"I Hate Receiving Dirty Money"... New Bills That Could Make Giving Wedding Gifts a 'Nuisance'

Japan's 10,000 Yen Note Figure
'Birthplace of Japanese Capitalism' Shibusawa
Reexamined for Past Affair, Leading to Avoidance

There is a growing public opinion in Japan that the new 10,000 yen banknote is inappropriate as a wedding gift. The newly issued 10,000 yen note features the face of Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the "Father of Japanese Capitalism," but recent revelations about Shibusawa's extramarital affairs have brought this into the spotlight.

On the 3rd (local time), according to Japanese portal news such as 'Yahoo Japan,' negative perceptions of the 10,000 yen banknote issued last July are increasing. In particular, the opinion that this banknote should not be placed inside wedding gift envelopes is gaining traction.

The new banknote features Shibusawa's face. Shibusawa was a Japanese businessman who flourished in the late 19th century and symbolizes Japan's economic development as it began to embrace Western culture.

The face of Eiichi Shibusawa featured on the new 10,000 yen bill in Japan [Image source=Yahoo Japan capture]

He was directly involved in the founding of as many as 500 companies, including the predecessor of the current Mizuho Group, Daiichi Kokuritsu Bank, Kirin Brewery, Imperial Hotel, and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, and also participated in the establishment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Additionally, he served as the first president of Japan's first bank, the First National Bank, effectively laying the foundation for modern Japanese economy. His achievements truly justify his nickname as the "Father of Capitalism."

Why, then, has such a figure become someone to avoid in wedding gift money? Coincidentally, recent attention has been drawn to the fact that he committed adultery. It is said that he lived with both his wife and mistress under the same roof, committing infidelity, and was also involved in scandals with female servants employed in his household.

The late appearance of Shibusawa, known as the father of Japanese capitalism [Image source=Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation]

On Japanese social networking services (SNS), comments such as "Shibusawa reminds me of adultery," "Giving this banknote to newlyweds is a nuisance," and "It's better to give old banknotes for wedding gifts" are being voiced.

According to a consumer survey by a wedding company, about 30% of respondents felt that using the new banknote featuring Shibusawa's face as wedding gift money was "a breach of etiquette."

As the culture of avoiding the new banknote for wedding gifts spreads, Susumu Kojima, mayor of Fukaya City, Japan, stated, "While it is true that Eiichi liked women, it is embarrassing that such stories are spreading," emphasizing, "Shibusawa was a 'person who captivated others,' accepting not only women but everyone wholeheartedly."

However, Shibusawa is also known for contributing to the establishment of Japan Women's University in modern Japan, which was a male-dominated society. The Japanese wedding industry points out this fact, with voices saying, "There is no need to create wedding culture that fits the rules."

Meanwhile, Shibusawa was also involved in the history of the Korean Peninsula. While residing there, he served as president of the Gyeongin Railway Joint Stock Company and the Gyeongbu Railway Joint Stock Company, leading the development of the Gyeongin and Gyeongbu lines. These railways were used as military logistics railroads by the Japanese Empire. For this reason, some view Shibusawa as one of the main figures in the economic exploitation of colonial Korea.