A sample of an old 10,000-yen banknote is seen in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on Aug. 30, 2021. (Mainichi/Kotaro Adachi)

       TOKYO -- Three Vietnamese nationals have been arrested for allegedly using counterfeit 10,000-yen (about $90) banknotes in a design long out of print at convenience stores in Tokyo, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)'s second investigation division announced on Sept. 8.

       Police arrested the trio on suspicion of using forged currency. Some 140 counterfeit notes featuring a portrait of the 6th-7th century Japanese prince Shotoku Taishi have been found at convenience and drugstores in Tokyo's 10 wards since mid-August. Police are investigating whether there is an organized criminal element involved, presuming the three suspects did indeed use the fake bills.

       The three are specifically accused of passing four forged bills at four convenience stores in the capital's Nakano Ward between Aug. 22 and 23. In all cases, police believe the suspects bought snacks using the notes, getting about 9,000 yen in change. Police have not said whether the suspects have admitted to the charges.

       According to the investigation division, fake antique 10,000-yen notes were passed off at stores in the 10 wards of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Toshima, Nakano, Sumida, Chuo, Taito, Suginami, Bunkyo and Minato. The design was discontinued in 1986, and the bills were forged to a high degree of detail, including watermarks. All the serial numbers began with "PS" -- not actually used in Japanese banknote serial numbers -- and ended with "N."

       (Japanese original by Nana Hayashida, Tokyo City News Department)

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