Overview
- Four men, including Japanese and Chinese nationals, were arrested on suspicion of using forged 1986 Showa 10,000‑yen silver commemorative coins at financial institutions.
- Police allege the group presented 79 counterfeit coins in May–June 2025 at three branches, using exchange forms with false names to obtain cash.
- Authorities have authenticated about 700 fake coins across seven prefectures, with additional specimens still under examination.
- The Mint Bureau reports the fakes lack original luster, appear whiter with a rougher surface, and have a slightly smaller diameter than genuine coins.
- The Finance Ministry issued a public warning on December 25, 2025, as police investigate how the coins were cashed at credit unions and JA‑affiliated banks.