#Japan #Tokyo #Harajuku #Mercari

Unveiling the Hidden Value of Everyday Items

Mercari, the popular online marketplace, is set to open a unique and interactive facility titled the 'Potentially Discarded Treasures Museum' from December 4 to December 14, 2025, in Harajuku, Tokyo. This temporary exhibition aims to enlighten visitors on the often-overlooked value of the items lying around their homes, just in time for the year-end cleaning season.

Background of the Initiative

According to a recent survey conducted by Mercari in November 2025, it was found that the average value of unwanted items collected in Japanese households is approximately 715,000 yen (about $6,500). However, when asked about the expected selling price if these items were to be sold, the figure plummeted to around 195,000 yen (approximately $1,800). This staggering difference of almost 520,000 yen highlights a significant recognition gap regarding the real value of household clutter.

In light of these findings, Mercari aims to bridge this gap by hosting a museum that encourages individuals to explore and appreciate the hidden worth of items that usually end up being discarded, especially during the end-of-year cleanup.

What to Expect at the Museum

The 'Potentially Discarded Treasures Museum' invites visitors to immerse themselves in nostalgic environments reminiscent of childhood and student life. The exhibition re-creates rooms from the 2000s, such as a retro space from a younger sister's childhood or a university student brother's room. Visitors will find a treasure trove of nostalgic electronics, unread books and magazines, and beloved character merchandise that symbolize past trends and lifestyles.

Upon entering the museum, guests will be encouraged to explore the hidden values of these seemingly outdated items through a unique mission—finding out the current market prices using Mercari's price-searching feature. This tool allows users to scan items with images or keywords to quickly ascertain their market value. The experience is designed to transform the way one perceives unused belongings, revealing treasures where others may see trash. Those who successfully complete the mission will be rewarded with exclusive items.

Event Details

• - Name: Potentially Discarded Treasures Museum
• - Duration: December 4 - December 14, 2025
• - Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (First day opens at 3:00 PM, last day closes at 6:00 PM)
• - Location: GoOn TOKYO, 6-33-14 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
• - Access: 6 minutes walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line; 12 minutes from Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line; and 1 minute from Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
• - Admission: Free, but reservations are required via the official website.
• - Special Campaign: To celebrate the event, Mercari will be holding a social media campaign where participants can share their own 'discarded treasures' on Twitter for a chance to win 2,000 yen in Mercari points.

The campaign will run from 00:00 on December 4 to 23:59 on December 21, 2025, by using the hashtags '#PotentiallyDiscardedTreasuresMuseum' and '#Campaign'.

Additional Resources

Mercari aims to promote the reuse of valuable items rather than allowing them to end up in landfills. The survey revealed a staggering potential loss of around 10 trillion yen due to the disposal of these hidden assets

• - For more information: Visit the official campaign site at Mercari Treasure Museum

This museum is more than just an exhibition; it serves as a reminder of the value that lies in our everyday lives. As we prepare for the upcoming year-end cleaning, this event asks us all to reconsider what we might be overlooking and to cherish the sentimental and financial worth of our belongings.