Akita Prefecture – 47 Prefectures Coin Program. 1000 Yen Silver Coin by Japan Mint

Akita Prefecture 1000 yen Silver Coin, Heisei 22 (2010). Mintage of 100,000

In 2008 the Japan Mint began a release commemorating the 1947 Local Autonomy Law (地方自治法). The law set up the contemporary structures and divisions. It was passed to give local jurisdictions more power and autonomy.

The coins were produced from 2008 to 2016 with different prefectures minted each year. The coins are a bimetal 500 yen and a silver 1000 yen. The silver coins all had a mintage of 100,000 coins for each prefecture. 100,000 coins is actually a high mintage for 1000 yen silver coins. Only the 1964 Olympics 1000 yen has a mintage above 100,000.

Akita Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan in the north of Honshu island. It is geographically isolated with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other three. It makes up the northern half of the old Dewa Province.

Akita is known for its sake and much of its tourism focuses on its natural beauty. Lake Tazawa is a popular destination due to its beauty, hot springs, and the largest ski resort in Japan overlooking it. It is also Japan’s deepest lake.

Kakunodate is popular due to its many preserved samurai houses and other old buildings. In addition, it has many cherry trees.

The coin itself shows Nobu Shirase the leader of the first Japanese Antarctic expedition. It was a private venture that he raised the money for himself. He died in relative obscurity after his success did not generate much interest.

Behind him are men dressed as demons for the Namahage festival. The festival sees men dressed as demons go to homes and admonish poorly behaved children