The 25th marks the 100th day until July 3rd, when the new design banknotes will be issued. A commemorative event was held in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, the birthplace of Eiichi Shibusawa, who will be featured on the new 10,000 yen bill.
The new 10,000 yen bill to be issued on July 3rd this year features a portrait of Eiichi Shibusawa, a businessman known as the ``father of modern Japanese economy,'' and a native of what is now Fukaya City.
On the 25th, exactly 100 days until the issuance of the new banknotes, many citizens gathered at a commemorative event held at Fukaya City Hall, where Mayor Susumu Kojima said, ``I think 100 days will fly by, but from now on, we will start gearing up.'' "I want to make changes and liven up Fukaya City," he said in greeting.
Eiichi Shibusawa's ``look-alike'' who was recognized in a city contest was also present at the venue, celebrating the 100th anniversary by breaking Kusudama balls.
There was also a corner where visitors could scoop up coffee beans and guess the amount of 100 grams, in honor of Eiichi Shibusawa's record of drinking coffee when he visited France at the end of the Edo period.
Fukaya City is also planning a celebratory parade to coincide with the issuance of new banknotes.
A woman in her 40s who visited said, ``I'm glad it's finally here.When I get my first 10,000 yen bill, I'm going to keep it and not use it.''