 Showing Bishamon - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 10 silver Mon Amagasaki Han Hyogo Prefecture Honshu Island An Ei Year 3 - Western Year 1777 Showing Daikokuten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 10 silver Mon Amagasaki Han Hyogo Prefecture Honshu Island An Ei Year 3 - Western Year 1777 Showing Daikokuten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 10 silver Mon Amagasaki Han Hyogo Prefecture Honshu Island An Ei Year 3 - Western Year 1777 Showing Daikokuten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front
Japan (Hansatsu) - 10 silver Mon Amagasaki Han Hyogo Prefecture Honshu Island An Ei Year 3 - Western Year 1777 Showing Daikokuten - one of the 7 Lucky Gods - on front

Towards the end, let’s look at what the coin equivalents would’ve been in the Hansatsu time frame.

We see here a 100 Mon coin minted in either Edo (Tokyo) or Osaka. This brass coin’s date ranges from 1835-1870 and measures 48mm tall  by 32mm wide and 2.6mm thick. 

It was contemporary with the Hansatsu notes issued during the later phases, but was issued by the Japanese Government and was accepted all over Japan without any of the discounting that would be incurred with a paper note issued by a local Han some distance away.  

The obverse inscription reads: Tenpo Tshuho and it’s meaning is: Tenpo Currency.

The reverse inscription reads: To Hyaku which means: Value is 100

What we have here is a silver bar-coin marked with a value of 1 Shu. It is about 9 mm wide and 16 mm tall, and 1.5 mm in thickness. This type is called Kaheishi Ichibugin, and was issued between 1868-1869, at the end of the Hansatsu use. 

Obverse transcription translates:

1 Bu Silver

Reverse transcription translates: 

Guaranteed 
Ginza (Silver Mint)
Joze (Mint Official)

Japan 0.5 Yen - 1872 Front
Japan 0.5 Yen - 1872 Back

And lastly, we have a 0.5 Yen banknote, vertical in design but much wider and with an obviously more modern design and printing method.

The thickness of the paper is much thinner and the length is shorter than most of the other hansatsu, measuring only about half as long. This is due to the size variances mandated by the Japanese Meiji government for each denomination, each larger denomination being a larger banknote. 

This banknote features two facing onagadori cockerels and two facing dragons. 

Perhaps more telling of the changes in government and opening up to the world economy was that these banknotes were not printed in Japan. They were printed, in Germany by Dondorf and Naumann printers. Dondorf and Naumann was founded in 1850 and had specialized early on in the printing of banknotes, stamps and other securities, with contracts for Germany, Luzembourg, Switzerland and Japan.