Central Bank of Japan (Cherry, Plum, and Chrysanthemum)

The Central Bank of Japan (明湄中央銀行 Myōmi Chūō Ginkō) is the central bank of the Republic of Japan. The Bank is often called Nichigin (日銀) for short. It has its headquarters in Chuo, Tokyo.

History
Founded in 1882 as Imperial Bank of Japan by the Governmental Decree no.14 issued by Great Councillor Ii Naosuke. The institution was given a monopoly on controlling the money supply in 1884, but it would be another 20 years before the previously issued notes were retired.

Following the Japanese Civil War (1925-1930), the Ministry of Finance of Revolutionary Government led by Motonara Hishaku organized the separated bank system by consolidated Workers' Bank, Peasant's Bank, Trade Bank of Tokyo, and Bank of Osaka under People's Bank of Japan in December 4, 1927. After the Revolutionaries gained a victory in 1930, the Imperial Bank merged with People's Bank and renamed as Central Bank of Japan in April 23, 1931.

Prior and after the World War II, the Central Bank remained the only domestic bank which permitted to operates in Japan, not only as central bank but also as sole commercial bank of Japan. But in 1954, the National Congress passed the National Economy Law that allowed the gradual economic liberalization in Japan. The Central Bank successful to modernize itself in 1958 under the management of Minister of Finance and Banking Naokatsu Shirotama.

Mission
According to its charter, the missions of the Central Bank of Japan are
 * Issuance and management of banknotes
 * Implementation of monetary policy
 * Providing settlement services and ensuring the stability of the financial system
 * Treasury and government securities-related operations
 * International activities
 * Compilation of data, economic analyses and research activities