Japan: The Land of the Rise in Anticounterfeiting

In 2024, Japan captured global attention with its advances in anticounterfeiting. The Land of the Rising Sun, known for blending tradition with technology, is setting global security standards in ensuring that everything from currency to cosmetics remains genuine. This article describes recent developments.

A new era of hologram

Imagine holding a yen banknote that seems to come alive under the light – a portrait that shifts and deepens, almost as if it’s watching you.

In July, the Bank of Japan unveiled new banknotes featuring holographic portraits, claiming a world first with 3D holograms on the currency. This update, the first in 20 years, applies to the 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 yen bills. In addition to the holographic portraits, other security features include high-resolution watermarks, latent images and iridescent inks.

Komori Corporation, a Japanese press manufacturer which celebrated its 100 anniversary in October 2023, was among the companies involved in this innovation.