#Japan #Tokyo #Resale Market #BuySell

The Explosive Growth of Japan's Resale Market

Japan's resale market has shown remarkable growth, with an astounding estimated annual revenue of approximately 1.1883 trillion yen in the last year, according to a national survey conducted by the BuySell Institute, associated with BuySell Technologies. This survey gathered responses from 19,440 individuals aged between 20 and 79, showcasing some striking trends in consumer behavior regarding reselling used goods.

Key Findings of the Survey

One of the main revelations from the survey indicates that only 16.3% of respondents had engaged in the sale of used items within the past year. Despite this relatively small percentage, the total revenue generated from these sales is significant. This figure of approximately 1.1883 trillion yen is comparable to other notable financial metrics in Japan, such as the annual intake from the hometown tax scheme, which amounts to 1.2728 trillion yen, and the overall points issued by private companies, totaling about 1.3695 trillion yen. The presence of such a considerable sum underscores the latent value contained within households, which remain largely untapped by the majority of the population.

The median resale income was found to be 16,796 yen, with individuals in their 70s earning around 50,526 yen—4.4 times that of those in their 20s. This generational divide suggests that older adults are dispossessing themselves of accumulated goods, possibly in light of life events such as downsizing or decluttering due to aging.

Top Categories of Sold Items

A detailed analysis of the types of goods sold reveals that the top three categories were apparel, toys and hobbies, and precious metals. Notably, apparel represented the bulk, accounting for 36.4% of sales, followed by toys at 20% and precious metals at 7.4%. This shift appears to coincide with the recent rise in gold prices, suggesting that individuals are increasingly turning to the resale market not just to declutter but to capitalize on valuable items lying dormant in their homes.

Preferred Selling Channels

When it comes to how people are selling their goods, 66% of respondents reported using physical stores for their transactions, while 33.2% utilized CtoC platforms and 15.1% opted for in-home buying services. A smaller 10.3% turned to delivery services. This indicates a strong preference for traditional methods over digital ones, although the trend may shift as more individuals become comfortable with online sales platforms.

Insights from the BuySell Institute

The research team at the BuySell Institute noted that gaining insights into this 1.1883 trillion yen figure—generated by just 16.3% of the population—presents a promising opportunity for future growth. If the underrepresented 80% of households begin to circulate their dormant valuables, the resale market may still have substantial room for expansion.

Moreover, the data suggest a rural-urban divide in attitudes towards resale. While the sample targeted a nationwide audience, urban households tended to engage more in reselling, possibly due to greater access to resale platforms.

In conclusion, as the environmental consciousness among consumers continues to rise in Japan, opportunities for growth in the resale market become increasingly apparent. With particularly high engagement from older demographics, the landscape of consumer goods could drastically change as more people embrace the benefits of selling unwanted items, contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.

Study Overview

Research Name: National Survey on Used Goods Resale

• - Methodology: Internet-based survey
• - Conducted by: BuySell Institute, BuySell Technologies
• - Sample Size: 19,440 participants nationwide
• - Study Period: April 7-13, 2026
• - Product Categories Analyzed: 13 categories, including apparel, jewelry, and electronics.

Through this research, the BuySell Institute aims to foster an environment where everyone can participate in the resale market, promoting a lifestyle where waste is minimized and multi-use is prioritized.