Mar 09 (NHK) - Japan's government plans to issue gold and silver coins to mark 50 years since the return of the southwestern prefecture of Okinawa to the country from postwar US rule.
Ahead of the anniversary on May 15, the Finance Ministry disclosed the designs of the two coins on Tuesday.
The gold coin has a face value of 10,000 yen, or nearly 90 dollars. On its front side, the main building of Shuri Castle and a traditional dance performance are depicted.
The 1,000-yen silver coin also has a design of the castle, as well as the Okinawan woodpecker and the deigo, or coral tree, flower -- the prefectural flower.
The backs of both coins show an image of traditional bingata, a dyeing technique.
The government plans to issue 20,000 of the gold coins to be sold for about 1,300 dollars each, and 50,000 of the silver for about 100 dollars.
The Japan Mint will accept applications to buy the coins for about three weeks, from May 15.
Source: ANNnewsCH