I had the same reaction, to be honest. But I think the photos aren't so good and we're so used to the current designs that anything new looks strange. So I'm willing to give it a chance. I agree with you about the back of the ¥1k bill. They really designed that one well!
At any rate, the current ones will still be around for many years to come. I mean, I don't know about you, but I sometimes still receive the old Soseki ¥1000 notes, and that's almost 20 years old now.
REALLY?! OMG I want to have that too! 😅
Seems so rare!