During end-of-day cash reconciliation, you place 100 banknotes—a mix of Japan’s new and previous issues—into a banknote counter. One machine displays only “100 notes.” Another shows the number of notes by denomination and the total value. Some machines stop or issue a warning when they encounter a note they cannot recognize.
Why do the results differ when every machine is counting the same 100 notes?
The key difference is whether the machine only counts each note as it passes or also reads the note’s image and recognizes its denomination.
That is why “support for Japan’s new banknotes” does not mean the same thing for every counter. The functions you need to verify depend on whether your required output is a total piece count, a denomination breakdown, a total value, security checks, or the handling of unrecognized notes.
If the banknotes have already been sorted by denomination, a piece count may be all you need. If you want to load mixed ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes and obtain their total value, the machine must be able to read the new designs and recognize each denomination. Knowing that a new note can pass through the machine is not enough to determine whether it can deliver the result you need.
Why the Same 100 Notes Can Produce Different Results
Banknote counters do not all process notes in the same way. The clearest practical distinction is whether the machine recognizes which denomination each note is.
If ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes are mixed together, a basic counter is not malfunctioning when it displays “100 notes.” It has counted the notes correctly, but it has not identified the composition of those 100 notes, so it cannot calculate the total value automatically.
If you want to reduce the need to sort notes by denomination before counting, you need a model that can recognize denominations. For a fuller explanation of piece counting, mixed-denomination counting and multi-currency support, see Does a Banknote Counter Only Count Notes? Piece Counts, Total Value, Mixed Denominations and Multiple Currencies.
| What to Compare | Basic Banknote Counter | CIS Denomination-Recognition Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Information primarily captured | Each note passing through the machine and the cumulative piece count | Note passage data and an image of the note, checked against stored currency data |
| Main result displayed | Total piece count. Some models can multiply a preselected single denomination by the number of notes to display a value | Total piece count, breakdown by denomination and total value. The available fields vary by model |
| When denominations are mixed | Counts how many notes pass through but cannot provide a denomination breakdown or total value | Recognizes and totals denominations within the supported currencies and operating modes |
| What to verify for new banknotes | Whether the machine feeds the new notes reliably, one by one, and counts them accurately | Whether recognition data for the new designs is available and the required mode can identify denominations and calculate their value |
| Security checks | The availability of basic checking functions must be confirmed for each model | Can combine image data with other sensors and algorithms, but the scope of checking varies by model and setting |
“100 notes” answers the question of quantity. A denomination breakdown and total value answer the question of what those 100 notes are.
Why Equipment Checks Matter for Japan’s 2024 Banknotes
Japan began issuing new ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 banknotes on July 3, 2024. The Ministry of Finance and the National Printing Bureau explain that the redesign strengthens resistance to counterfeiting and improves universal design.
The new notes feature different portraits and layouts, high-definition watermarks, 3D holograms, more legible Arabic numerals and tactile marks for identification. People can check some of these features by touch, by holding a note up to the light, or by tilting it. A CIS-equipped counter, however, must work with the new note images and the recognition conditions stored in the machine.
A basic counter can count a note passing through without determining whose portrait appears on it. A CIS-equipped machine must be able to read the 2024 designs to distinguish a ¥1,000 note from a ¥5,000 or ¥10,000 note. This is why the checks required for “new banknote support” differ by machine type.
3D holograms and high-definition watermarks are important features of the new notes, but the features a machine actually evaluates depend on its CIS, other sensors, currency data, recognition algorithms and operating mode.
Previous Bank of Japan notes remain usable after the new notes enter circulation. Stores and other businesses therefore need to handle both issues at the same time. For the operational implications, including staff checks and till procedures, see What to Check When New and Previous Japanese Banknotes Circulate Together.
For banknote materials and polymer notes, see our guide to why banknote materials change.
What Level of “New Banknote Support” Do You Actually Need?
To determine whether your current equipment fits the workflow, do not stop at asking, “Does it support the new banknotes?” Break the required output into specific functions and verify each one.
| Required Result | What to Verify | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Count notes accurately | Whether the machine feeds new notes reliably, one at a time, and adds them to the piece count correctly | Notes are already sorted by denomination and only a fast piece count is needed |
| Recognize denominations | Whether the machine can distinguish the new ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes | Different denominations are loaded together and a denomination breakdown is required |
| Calculate total value | Whether the machine automatically totals the recognized denominations and their quantities | End-of-day till reconciliation, daily settlement and cash balance checks |
| Perform security checks | What the machine checks for the selected currency, sensors, software and operating mode | Machine-assisted review of unusual or suspicious notes |
| Handle unrecognized notes | Whether the machine stops, issues a warning or diverts the note to a reject pocket | High-volume processing where interruptions caused by unsupported notes need to be reduced |
If staff sort notes by denomination and only need to verify the piece count, a basic counter meets that objective directly. CIS denomination recognition and a compatible mixed-denomination mode become necessary when different denominations must be counted together and their total value calculated.
How CIS, Denomination Recognition and Security Checks Relate
CIS stands for Contact Image Sensor. It captures an image of the banknote’s surface and gives the machine important information for recognizing the currency and denomination.
The CIS captures an image of the note
The sensor records image data such as the note’s design, text, denomination and the position of key features. The area and method of capture vary with the model’s design.
Currency data and algorithms determine the denomination
The machine compares the captured information with its installed currency data to identify the currency and denomination. It can then calculate the number of notes by denomination and the total value.
Other sensors supplement checks for unusual features
Depending on the model, UV (ultraviolet), MG (magnetic) and IR (infrared) sensors may be combined with recognition algorithms to detect features that do not match the installed currency data and trigger a warning.
The machine stops, warns or rejects according to its settings
It may continue counting, stop, display an error or divert a note to a reject pocket. Physical sorting and uninterrupted processing also require a machine structure designed for those functions.
Actual checking capability depends on the combination of image data, other sensors, currency data, algorithms, software and operating mode. An operator should review any note that triggers a warning.
Five Checks Before You Keep Using or Buy a Banknote Counter
If the displayed result changes when new and previous issues are mixed, the machine is not necessarily faulty. The following five checks make it easier to determine whether your current equipment suits the workflow.
Does the machine count notes only, or also recognize denominations?
Start by identifying the machine type. Displaying only the total number of notes and displaying a denomination breakdown and total value are different functions.
What result does the operation ultimately require?
Decide whether you need a total piece count, a denomination breakdown, a total value, security checks, a reject function or a counting record.
Confirm support for the 2024 notes and the machine’s current status
Check the new-banknote support of the specific model. For a CIS-equipped counter, also verify its current currency data, software status and the counting mode you actually use.
Test with notes that reflect the real workflow
Do not test only with crisp new notes. Consider mixed new and previous issues, different orientations, and the folds, dirt and wear caused by circulation. Verify the result in the mode used day to day.
Define what happens after a note is not recognized
Confirm whether the machine stops, warns or rejects the note. Decide who will inspect it, whether it will be recounted and how any discrepancy will be recorded.
Choose a Machine Around the Way Cash Is Actually Handled
| Day-to-Day Method | Function to Prioritize | Easy-to-Miss Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Notes are already sorted by denomination | Stable, high-speed piece counting | Whether the displayed value is based on automatic recognition or simply “selected denomination × piece count” |
| ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes are mixed | CIS denomination recognition, mixed-denomination breakdown and total value | Whether the machine supports the 2024 designs and a mix of new and previous issues |
| Unusual or suspicious notes need to be checked | Security checks for the relevant currency | Which features are checked, how warnings appear and the human review procedure after a warning |
| Volume is high and interruptions need to be reduced | Reject pocket and uninterrupted processing | Which conditions cause a note to be rejected and which still cause the machine to stop |
| Foreign currencies such as US dollars or euros are also handled | Current supported currencies, denomination data and counting modes | Whether “multi-currency” also permits different currencies to be mixed in one batch |
Choose a model around the output you need—from counting notes already sorted by denomination to CIS denomination recognition, mixed-denomination value totals and security checks. Available functions vary by the specific model and operating conditions.
When comparing products, see the MORICASH guide to choosing a banknote counter. If you already know the required output, browse the MORICASH banknote counter range to identify possible models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a piece-counting machine be described as supporting Japan’s new banknotes?
If it processes the new notes reliably and counts them accurately, it supports them for piece-counting purposes. That does not mean it can also recognize denominations, calculate the value of a mixed batch or perform security checks. Always confirm the exact scope of support.
Is CIS always required to recognize a banknote’s denomination?
Banknote counters that recognize mixed denominations generally use image-reading technology such as CIS to capture note data, then apply currency data and algorithms to determine the denomination. The specific sensor configuration must be confirmed for each model.
Does CIS guarantee that a counterfeit note will be identified?
No. CIS captures the note image, but multi-layer security checks also depend on other sensors, currency data, algorithms and software settings. A machine warning does not conclusively guarantee whether a banknote is genuine or counterfeit.
Does “new banknote support” mean the machine automatically totals mixed denominations?
Not necessarily. Feeding and counting the new notes, recognizing their denominations and calculating a total value are separate functions. Check exactly what appears on the display after counting.
Must an existing banknote counter be replaced because of Japan’s new notes?
There is no single answer for every machine. It depends on the machine type, the specific model, its current software status and the output you require. A workplace that needs only a piece count has different criteria from one that needs CIS denomination recognition or security checks.
Can previous Bank of Japan notes still be used?
Yes. The Ministry of Finance states that previous notes remain usable. Businesses should therefore plan for counting and recognizing both issues and for human review when needed.
Define the Required Output Before Choosing a Counter for Japan’s New Banknotes
Clarify whether notes are sorted by denomination, whether mixed-denomination value totals are required, the daily processing volume, the security checks needed and how unrecognized notes should be handled.
MORICASH helps distributors and wholesale buyers compare options suited to the intended cash workflow, including piece-counting machines, CIS denomination-recognition counters and models with reject functions.
