Japan Unexpectedly Issues New 5,000 Yen

On 12 May, 2014, the Bank of Japan released a new 5,000 Yen with better blind and visually impaired marks.

According to the bank, the main difference of the new note from its denomination of the previous series (2004) is in the design of the OVI hologram with a dynamic effect. The transparent film covering the hologram has become 1.7 times bigger and changed its shape from elliptical to rectangular. By touch, the transparent film differs from the rest of the note's surface and now in its shape and size it's different from the one on the 10,000 Yen. It should facilitate recognition of the new note by the visually impaired people. In other respects, the 5,000 Yen hasn't changed and will be in circulation in parallel with other notes.

Source: Bank of Japan