Japan: Three New Silver Proof And Colour Commemorative Coins Launch National Parks Series

On the occasion of the centenary anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s National Parks service, the numismatic collector series when complete will comprise 34 coins representing all national parks. Japan’s National parks are outstanding natural scenic areas and serve as the foundation for the conservation of biological diversity as well as enjoyment of unspoilt beauty. All thirty four parks are governed by the Natural Parks Act, and the year 2031 will mark the 100th anniversary of the enactment of its predecessor, the National Parks Act. Accordingly, the Ministry of the Environment have created opportunities to protect and enjoy national parks for all citizens and overseas visitors and to support these parks with admiration and responsibility during these last 100 years.

The coins are produced by the Mint of Japan at their facilities in Osaka on behalf of the Ministry of Japan. The obverse side of each coin includes a full colour design representing the featured National park with the text in Japanese 日 本 国 (Nippon koku) with the name of the park in both Japanese and English along the lower rim. The denomination 千 円 (1000 yen) is shown as part of the overall design. The reverse side is shared with each coin in the series and features the red and blue logo of the National Parks of Japan centred. This mark depicts the sun rising over the horizon. The colour shades express a hazy landscape and sunrise that is typical of Japan and concisely represents the national park as a free and open space that contains rich diversity. The text National Parks of Japan is placed above the logo in English. Along the upper rim is the commemorative text 国 立 公 園 制 度 100 年 (100 years of the national park system). Along the lower rim is the denomination 1000 YEN and 令 和 6 年 (Reiwa year 6) reflecting the 6^th year of Emperor Naruhito which commenced in 2019.

Coin 1 - Setonaikai National Park. Located in areas of Japan's Seto Inland Sea, and of ten bordering prefectures, it was designated a national park in 1934. It has since been expanded several times and now contains about 3,000 islands, known as the Setouchi Islands, including the well-known Itsukushima. The design depicts an Archipelago seascape viewed from Mt. Shiude, with the whirlpool of the Naruto Strait and Japanese horseshoe crab. The text 瀬 戸 内 海 国 立 公 園 is placed below the illustration.

Coin 2 - Unzen-Amakusa National Park. Located in Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima Prefectures, it was established in 1934. The park derives its name from Mount Unzen, an active volcano at the middle of the Shimabara Peninsula, and the Amakusa islands in the Yatsushiro Sea. The design includes elements of

Unzen Jigoku hot springs, stylised rime ice crystals, and Oyama magnolia. The text雲 仙 天 草 国 立 公 園 is placed below the illustration.

Coin 3 - Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. Located in both Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, the Park is known for its active volcanoes, volcanic lakes, and onsen hot springs with a total area of 365.86 square kilometres (141.2 Square miles) The design features Cape Sata, located at the southernmost point of mainland Kyushu and Field Crabapple, a wild species of trees found nowhere else in the world but Mt. Kirishima. Also included is Amanosakahoko, a spear-like monument erected upside down on the crest of Mt. Takachiho. The text 霧 島 錦 江 湾 国 立 公 園 is placed below the illustration.

Each silver proof and colour coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity in Japanese and English text. Japan’s Ministry of Finance plan to issue between five and six National Parks coins over the next eight years with the series concluding in 2031 which coincides with the centenary anniversary of the establishment of the National Parks Act. Each coin in the series is available as a separate coin purchase. For additional information, please visit the webshop of the Mint of Japan.

Information and ordering will commence from the 20^th August with dispatch of the actual coins commencing in December.