500,000 Phantom Pottery Coins Discovered!

Approximately 500,000 pieces of ceramic currency ("Touka"), manufactured during wartime, have been discovered in a company warehouse in Kyoto City, causing a stir. The mass discovery of this ceramic currency, which became a thing of the past after the war's end, is a valuable event that reminds us of the wartime shortages and the role played by the ceramics industry.

This image is for illustrative purposes only and is not related to the article. Source: AI-generated image

The Background of Ceramic Currency: Metal Shortages and Expectations for the Ceramics Industry

Towards the end of World War II, Japan faced a severe shortage of metal. While metal resources were prioritized for weapons production, metals necessary for coin manufacturing, such as nickel and copper, became difficult to obtain. Therefore, the government turned its attention to ceramics as an alternative material.

Ceramics were considered promising as a substitute material for coins because the raw materials, clay and feldspar, were readily available domestically, and ceramics also possessed sufficient hardness and wear resistance. In 1945, the government commissioned three regions—Kyoto, Aichi, and Saga—to manufacture ceramic currency. In Kyoto, Matsukaze Kogyo, a manufacturer of insulators and ceramics, took on this role. The ceramic currency discovered this time was found at the former factory site of Matsukaze Kogyo.

Characteristics of Ceramic Currency: The "Phantom Currency" Symbolized by Mount Fuji and Cherry Blossoms

Three types of ceramic currency were manufactured: 1 sen, 5 sen, and 10 sen. The 1 sen ceramic currency discovered this time has a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm and a thickness of approximately 2 mm. The surface is engraved with Mount Fuji and "壹", while the reverse side features cherry blossoms and the characters "大日本".

Ceramic currency was also manufactured in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, and Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, known as ceramic-producing areas. It's interesting to note that the clay composition and firing methods differed in each region, resulting in variations in color and texture.

However, the ceramic currency never entered circulation before the end of the war. Most of the manufactured currency was discarded and crushed, becoming what is known as "phantom currency." A mass discovery like this is extremely rare and can be considered a valuable historical record for understanding the situation at the time.

The Message Conveyed by Ceramic Currency: Hardship and Wisdom During Wartime, and Lessons for the Future

While ceramic currency tells the story of the harsh conditions of wartime shortages, it also demonstrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people in overcoming those difficulties. The idea of using a readily available material like ceramics for currency can be attributed to the ingenuity of the engineers of that time.

Furthermore, ceramic currency reminds us of the important role played by the ceramics industry even during wartime. Facing a national challenge of metal shortages, the ceramics industry responded with its technical expertise and production capabilities.

Ceramic currency conveys to us not only the horrors of war, but also the image of people who, without giving up hope in difficult circumstances, sought to forge a path toward the future. Even in modern society, we face various challenges, such as resource depletion and environmental problems. Perhaps ceramic currency can provide us with a starting point to learn from past lessons and consider what we should do to build a sustainable society.

The Future of Ceramic Currency: Passing History on to the Future Through Research and Exhibition

The Japan Mint intends to conduct a detailed investigation of the ceramic currency discovered this time, aiming to use it to clarify the currency manufacturing and economic situation during the war. Furthermore, exhibitions at the Japan Mint Museum and other venues are being considered, allowing many people the opportunity to see this phantom currency.

Ceramic currency is not merely currency; it is a living witness to history. Through its existence, we must recognize, without letting the memory of war fade, the preciousness of peace. And we must pass on to the future the wisdom and efforts of our ancestors embodied in this ceramic currency.