Old yen and buying things in Japan.

So let's say that I had a yen note from the 1950's, similar to this one:

http://tinyurl.com/ygjax3w

Could that be used to buy something in Japan? I don't plan on spending something as old and sentimental as that, but I'm just curious because I believe, to my knowledge, that there is no yen note below 1000 and everything else is in coins.

Same question applies to coins. Say I have this coin:

http://tinyurl.com/yf6sw5q

Can I spend that as well?

Delta,

Being curious, I did a search and found this Japanese website.
http://harmonyatsugi.hp.infoseek.co.jp/kyusoku/100yen.html

According to the webmaster, there is a souvenior shop in Shiroyama Park, Kagoshima Prefecture which actually gives you change in 100 yen bills. Much to my surprise, 100 bills were issued until the year 1974. The 100 coin of that design only lasted for 2 years which were 1957 and 1958, but either way, these currencies aren't as old as you'd think, which is probably why they aren't so expensive.

The webmaster proceeded in her adventure to see if she can actually use the bills. She used the 100 bills two times successfully, each successfully surprising the shop clerk leading to interesting conversation. In the latter case, the clerk went ahead and just put the bill in the clerk's own wallet, exchanging it to an ordinary 100 yen coin of her own in which she placed in the cashing machine.

I wouldn't be surprised, however, if you were rejected to use the bill or coin. If the clerk isn't familiar with the design, (s)he may not trust you. But from the website, one can assume that your chances aren't that slim.

Thanks a lot! That's very useful. I expected something kind of like that. Again, thanks a bunch.