Japanese occupation money
Known as invasion or occupation money, these notes and coins were introduced by the Japanese as a method of social, economic, and political control over the various territories they occupied in south-east Asia. Rather than introduce the yen (Japanese currency), the Japanese sought to replace existing currencies such as the guilder in the Netherlands East Indies, dollars in the Philippines, and pounds, shillings, and pence in former British and Australian territories.
- What words and symbols can you see on the note? Why might these have been chosen?
- The Japanese invasion currency note below has been signed by Australian servicemen. Why might they have done so? How might Australian servicemen have felt about the introduction of Japanese occupation money?
