Photo/Illutration Samples of redesigned banknotes in circulation from July 3 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

I came to appreciate the blues when I heard Ray Charles (1930-2004), a blind American singer, who was the most iconic superstar of soul music of the 20th century.

I believe many Japanese are familiar with his song “Georgia on My Mind,” where he sings soulfully of his deep nostalgia for his hometown.

His blindness apparently caused him many hardships when he was young. He was also subjected to appalling discrimination.

“Ray,” a 2004 American biopic, has a scene where Charles is nearly swindled when getting paid for his performance. The individual paying him hands him a one-dollar bill, insisting it’s a fiver.

After that experience, Charles demanded that he always be paid in single dollar bills only. He earned the nickname of “Mr. One-Dollar Bill” from a thoughtless band member.

It was a hassle for others to change larger denominations into ones every time and appears to have been a source of constant bickering.

Distinguishing between banknotes of varying denominations is a struggle for visually impaired people.

In Japan, many were greatly inconvenienced by the 2,000-yen note that debuted in the year 2000.

It had the same length as the 5,000-yen bill and the difference in width between them was no more than 1 millimeter.

Nowadays, banknotes have raised marks that can be distinguished by touch. However, the marks can become worn over time, making them harder to feel.

Some people are calling for bills that are easier to tell apart, like euro notes that come in notably different sizes and colors for different denominations.

For the first time in 20 years, 1,000-, 5,000- and 10,000-yen banknotes with new designs are being put into circulation on July 3. The raised marks are said to have been improved for easier distinction. We’ll see.

The face of industrialist Shibusawa Eiichi (1840-1931) on the 10,000-yen bill is fine, but I certainly want to first feel each new bill carefully.

—The Asahi Shimbun, July 3

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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