OSAKA - The Japan Mint has begun producing commemorative silver coins to celebrate the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in Nagoya later this year, etched with designs of athletes and mascots.
The two types of pure silver coins are engraved with athletes competing at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi Prefecture on one side, and the mascot characters Honohon and Uzumin, representing the games and para games, respectively, on the other side.
"The colors are beautiful. It will be a piece of legacy for passing memories of the games into the future," Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura, who also serves as chairman of the games committee, said at a ceremony on Monday.
The coins, which have a diameter of 40 millimeters and weigh 31.1 grams, are available for 34,800 yen ($220) each and are limited to one per person. Applications to purchase them will be accepted via mail or online through June 23, according to the Japan Mint.
The Asian Games will begin in Nagoya on Sept. 19 and the Asian Para Games on Oct. 18.
