Bank of Japan, Central bank in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan
The Bank of Japan is a central bank in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, operating from a three-story granite building with classical columns and proportions. The structure occupies the site where the former gold mint once stood and overlooks a small plaza near commercial districts.
The institution was founded in 1882 during the Meiji Restoration, modeled after the National Bank of Belgium. The granite headquarters now in use was completed by Tatsuno Kingo in 1896, replacing earlier temporary offices.
The name reflects the institution's role at the center of national monetary policy. Visitors often photograph the building from the plaza, treating it as a symbol of modern financial stability in Japan.
The headquarters offers services for exchanging damaged Japanese banknotes and coins on weekdays. The currency museum can be visited without advance booking and shows the development of money in Japan over the centuries.
The institution holds around five percent of Japanese stocks since 2020, making it the largest shareholder in the country. This approach sets the central bank apart from most others worldwide and reflects its role in stabilizing the economy.
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