JNDA# 07-29
| Material | Silver |
| Composition | Pure Silver |
| Weight | 31.1grams=1.09oz |
| Diameter | 40mm=1.57in |
| Year of Production | 2013(Heisei 25 year) |
These silver coins were issued to commemorate the enforcement of Japan’s Local Autonomy Law.
Each of the 47 prefectures has its own unique design.
The Okayama Prefecture coin depicts Okayama Korakuen Garden and Momotaro.
Okayama Korakuen Garden
This strolling-style daimyo garden was commissioned by Okayama feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa and constructed over 14 years by Tsuda Nagatada.
Its current area is approximately 133,000 square meters.
It is counted among Japan’s Three Great Gardens, alongside Mito’s Kairakuen and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen.
Transferred from the Ikeda family to the prefecture during the Meiji period, it marked 130 years of public access in 2014 (Heisei 26).
It was designated a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1952 (Showa 27).
Momotaro
Momotaro is one of Japan’s most representative folktales.
The story follows Momotaro, born from a large peach that floated down a river, who sets out to defeat demons ravaging the village. Along the way, he is joined by a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant who become his retainers.
Okayama Prefecture is known as the land associated with Momotaro.
This is because Okayama Prefecture has peaches and kibi dango (sweet rice dumplings), and the legend of Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto defeating Onra (an ogre said to have lived in the Kibi region) passed down in the Kibiji area.
The legend of Momotaro exists outside Okayama Prefecture too, making it a folktale shrouded in mystery.
The legend of Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto defeating Onra, passed down since ancient times, is considered the prototype for the ogre-slaying tale of Momotaro.
The peach that gave Momotaro his name has been used since ancient times as a tool to ward off evil spirits. The Kibi region, blessed with a warm climate and abundant sunny days, has cultivated peaches since ancient times. The millet used as the ingredient for the “kibidango” rice cakes that Momotaro gave to his dog, monkey, and pheasant companions is said to derive its name from the Kibi region. Today, these rice cakes are a representative souvenir of Okayama. Furthermore, the names of Momotaro’s retainers—the dog, monkey, and pheasant—live on in the area today, such as in the name “Inukai” (Dog Keeper). Momotaro was born in this land, where Okayama’s climate, natural features, history, and the legend of the defeat of the demon Ura are deeply intertwined.
Looking down from the sheer cliffs of Onigashima Mountain, which overlooks the distant Seto Inland Sea, one sees diverse heritage sites, including ancient, well-preserved giant burial mounds. The world of the battle between Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto and Onra, unique to this place, unfolds below, inviting visitors to Kibi into its mystical tale.
