Japan experienced a local currency boom in the 1990s and early 2000s that has since declined. The local currency programs were often created as a response to the economic recession and focused on building social ties as well as supporting those left behind by the global economy.
Fure
Region: Yao City, Osaka, Japan
Currency Type: locally-issued convertible paper currency
First Issued: February 2004
Description and Background: Fure notes are used in six-month circulation periods, after which new notes are printed for use. The expired notes aren't redeemable due to Japanese legal restrictions.
Circulation and Participation: unknown
Founder: unknown
Contact: yaoiki@kawachi.zaq.ne.jp
Website: http://www.minkan.jp/yaoiki/fre/qaa.html
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Toda All
Region: Toda City, Saitama, Japan
Currency Type: locally-issued convertible paper currency
First Issued: 2002
Description and Background: The All note exchanges 1:1 to the yen. It was initially released at the August Festival in Toda City and went through a trail phase in March 2004 and has been in circulation since.
Circulation and Participation: 110 participating businesses
Founder: unknown
Contact: community@city.toda.saitama.jp
Website: http://www.toda-oar.net/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/todaoar/
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Tojiba
Region: Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Currency Type: locally-issued convertible paper currency
First Issued: 2003
Description and Background: Tojiba is a paper note type aiming at urban and mountain village exchange by a soybean standard system. Paper tickets are printed on Shibuya Earth Day Money and used.
Circulation and Participation: unknown
Founder: unknown
Contact: npo@toziba.net
Website: http://www.toziba.net/
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Yu-ru
Region: Sagamihara City, Kanagawa, Japan
Currency Type: locally-issued convertible paper currency
First Issued: January 2017
Description and Background: Yu-ru is a paper ticket type local currency that can be used in waste material eco-villages in the city's Midori Ward Makino.
Circulation and Participation: unknown
Founder: unknown
Contact: h.sobasima@olive.plala.or.jp