Shibasaburo Kitasato (1853-1931) was a physician and bacteriologist. He went to Germany and studied with German bacteriologist Robert Koch. After returning to Japan, he founded the Institute for Study of Infectious Diseases, and later the Kitasato Institute. He was the first dean of the Keio University School of Medicine.
The main reason that banknotes are being redesigned is to strengthen measures for preventing counterfeiting. The revamped bills will employ cutting-edge three-dimensional holographic technology and have watermarks in a white circle or oval when they are held up to light.