Introduction
The yen (¥) is the official currency of Japan. It is used as a form of legal tender in the country. To type the yen symbol on a keyboard, you need to use the correct key combination or character code. Here are a few quick ways to type the yen symbol on Windows and Mac computers.
On Windows
On most Windows keyboards, you can type the yen symbol by pressing and holding the Alt key while typing 0165 on the number pad. For example:
Alt + 0165
This will produce the yen symbol: ¥
Another method is to use the Alt code. Hold down the Alt key and type 00A5 on the number pad.
For example:
Alt + 00A5
This will also produce the yen symbol: ¥
On Mac
On a Mac keyboard, press and hold Option + Y keys together.
For example:
Option + Y
This will type the yen symbol: ¥
You can also open the Character Viewer on Mac, search for ‘yen’, and double click to insert it.
So in summary, the keyboard shortcuts are:
– Windows: Alt + 0165 or Alt + 00A5
– Mac: Option + Y
You can also copy and paste the yen symbol ¥ from a text document or the internet if needed.
Where is the yen symbol on keyboards?
The yen symbol ¥ is not present on most standard physical keyboards. Here is where you can find the yen symbol on some popular keyboards:
On Japanese keyboards
On a Japanese keyboard layout, the yen symbol is available on the \ key, which is located to the left of the Z key. Pressing this key types the yen symbol directly.
On Chinese keyboards
For Chinese keyboards that support Japanese, the yen symbol is typed by pressing the backslash \ key. So \ key types the yen on these keyboards.
On Korean keyboards
On Korean keyboards, the yen symbol is typed using the ] key followed by the X key.
For example:
] + X
This keys combination will produce the yen symbol ¥.
On mobile devices
On mobile devices like smartphones, you can hold down the dollar symbol key $ to bring up the yen symbol ¥ option to select.
So in summary, the yen symbol is not present on most common English keyboards. You need a keyboard aimed at the Asian markets to have a dedicated yen key.
The origins of the yen symbol
Adoption in 1871
The yen symbol ¥ originated from the late 19th century. Japan adopted the yen as the national currency in 1871, replacing the old Edo period coinage.
At the time, Japan did not have a unique symbol for the yen. It used the same symbol as the Chinese yuan, which was 元.
Proposal of new symbol
In the 1870s, the Ministry of Finance wanted to adopt a distinct symbol for the Japanese yen. They solicited proposals from the public for a new symbol.
In 1877, the ministry received a proposal to use the capital letter Y with two horizontal strokes ¥. This was chosen as the symbol for the Japanese yen.
Inspiration from the German mark
It’s believed the yen symbol was inspired by the German mark’s symbol, which had two horizontal strokes through the letter M (₥). The Y was substituted in place of M to create a unique symbol for the Japanese yen.
So in summary, the yen symbol ¥ originated in the late 1800s, inspired by the German mark symbol and using a stylised Y letter.
Types of yen banknotes and coins
There are several denominations of yen banknotes and coins in circulation:
Banknotes
| Denomination | Color | Size |
|---|---|---|
| ¥10,000 | Brown | 150 x 76 mm |
| ¥5,000 | Purple | 150 x 76 mm |
| ¥2,000 | Green | 150 x 76 mm |
| ¥1,000 | Brown | 150 x 76 mm |
Coins
| Denomination | Color | Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| ¥500 | Gold | 26.5 mm |
| ¥100 | Silver | 23 mm |
| ¥50 | Silver | 21 mm |
| ¥10 | Silver | 19.5 mm |
| ¥5 | Gold | 16 mm |
| ¥1 | Aluminum | 20 mm |
As we can see, the most common yen banknotes in circulation are ¥10,000, ¥5,000, ¥2,000, and ¥1,000 bills. Coins range from ¥500 down to ¥1.
The banknotes increase in size the higher the denomination. Coins also increase in size and change metals depending on denomination.
How yen currency exchange works
Floating exchange rate
The Japanese yen’s value compared to other currencies is determined by the foreign exchange market. It uses a floating exchange rate, meaning the yen’s value changes frequently based on supply and demand relative to other currencies.
Factors influencing exchange rate
Some factors that influence the JPY exchange rate include:
– Relative strength of the Japanese vs other economies
– Interest rates set by the Bank of Japan
– Trade flows and demand for Japanese exports
– Investment flows into Japanese stocks and bonds
– Political stability and performance of the Japanese government
Follows major currency pairs
The most actively traded currency pairs with the yen are:
– USD/JPY – U.S. dollar exchange rate
– EUR/JPY – Euro exchange rate
– GBP/JPY – British pound exchange rate
– AUD/JPY – Australian dollar exchange rate
So the yen’s exchange rate is market-determined, fluctuates often, and follows major currencies like the U.S. dollar.
How to convert other currencies to yen
There are a few easy ways to convert other currencies to Japanese yen:
Online currency converter
Use an online currency converter tool or website. Input your amount and choose your currency, then convert to JPY to get the equivalent yen value.
Calculator app
Most mobile devices have a converter tool in the calculator app. Enter the amount and choose the foreign currency, then convert to yen.
Manual conversion
Find the latest exchange rate online and multiply the foreign currency amount by the rate to get the yen amount.
For example:
USD 100 x 108 (USD/JPY rate) = JPY 10,800
So manual math using real-time rates also works for currency conversion.
Bank conversion
You can convert foreign cash to yen at money exchange counters and banks. This may have higher fees but is convenient for obtaining yen banknotes.
So in summary, both online tools and offline options are available for currency conversions to Japanese yen.
Conclusion
The yen symbol ¥ originated in the late 1800s and was inspired by the German mark’s symbol. On keyboards it can be typed using a combination of Alt/Option keys and numbers or letters. Physical yen comes in banknote denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000, ¥2,000, ¥1,000 and coins from ¥500 to ¥1. Yen exchange rates fluctuate based on market forces and key economic factors. You can convert foreign currencies to yen using online converters, mobile apps, manual rate calculations, or bank exchanges.