National Printing Bureau Museum

Hidden within Tokyo’s bustling cityscape, the National Printing Bureau Museum unveils the captivating story of Japan’s currency and stamps. The National Printing Bureau, established in 1871, initially relied on foreign powers like the US and Germany for banknote production. Imagine a nation’s currency being printed thousands of miles away. This dependence spurred the Bureau to develop its own capabilities. In 1877, the first domestically produced Japanese yen, a one-yen note, emerged from the presses. This marked a pivotal moment in Japan’s financial independence. The National Printing Bureau Museum showcases this journey, from reliance to self-sufficiency. Inside the museum, you can explore exhibits featuring historical artifacts like the “Kangxi Character Dictionary” reprint, a textbook of external characters used in the Official Gazette. Discover the “Samples of Trial Design Postage Stamp,” a testament to Japan’s efforts to promote its printing techniques to the world. The museum’s collection also includes a “Sekibaninsatsu-Kagami,” a sample book of lithographic prints, and “Sekiga-Shiken,” a precursor to lithographic printing in Japan. These artifacts paint a vivid picture of the evolution of printing technology in Japan. The National Printing Bureau Museum isn’t just about banknotes. It also delves into the world of postage stamps and the Official Gazette. The merger of the Paper Money Bureau and the Official Gazette Bureau in 1898 solidified the National Printing Bureau’s role in producing these essential government documents. The National Printing Bureau Museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistry, technology, and history behind Japan’s currency and official publications.