top of page

​​​​​

Home / History / Japanese Occupation Currency

​

JAPANESE ERA CURRENCY
 

Japanese Occupation Currency in the Philippines: Wartime Banknotes and Emergency Issues (1941–1945)

​​

The outbreak of World War II brought major changes to Philippine currency. Commonwealth money was replaced by Japanese-issued occupation currency.

​

Known as Japanese Invasion Money (JIM), this fiat currency quickly lost value due to inflation, earning the nickname “Mickey Mouse money.”

​

Collage of Philippine emergency notes, Japanese occupation currency, and medals representing wartime currency in the Philippines
Japanese invasion money in the Philippines including centavos and peso denominations issued in 1942

yaman ng pilipinas

​

Key Developments at a Glance
 

Key changes that defined wartime Philippine currency.

​

​​​

  • Fiat currency issued by Japanese military.

​

  • Rapid inflation → high denomination notes.

​

  • Widely distrusted by population

​​​​​​

​

Why This Matters for Collectors

 

Understanding this period helps collectors identify wartime issues and their historical significance.

​

Collector Insight
​

Japanese Invasion Money is widely collected for its historical significance, especially high-denomination notes.

​

​

Explore Occupation Banknotes and Medals
 

Discover the banknotes and medals issued during the Japanese occupation and other wartime currency in the Philippines such us emergency and guerilla notes.

​

Japanese occupation money in the Philippines showing high denomination notes issued by the Japanese Government during World War II


Japanese Occupation Currency in the Philippines
1941-1945
 

Explore the banknotes issued by the Japanese military administration, including the different commemorative medals produced during the occupation.
 

Read Article
Philippine emergency circulating notes from World War II including local currency issues used during the Japanese occupation


Emergency and Guerrilla Currency (WWII) 
 

Learn about the emergency banknotes issued by local governments, guerrilla groups, and banks to counter the occupation currency and support the underground wartime economy.
 

COMING SOON
bottom of page