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Japanese Five Dollar Banknote - Banana Money
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Japanese Five Dollar Banknote - Banana Money
Japanese government-issued five dollar banknote. The Japanese dollar was a currency issued by Imperial Japan during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Brunei (1942 and 1945). The currency was also referred informally (and with contempt!) as banana money. Date: circa 1944
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Media ID 11581299
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Banana Banknote Banknotes Bill Borneo Brunei Currency Denomination Dollar Dollars Issue Malaya Money Note Notes Occupation Occupied Sarawak Singapore
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Banana Money: A Glimpse into the Financial History of Imperial Japan's Occupation Currency in Southeast Asia" This evocative photograph captures the unique and intriguing history of the Japanese Five Dollar banknote, also known as "banana money," issued during Imperial Japan's occupation of Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Brunei between 1942 and 1945. The Japanese dollar was a government-issued currency that replaced the British Malayan dollar during this period. The term "banana money" was a derisive nickname given to the Japanese currency due to its distinctive design featuring a banana plant and a large Japanese cherry blossom on the reverse side. The note's design was intended to symbolize Japan's agricultural prowess and its claim to the tropical territories it had conquered. The photograph showcases a well-preserved example of this historical artifact, with its intricate details and vibrant colors still evident. The Japanese characters on the note read "Five Dollars," and the year of issue, "Showa 19," is indicated in the top right corner. The note's security features, such as the watermark and the raised seal, can also be seen. The Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia during World War II was marked by significant political and economic upheaval. The issuance of banana money was a part of the Japanese effort to control the region's economy and assert its dominance. The use of this currency was mandatory, and its acceptance was enforced through various means, including the threat of punishment. Today, banana money is a fascinating reminder of this period in history and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human societies in the face of adversity. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, inviting us to explore the rich history and complexities of the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia during World War II.
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