What about the 2000 yen note?

It is not a rare note, it's just rarely used (difference there).

Like the 2dollar us bill, its not a rare note (people think it is) it is just rarely used in regular circulation.

Thats why its quite easy to obtain if you ask for it, sometimes they just have to order it if is not in stock. There's plenty available, many people aren't using them in daily usage that's all.

Same for the US 2 dollar bill.

I first saw 2000 yen notes last year when I was handed three as change (at a beauty salon). They were passed to me as if they were totally commonplace, but a colleague stopped me when she saw me about to use one to pay for lunch and suggested I keep them. The colleague's philosophy is that since they're a bit uncommon, they might be good temple offerings the next time I ''really really'' want to ask for some good luck. :)