#Japan #Tokyo #luxury watches #geopolitical tensions #Gold Plaza

The Ripple Effect of Global Events on Gold Prices in January 2026

As the new year dawned, January 2026 brought with it a whirlwind of global events that significantly influenced gold prices worldwide. Initially, the retail price for gold surpassed 30,000 yen, marking a significant milestone. The gold buying price commenced at 24,244 yen per gram, but by mid-January, the fluctuating geopolitical landscape, including the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro by the USA, rattled markets and spurred an increase in gold prices.

In particular, concerns arose when the U.N. Security Council convened to address the troubling situation in Venezuela, which translated into a heightened demand for gold as a safe haven asset. The situation escalated with the mention of potential military action in Colombia by former President Trump, further intensifying purchases of gold as investors sought stability amid instability.

As the month progressed, gold prices demonstrated remarkable volatility. On January 13, the market saw a rebound of 889 yen, spurred by news of Federal Reserve Chair Powell receiving a subpoena from the Justice Department related to a criminal investigation. This raised alarms regarding the independence of the Federal Reserve, leading to further spikes in gold prices and hitting an all-time high.

By late January, the situation continued to evolve, particularly as anti-government protests erupted in Iran. President Trump indicated a restraint from military action, leading to a short-lived stabilization in gold prices. However, by January 20, prices began to soar again, propelled by Trump's discussions of imposing new tariffs on European nations concerning the autonomous territory of Greenland. Eventually, these tariff plans were shelved, but that did not stop prices from surging due to fears of retaliatory actions from the U.S. government if European countries divested from American securities.

The rising tensions between the U.S. and its European counterparts saw gold demand dramatically increase, illustrated by an unusual rebound of over 1,000 yen in a single day. By January 29, the reemergence of government shutdown talks in the United States sent gold prices skyrocketing by 1,830 yen, culminating in that day's retail price crossing the critical 30,000 yen threshold, making headlines across Japan.

Top Five High-Value Purchases at Gold Plaza

Reflecting the soaring gold prices, Gold Plaza recently published its list of top five high-value purchases for January:

5th Place: Rolex Explorer II 16550

• - Description: This exquisite watch, designed for adventurers, features a 24-hour display functionality that assists in determining day from night in extreme conditions. It was famously worn by climber Reinhold Messner during his Everest ascent in 1978, proving its durability and reliability.
• - Purchase Price: 1,000,000 yen

4th Place: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

• - Description: A sporty upgrade to the classic Royal Oak, this timepiece features a larger case and was designed by Swiss watchmaker Emmanuel Gueit at just 22 years old, creating a new niche in luxury sports watches.
• - Purchase Price: 2,250,000 yen

3rd Place: K24 Gold Cup

• - Description: A compact but stunning piece of pure gold craftsmanship, this cup serves as a testament to the skyrocketing gold prices and collectors' interests.
• - Purchase Price: 2,076,300 yen

2nd Place: K24 Zodiac Medals

• - Description: This set of gold medals, representing various zodiac signs, holds spiritual significance. Each medal embodies a sense of sanctity and is expected to hold or increase its value amid rising gold markets.
• - Purchase Price: 2,700,000 yen

1st Place: K18 Gold Temple Bell

• - Description: This stunning 18k gold temple bell, known for its polished design and profound meaning, showcases distinct differences in vibrancy and tone compared to ordinary materials like brass. Previously priced at over 10 million yen, it can reach up to 20 million yen with personalized engravings.
• - Purchase Price: 7,890,000 yen

Gold Plaza continues to expand and adapt to the needs of their customers, breaking through barriers with fast cash transactions and offering high-value purchases, customized services, and dependable appraisals. With a total of 630,000 customers served to date, 14 locations across Japan provide convenient access and top-tier evaluation services, ensuring peace of mind for those looking to sell.

For more information, visit their official website Gold Plaza.