Are old Yen bank notes still legal tender?

After my last trip I had some Yen bank notes left over. As I was planning to go back reasonably soon and because the exchange rate had got stronger, I didn't bother to exchange them back into ﾂ｣.

I've just been looking at the JNTO website and see that a new series of bank notes has been issued. I think mine are all of the old sort.

Could someone please let me know whether the old notes are still legal tender AND whether there is a date by which they will be withdrawn?

I don't want to turn up with them and find they are not worth the paper printed on

Thanks
Amos

I know for a fact you can use both at vending machines. I'm not sure what percentage of them, though. How old are we talking here, anyway? In the U.S. new bills were issued five or so years ago, but we still use the old ones as well (well, as far as I know, but I doubt it's changed drastically in the four months I've been gone).

Not always....

but most of the time old money can be turned in at banks for new bills in most countries. Then there is always the chance if it is old enough, it becomes collectable. I still have Japanese bills and coins from 1970 and would not hesitate to take them to Japan to use today. If a bank would not take them a collector would I'm sure.

Uncle Frank

When I went in November/December my currency was a mix of old and newer notes. I had no problems whatsoever in using them, no one batted an eyelid.

Thanks to the three of you for getting back to me.
My notes are from last year so sounds like they are still legal. It also sounds like there is no plan to phase out the old notes, but I'll keep an eye on that.
Thanks