Japan: Yen

1 Yen - Showa

Years: 30-64 (1955-1989)
Calendar: Japanese - Shōwa era
Metal: Aluminium
Weight: 1 gm
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm

This coin is from Japanese year 56 (1981 AD).

The 1-yen coin, which was first issued in 1955, is the oldest coin among presently manufactured coins in Japan and marked its 50th anniversary in 2005.The design has not changed for more than 50 years.

Obverse side of the coin has the figure "1" in a circle with the year of issue in kanji below.
Reverse side has a young tree to symbolize the healthy growth of Japan.

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10 Yen - Showa (Smooth Edge)

Years: 34-64 (1959-1989)
Calendar: Japanese - Shōwa era
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 4.5 gm
Diameter: 23.5 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm

This coin is from Japanese year 56 i.e. 1981 AD.

The 10-yen coin with ridges was fist issued in 1951, with an unmilled version appearing in 1959.

The obverse side features the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture.
reverse side features the leaves of an evergreen tree along with a denomination.

Byodo-in

The Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple in Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture was named a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Fujiwara no Yorimichi (992-1074) built the temple to reproduce heaven on earth. The hall houses a statue of Amida Buddha and its walls depict Amida Buddha coming to this world to save people.

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50Yen - Heisei

Years: 1-24 (1989-2012)
Calendar: Japanese - Heisei era
Metal: Copper-nickel
Weight: 4 gm
Diameter: 21 mm
Thickness: 1.7 mm

Obverse side shows Centre hole flanked by chrysanthemums (flower).
Reverse side shows Numeral 50 above centre hole with date below.

This coin is from Japanese year 5 (1993 AD) and has been demonetized now.

The first 50-yen coin with no center hole was first issued in 1955. However in 1959, because it resembled the 100-yen coin in size and color, the 50-yen coin was pierced to make it more distinguishable from the 100-yen piece.
 

In many countries, Chrysanthemums are a beautiful reminder that Autumn has arrived

The name Chrysanthemum is derived from the Greek words, chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, and red.
It is believed that the flower may have been brought to Japan in the 8th century AD, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal and it is the Imperial Seal of Japan till date. There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower.

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100 Yen - Showa

 Years: 42-63 (1967-1988)
Calendar: Japanese - Shōwa era
Metal: Copper-nickel
Weight: 4.2 gm
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Thickness: 1.7 mm

Obverse design shows Japanese Cherry Blossom.

Reverse design shows the denomination in centre and date at bottom.

This coin is from the Japanese year 49 (1974 AD).

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

A cherry blossom is the flower of the Japanese Cherry tree and is called 'Sakura' in Japanese. In Japan,Cherry blossom starts in January and spreads across Japan there after. It reaches Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. "Hanami" is the centuries-old practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura tree. Japanese turn out in large numbers at parks, shrines, and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties. Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and for many are a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view.

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In response to a need for a higher value coin for use in vending machines a new 500-yen coin replaced the 500-yen banknote in 1982.

500 Yen - Heisei 

Years: 1-11 (1989-1999)
Calendar: Japanese - Heisei era
Metal: Copper-nickel
Weight: 7.2 gm
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Thickness: 1.9 mm 

Obverse design shows Japanese Paulownia plant.

Reverse design features bamboo and mandarin orange (wild orange) along with the denomination in centre and date at bottom.

This coin is from the Japanese year 10 (1998 AD) and is demonetized now.

Speciality: This is a widely circulated coin in Japan, and the most valuable circulating coin in the world by face value.

Paulownia Trees

Paulownia is known in Japanese as 'Kiri' (桐). It is also known as the "princess tree". It was once customary to plant a Paulownia tree when a baby girl was born, and then to make it into a dresser as a wedding present when she married. Paulownia is the mon of the office of prime minister and also serves as the emblem of the cabinet and the government (vis-à-vis the chrysanthemum being the Imperial Seal of Japan).

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Here are all the coins together to get the idea of their comparative sizes.

Source of Information : Japan Mint.