ATM Factories in Overdrive Before New Banknote Launch in July

TOKYO, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - In preparation for the issuance of new banknotes this July, ATM manufacturers in Japan are ramping up production so that Automated Teller Machines will be able to handle both old and new notes.

The new banknotes, including the 10,000 yen note featuring the portrait of Eiichi Shibusawa, will be issued on July 3rd.

Production volumes at "OKI," a company that manufactures ATMs, are expected to reach nearly 20,000 units, double the output of the previous financial year. At their factory in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, operations have been at full capacity since last month, saying they are "experiencing an unprecedented level of production, not only due to the switch to new banknotes but also as a rebound from the semiconductor shortage."

Train companies have stated that they will gradually update ticket vending machines at stations, with the timing varying by station and region.

Major vending machine companies for beverages and other products have indicated that they will phase in compatibility with the new banknotes, monitoring their circulation. It is anticipated that for some time after their release, there will be machines that cannot accept the new banknotes.

Source: NHK

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