Zouheikyoku

The Japan Mint is a national institution established on April 4, 1871, in the current Temma area of Kita Ward, Osaka. It manufactures coins, medals, metal crafts, and other products. In order to improve the chaotic currency system of the late Edo period and lay the foundation for a modern nation, the new Meiji government sought to produce coins of a quality comparable to those of advanced countries, and established this facility equipped with Western-style machinery.

At the time of its founding, industrial machinery in Japan was still underdeveloped, so many of the necessary tools and materials were self-sufficiently produced within the Mint. For example, in addition to manufacturing sulfuric acid, soda, and coal gas, the Mint also made telecommunication equipment, precision instruments such as balances and clocks, and more. In administration as well, it pioneered many advanced practices, including introducing double-entry bookkeeping for the first time in Japan and even making its own ink. It also took the lead in adopting the Westernization policies of the era, such as cutting hair, wearing Western clothing, and abandoning swords, and became widely recognized as a symbol of modernization.

In this way, the Japan Mint has played an important role not merely as a coin-producing facility, but as a pioneer in the introduction of Western culture and modern industry in the early Meiji period. It is also said to have helped lay the foundation for Osaka’s development into the commercial and industrial city it is today.

Today, in addition to coin production, the Mint manufactures medals, decorations, commemorative coins, collector coin sets, and metal crafts, and also carries out businesses such as refining bullion made of gold, silver, platinum, and other metals, hallmarking, and mineral analysis and testing. Through its advanced technology, it contributes to the stability of Japan’s currency system and the improvement of people’s lives.

Within the grounds is the Mint Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of coinage and manufacturing techniques. In addition, every April, the open-house event known as “Sakura no Torinuke” is held, drawing many visitors as a springtime tradition where they can enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom.