Japan is different from other countries in the way that it categorises its past. It defines periods in its history with names, and since 1868, has done so when the Emperor of Japan takes the throne. There have been five such periods since the 1868 Meiji Period commenced, with the current Reiwa period starting in 2019 with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito. It’s noted on the obverse of Japanese coins, as you can see below. You can see the number 8 under the denomination on the obverse, along with some Japanese characters. That means the 8th year of Reiwa.

The longest of the modern ‘Gengo’ eras was the Showa Period, starting in 1926 when Hirohito became emperor, ending with his death in 1989. The Japanese celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Showa Period this year, and Japan Mint has issued a one-ounce silver coin to mark it. Showa encompassed a period of huge change for Japan, with its early years fueled by modernisation, and then expansion, leading to their entry into WW2 and subsequent defeat. This was followed by intense pacifist economic transformation, and Japan grew into the modern powerhouse it is today.

The coin depicts some of that, with the iconic Shinkansen bullet train, the Tokyo Tower, modern expressways, and some people dressed in clothing of the time. The restrained colour pallete looks beautifully period in style, and overall, it’s a neat encapsulation of the period, if glossing over the less savoury parts completely. The obverse has the traditional Japanese icons of Mt. Fuji nad cherry blossoms. The coin will come boxed with a COA, and is available to pre-order now, with shipping at the end of the year.