Japan will introduce new banknotes for the first time in 20 years on Wednesday.

Excitement erupted Wednesday as redesigned Japanese banknotes with historical figures entered circulation, with residents with regional links to the figures eagerly collecting and celebrating the new bills.

TOKYO — Japan issued its first new banknotes in two decades Wednesday, yen packed with 3-D hologram technology to fight counterfeiting. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida praised as "historic" the state-of-the-art anti-counterfeit traits of the new 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen bills. PHOTOS BY JAPAN POOL/KYODO NEWS VIA AP Read:

Japan issues first new banknotes in 20 years #breakingnews#news