RetireJapan

I have two slightly ripped 1000 Yen notes, (5% of the note ripped off, but accounted for). Someone stuffed an envelope poorly, and the notes were not seated properly, and I was probably a bit too careless opening it.

From what I researched, I cannot simply exchange them at the bank? I have to go to the Bank of Japan to get this done? Anyone have any input?

This did happen to me, put the notes in the ATM and 1 coin was in the stack, when the atm counted the notes, the coin ripped a note.

I had to go to the counter, fill a form saying that 1 note of 1000 yens was ripped and i want a new one, they checked the note and asked me to wait a few minutes before they got me a new one.

This was in a local bank that is only in the region, so I suppose all banks can do it.