Japan Inflation Calculator
Historical purchasing power from 1868 to 2026 — 158 years of data
The Japanese yen was introduced during the Meiji Restoration in 1871, transforming Japan from feudal society to modern economy. From the pre-war gold standard to the devastating WWII inflation, through the post-war 'Japanese economic miracle' and the 'Lost Decades' of deflation, the yen tells a story unlike any other currency. See how purchasing power evolved across Japan's 155 years of modernity.
Calculate Japan inflation
Enter any amount and year — see what it's worth today, plus the human context
1800–2025
up to 2026
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Browse historical purchasing power for different amounts across key years in Japan's monetary history.
History of Japan's currency
The yen replaced the complex Tokugawa monetary system in 1871. It was linked to silver, then gold. WWII caused hyperinflation — prices rose over 200× between 1944 and 1950. The post-war yen was pegged at 360 per US dollar until 1971, underpinning Japan's export-driven miracle economy. Since 1990, Japan has faced persistent deflation and near-zero interest rates — a unique case study in modern monetary economics.
Key monetary events
Fascinating Japan money facts
💡 A yen in 1900 had the purchasing power of approximately ¥6,000 today
💡 From 1949 to 1971, the yen was fixed at exactly 360 per US dollar
💡 Japan had essentially zero inflation from 1995 to 2020 — historic deflation
💡 In 1989, Tokyo's Imperial Palace grounds were said to be worth more than all California real estate
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All calculations based on Japan's Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Learn about our methodology and view our data sources.