Banknote Japan 50 Yen - Takahashi Korekiyo - ND (1951)

Takahashi Korekiyo was a Japanese statesman who played a significant role in Japan's history in the early 20th century. He was born on February 27, 1854, in Akita Prefecture, Japan, and came from a samurai family, receiving a traditional education.

Takahashi began his political career as a bureaucrat in the Ministry of Finance of the Meiji government, which sought to modernize Japan and transform it into an industrial power. As a member of the Ministry of Finance, Takahashi actively participated in monetary reform, contributing to the adoption of the yen as Japan's national currency.

In 1903, Takahashi became the Director General of the Ministry of Finance, a key position that allowed him to influence the country's economic policy. He encouraged industrialization, promoted foreign investment, and advocated for modernizing infrastructure. Takahashi is often credited with contributing to Japan's rapid economic growth during that time.

Throughout his career, Takahashi held several important ministerial positions, including serving as Prime Minister twice, in 1921-1922 and 1932. During his tenure, he attempted to address the economic problems facing Japan, such as inflation and the global economic depression.

However, one of Takahashi's most controversial decisions was his deflationary policy, known as the "Takahashi Policy." He sought to reduce inflation and stabilize the Japanese economy by reducing the money supply, which had the effect of exacerbating the economic crisis and increasing poverty in the country.

In addition to his political career, Takahashi was also a prolific writer. He authored numerous books and articles on economic and political subjects, and he was recognized as one of the most influential economists of his time.

Unfortunately, Takahashi's career was tragically cut short when he was assassinated during the February 26 Incident in 1936, a military coup led by army officers in Japan. His assassination was widely condemned and contributed to the rise of the military in Japan in the following years.

Despite the controversies surrounding some of his policies, Takahashi Korekiyo is often regarded as a competent and visionary statesman whose efforts helped shape Japan's modern economy.