 The Meiji government issued new notes, called "Meiji Tsūhōsatsu" (明治通宝札), in 1872, which were printed in Germany.Silver coins were also issued for trade with Asian countries who favoured silver as a currency, thus establishing a de facto gold-silver standard.The National Bank Act of 1872 led to the establishment of four banks between 1873 and 1874, and there were more than 153 national banks by the end of 1879.