JPYJapanese YenJapanese Yen (JPY)
The Japanese yen is the official currency of Japan. Banknotes are issued by the Bank of Japan, and coins are issued by the Japanese government. Its ISO code is JPY and its familiar symbol is the yen sign. Unlike many currencies, the yen has no minor unit in ordinary modern use, so everyday JPY amounts are normally shown without decimal places.
- ISO code
- JPY
- Symbol
- JPY
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Bank of Japan issues banknotes under Japan's monetary system, while the government issues coins.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
JPY at a glance
Currency profile
How JPY works
The Japanese yen is the official currency of Japan. Banknotes are issued by the Bank of Japan, and coins are issued by the Japanese government. Its ISO code is JPY and its familiar symbol is the yen sign. Unlike many currencies, the yen has no minor unit in ordinary modern use, so everyday JPY amounts are normally shown without decimal places.
JPY conversion pages are useful for travel budgets, imported goods, business invoices and comparisons involving Japanese assets or services. Because yen amounts often contain more digits than dollar or euro amounts, clear grouping and sensible precision are important. CurrencyHub displays a dated reference conversion and keeps the base and quote codes visible so that JPY to USD is not confused with USD to JPY. A provider's customer rate may differ from the published reference value.
- The New Currency Act of 1871 established the yen as Japan's basic currency unit.
- JPY is normally displayed without a minor unit in everyday modern use.
Context
Why this currency matters
JPY is a major international currency and an important reference across Asian markets. Its scale and Japan's role in global trade make yen pairs widely followed by businesses, travelers and researchers. JPY is also common in comparisons involving manufacturing, tourism and imported technology. Since ordinary yen amounts use no decimal places, a useful interface must preserve enough exchange-rate precision without suggesting that fractional yen are normally paid at the point of sale.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Bank of Japan issues banknotes under Japan's monetary system, while the government issues coins.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for JPY
Yen established
The New Currency Act made the yen Japan's basic currency unit.
Bank of Japan Currency Museum - yen questionsBank of Japan established
Japan established its central bank during the modern monetary-system reforms.
Bank of Japan Currency Museum - currency historyBank of Japan notes issued
The Bank of Japan began issuing its banknotes.
Bank of Japan Currency Museum - currency history
Usage and economy
How JPY is used
- Domestic payments and accounts in Japan.
- Regional trade, travel and reserve-currency comparisons.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
JPY currency units
The Bank of Japan records the issue and history of Japanese banknotes.
Official Japanese currency history distinguishes government-issued coins from Bank of Japan notes.
One Japanese Yen unit is recorded with 0 decimal places and uses Sen as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
Currency topics
FAQ
JPY questions
When was the yen introduced?
Japan formally adopted the yen as its basic currency unit under the New Currency Act in 1871.
Why are JPY amounts usually shown without decimals?
The yen has no minor unit in ordinary modern use, so everyday amounts are normally written as whole yen.
Who issues Japanese yen banknotes?
The Bank of Japan issues yen banknotes within Japan's monetary system.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.