LETTER FROM TOKYO

In Japan, the new 10,000 Yen banknote (€62) is causing a certain amount of awkwardness among newlyweds. At issue is the figure illustrating the bill, in circulation since July. Shibusawa Eiichi (1840-1931), industrialist, philanthropist and author of numerous works, was chosen because he "offers an image of success and openness to the world" and "remains associated with a peaceful and international Japan," said Patrick Fridenson, historian and specialist on the individual, to Le Monde in 2021.

The man is considered the "father of Japanese capitalism." But he is also a notoriously unfaithful husband, known for his boorishness – he even went so far as to force his wife to accept his mistress in their marital home.

Unsurprisingly, this is not going down well at Japanese weddings. During these ceremonies, it is customary to leave an envelope containing a cash gift at the reception. Depending on the closeness of the couple, the sum can range from 10,000 to 50,000 Yen or even more. Politeness dictates that only new bills should be used – and therefore, in theory, since they have just been printed, those featuring Shibusawa Eiichi. However, 30% of respondents considered their use inappropriate, according to a survey by the Tokihana wedding planning agency.

The topic became so widespread that the October 3 edition of TV program Good! Morning, broadcast on the private Asahi channel, featured the following theme: "As Shibusawa Eiichi is associated with infidelity, old banknotes featuring Fukuzawa Yukichi [a Meiji-era intellectual] should be favored for wedding gifts." Kojima Susumu, mayor of Fukaya, the industrialist's hometown north of Tokyo, felt compelled to respond: "There weren't just women in Mr. Shibusawa's life. He did all sorts of things."

On the legal website Bengo4.com, lawyer Nishiguchi Ryuji explains that "giving a wedding gift constitutes a grant contract (article 549 of the Japanese civil code). And because it is a contract, the newlyweds can refuse it." The lawyer finds it unfortunate that the appearance of the banknote could strain relations between the newlyweds and their guests, but he is nevertheless considering "bringing a 10,000 Yen bill bearing the image of Fukuzawa Yukichi" to the next wedding he attends.

As for weekly magazine Josei Jishin, it points out that the bills featuring Fukuzawa Yukichi will soon disappear, and that it is impossible to opt for those withdrawn from an ATM. It concludes,"Rather than getting lost in obscure mannerism, it’s best to focus on the gift given with sincerity and in a spirit of celebration."

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