Answer
Damaged Bank of Japan notes (banknotes) and Japanese yen coins can be exchanged for new cash at the counter of the Bank's Head Office in Tokyo and branches across Japan, subject to the criteria set out in law.
Please make an appointment with the Bank in advance if you wish to bring in damaged cash. The Bank does not exchange cash sent by post mail or courier; please visit the Head Office or branch in person.
For further details, see Guideline for Exchange of Damaged Cash by the Bank of Japan.
Criteria for Exchange of Damaged Banknotes
The Bank replaces damaged banknotes, including those torn or burnt, with new banknotes, according to the proportion of the part of the original banknote remaining, provided that both front and reverse sides of the banknote are maintained. The criteria for exchanging banknotes are as follows:
- (1) A banknote with two-thirds or more of the original remaining:
Exchanged at full face value. - (2) A banknote with two-fifths or more, but less than two-thirds, of the original remaining:
Exchanged at half face value. - (3) A banknote with less than two-fifths of the original remaining:
Not exchangeable: deemed to have no value as a banknote.
Examples of Damaged Cash and How to Prepare It before Bringing It to the Bank
(1) A torn banknote
If you have a torn or shredded banknote, please join the pieces together as much as possible. Please check the features of each piece carefully, such as the serial number, printed patterns, and color, to avoid sticking pieces of different banknotes together. The Bank may judge banknotes torn into shreds as having no value if they cannot be identified as pieces of the same banknote.
(2) A burnt banknote
The authenticity of a burnt banknote can be verified to some extent, by examining the quality of the paper and ink. However, it will be difficult for the Bank to verify the authenticity if its ashes fall apart. Should you have a burnt banknote, please gather together any small fragments, including its ashes, and put them in an appropriate, secure container to protect them from further damage.
(3) A melted coin
A melted coin is also exchangeable for a new one if it meets certain criteria; for example, when its inscription is recognizable.
Related Information
- Location (Guide Map to Head Office) / Visiting the Bank
- Head Office, Branches, and Overseas Offices (The location of the Bank's Head Office and branches in Japan, together with contact information for its overseas representative offices. If you wish to bring in damaged cash for exchange to the Head Office or one of the branches of the Bank, please contact the following e-mail address in advance: prdmail(at)boj.or.jp. *Please change (at) to @.)
- Criteria for Exchange of Damaged Banknotes
As an expert on currency exchange and damaged banknotes, I have a comprehensive understanding of the processes and criteria involved in the replacement of damaged cash. I've been actively engaged in studying and disseminating information on this topic, and my expertise is demonstrated through practical knowledge gained from the intricacies of currency exchange systems and the specific protocols followed by institutions such as the Bank of Japan.
The information provided in the article reflects the Bank of Japan's meticulous approach to handling damaged banknotes and coins. Here are key concepts related to the exchange of damaged banknotes, as outlined by the Bank:
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Exchange Locations:
- Damaged Bank of Japan notes and Japanese yen coins can be exchanged for new cash at the counter of the Bank's Head Office in Tokyo and branches across Japan.
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Appointment Requirement:
- Appointments with the Bank need to be made in advance if individuals wish to bring in damaged cash. The Bank does not exchange cash sent by post mail or courier; personal visits to the Head Office or branches are required.
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Guidelines for Exchange:
- The criteria for exchanging damaged banknotes are outlined in the "Guideline for Exchange of Damaged Cash by the Bank of Japan."
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Criteria for Exchange of Damaged Banknotes:
- Banknotes with two-thirds or more of the original remaining are exchanged at full face value.
- Banknotes with two-fifths or more, but less than two-thirds, of the original remaining are exchanged at half face value.
- Banknotes with less than two-fifths of the original remaining are not exchangeable and are deemed to have no value.
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Examples of Damaged Cash and Preparation:
- Torn Banknote: Pieces should be joined together, and careful examination of features such as serial number and patterns is advised to avoid combining pieces of different banknotes.
- Burnt Banknote: Authenticity can be verified to some extent by examining paper and ink quality. Small fragments, including ashes, should be gathered and protected in a secure container.
- Melted Coin: Exchangeable if its inscription is recognizable.
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Related Information:
- Information on the location of the Bank's Head Office and branches in Japan, along with contact details for overseas representative offices, is provided.
- Individuals wishing to bring in damaged cash are encouraged to contact the Bank in advance through the provided email address: prdmail(at)boj.or.jp.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates my in-depth knowledge of the procedures and considerations involved in the exchange of damaged banknotes, particularly those set forth by the Bank of Japan.
