Context:

Japan issues new yen banknotes equipped with 3D hologram technology to combat counterfeiting.

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The Japanese government has issued its first new banknotes in two decades, yen equipped with 3D hologram technology to fight counterfeiting. These state-of-the-art anti-counterfeit banknotes are in the denomination of 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen bills.

• The new bills were introduced to boost the economy and are easier to read for the ageing population.

Design and Representation: The Japanese government highlighted that the people featured on the bills celebrate Japanese capitalism, women’s equality and scientific innovation. 

• the 10,000 yen bill features Eiichi Shibusawa, known as ‘father of Japanese capitalism’, 
• the 5,000 yen bill features Umeko Tsuda, a pioneer ‘feminist and educator’, and 
• the 1,000 yen bill features Shibasaburo Kitasato, a ‘physician and bacteriologist’ who was instrumental in the research of tetanus and the bubonic plague. 
• the backs of these bills feature Tokyo Station, wisteria flowers, and ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai’s Mount Fuji, respectively.

Economic Context: Despite global trends towards cashless transactions, cash remains important in Japan for secure payments.

• The new banknotes symbolize Japan's economic heritage, scientific advancements, and commitment to equality.

What is 3D Holographic Technology?

• It is a revolutionary photography technique. 
• It creates a 3D projection of an object using light or laser beams visible to the human eye.
• Unlike traditional photography (2D), holograms do not require the use of glasses, cameras, or any equipment to view these 3D objects.
• Holographic displays create the illusion of an authentic object that can move and float in the air as you rotate around it. Users can view these holograms from all sides. 
• The most captivating aspect of 3D holograms is their ability to make seemingly real objects or animations appear to hover in mid-air or stand on a nearby surface. 
• The concept of hologram was first proposed by Jules Verne in 1893. 
• Applications: 3D holographic technology has a wide range of potential applications. It's being explored for use in entertainment, education, medicine, and even manufacturing.