Shurei-mon Gate on New 2,000 yen Bills

October 5, 1999, issuance of new bills was announced by Japan's Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. The design of the new bills features Shurei-mon Gate of Shuri-jo Park, where Reiko Chikada Lighting Design Inc. totally directed its lighting environment.

"The prime minister took the nation by surprise by saying the Bank of Japan would roll out the bills to mark the year 2000 and the country's hosting of the Group of Eight leaders' Summit in Okinawa. . . . According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio Aoki, on the front of the bill will be an illustration of Shureimon Gate in Naha, a symbol of Okinawa Prefecture, while the back will feature an illustration from the 'Tale of Genji,' a classic romantic novel written nearly 1,000 years ago."
The Japan Times, October 6, 1999.

Shurei-mon is the main gate of Shuri-jo Castle, built in the 16th Century by King Shousei of Ryukyu Dynasty. During Ryukyu Era that lasted 450 years until 1879, Chinese Emperor customarily sent an envoy to Naha on every king's accession to the throne, celebrating the beginning of his reign. According to the precedent, the King invited the Imperial envoy to his castle through Shurei-mon Gate, and treated him with a banquet.

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