JNDA#25-28
| Material | Nickel brass, Cupronickel and Copper |
| Composition | Copper 750 Zinc 125 Nickel 125 |
| Weight | 7.1grams=0.25oz |
| Diameter | 26.5mm=1.043in |
| Year of Production | 2020(Reiwa 2 year) |
This 500-yen coin was issued to commemorate the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Olympic coin features the Thunder God. The Paralympic coin features the Wind God.
Number of coins issued: 4,001,000pcs.
Some were sold as mint sets, but the majority were exchanged at financial institutions and entered general circulation.
Raijin (Thunder God)
Raijin (Thunder God) is the deity presiding over thunder in Japanese mythology and folk beliefs. Also known as “Raijin-sama,” “Narukami,” or “Raikō,” he is often depicted alongside Fujin (Wind God) as a pair. He is famously portrayed striking a drum to produce thunderclaps and lightning bolts (as seen in the Wind and Thunder Gods painting). He governs both water and fire, bringing bountiful harvests while also being a fearsome entity capable of causing calamity. He is associated with Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin-sama) and is also revered as a deity for warding off misfortune.
The design for this coin was decided by public vote. The three candidates were the “Fūjin Raijin Screen,” “Mount Fuji,” and the “National Stadium.” The winner was selected through voting via Twitter and postcards. The results showed the “Fūjin Raijin Screen” received 43 percent (28,741 votes) of the total 66,318 votes cast, securing its selection. Mount Fuji received 16,451 votes, and the National Stadium received 21,053 votes.
