Originally Posted by
Nagasaki Joe
Therefore, I've toyed with the idea of using one of the 100-yen notes at a convenience store just to see the reaction I'd get. Although the government accepts it as legal tender, shops do not have to and probably won't.
Legal tender means that it must be accepted for the payment of a debt. Conbini can just refuse service - leaving no debt to be settled and no need for them to take your legal tender. A better place to test your 100-yen note might be a family restaurant after you have already eaten.
Some places near me don't take cash these days ... but they all require payment up front. So ... no debt to be settled. No arguments over legal tender.