Guide to high-value collectibles and goods from Japan's secondhand market

The global appetite for unique Japanese collectibles sourced from the secondhand market is booming, from rare Pokémon cards to vintage electronics and coveted anime figures. To international buyers, Japan holds an unparalleled reputation as a hotspot for rare collectibles, which is why the secondhand market has become an attractive way for many to get their hands on these goods. With the online secondhand marketplace projected to hit USD 9 billion by 2030 at an 11% CAGR1, demand for exporting secondhand goods from Japan will only intensify.

This guide explores the trends driving this online secondhand market boom. We'll also cover how DHL Express ensures these often irreplaceable high-value collectibles reach international buyers safely through reliable international shipping solutions, essential for anyone shipping from Japan.

Your sourcing map: the most popular secondhand e-commerce shops in Japan

Successfully navigating Japan's secondhand market requires knowing where to find the best Japanese collectibles. These online secondhand marketplace platforms offer distinct advantages for sourcing high-value items for international shipping and worldwide shipping.

Mercari & Rakuma

Mercari and Rakuten's Rakuma are the leading consumer-to-consumer (C2C) mobile marketplaces in Japan. These platforms provide a low-barrier entry point to a global market. Individuals can directly sell items, often at fixed prices, which allows for greater control over profit margins and a simpler sales process than auctions. 

This model is an excellent way to export secondhand goods from Japan, giving sellers direct access to international buyers who are actively searching for rare Japanese collectibles that may be unavailable in their home countries..

• Anime and manga collectibles: This covers everything from rare figurines and limited-edition manga volumes to obscure character merchandise.
• Limited-edition apparel: Streetwear, designer collaborations, and vintage fashion items from popular Japanese and international brands frequently appear.
• Household goods: Unique Japanese homeware, ceramics, and small decorative items with distinctive aesthetics find international appeal.
• Idol merchandise: Goods related to popular Japanese idol groups, often released in limited quantities, are highly sought after by fans globally.

Yahoo! Japan Auctions & Janpara

Yahoo! Japan Auctions is the primary platform for acquiring truly rare and high-value items, often functioning as a price discovery mechanism for unique Japanese collectibles. It's a go-to for collectors seeking items with significant historical or rarity value, often sold through competitive bidding.

Janpara, on the other hand, is a specialty secondhand shop known for vintage electronics, cameras, and high-end audio equipment. It caters to a niche market looking for quality, often rare, electronic devices in excellent condition.

Popular product categories here for high-value shipping include:

• Vintage electronics: Retro gaming consoles, classic portable music players, and early computing devices in working condition.
• Cameras: Collectibles range from vintage film cameras and lenses to specialized digital camera bodies, often accompanied by original packaging.
• High-end audio equipment: Rare amplifiers, turntables, headphones, and speakers, often prized for their craftsmanship and unique sound profiles.
• Luxury watches: Premium Japanese watch brands, especially limited editions or discontinued models, frequently appear in auctions.

The high-value trend: what buyers want now

Understanding which categories generate the most global interest helps sellers shipping from Japan focus their sourcing and shipping strategies, especially for items requiring specialized handling. 

Pop culture & media

The global demand for Japanese collectibles related to pop culture is explosive. Rare Pokémon cards, limited-edition anime figures, and vintage manga volumes are highly sought after by international collectors.

This demand is reflected in the growth of major secondhand retailers; Mandarake, well-known for its anime and manga goods, reported $97.5M2 in revenue as of 31 March, up significantly from $85.1M in 2022.

While trending franchises like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Ensemble Stars, and My Hero Academia3 currently drive significant interest in the secondhand market, evergreen IPs maintain a consistent, dedicated fanbase. Collectibles from these powerhouse brands remain reliable sellers year after year; The Pokémon Company reported $12B4 in retail sales for licensed merchandise alone, while Bandai Namco's Mobile Suit Gundam IP saw its revenue increase 81.2%5 year-over-year as of 2025..

Whether chasing the latest trends or catering to established fandoms, sellers need a secure international shipping strategy. The often high, fluctuating resale value of these high-value collectibles, combined with their frequently small and fragile nature, makes reliable delivery essential. Securely shipping anime figures worldwide requires careful handling and dependable tracking.

Vintage electronics and media

Beyond pop culture, there's a strong global demand for high-quality, specialized Japanese vintage electronics. Items like classic cameras and high-fidelity audio gear are prized for their craftsmanship and performance. While major retailers like Yodobashi Camera focus on new goods, associated secondhand shops or dedicated vintage electronics stores are treasure troves for these high-value items.

Collectors actively seek out specific retro electronics, including:

• Retro gaming consoles: Such as the original Famicom, first-generation PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and Sega Saturn, often come complete with packaging.
• Old computers: Classic models from Japanese manufacturers or iconic international brands like early Mac models, valued for their design and historical significance.
• Vintage audio equipment: Turntables, cassette decks, reel-to-reel players, and amplifiers sought by audiophiles for their unique sound quality.
• Cameras and photography gear: Vintage film cameras (like Nikon or Canon), early digital cameras, and sought-after lenses known for their unique optical characteristics.
• CRT televisions and video equipment: Niche demand exists for high-quality CRTs, especially among retro gaming enthusiasts seeking period-accurate displays.

These items often contain sensitive components. Ensuring your packing is safe for international shipping with appropriate cushioning and protection against shock is necessary to prevent damage during transit.

Secure shipping: maintaining buyer confidence in cross-border e-commerce

Successfully selling Japanese collectibles internationally requires more than just sourcing great items. Securing these high-value goods during shipping from Japan is essential for maintaining your seller reputation on platforms like Mercari and eBay and reducing costly disputes.

Reliable international shipping provides verifiable trust in the online secondhand market. Buyers investing in high-value collectibles expect proof of shipment and secure delivery, making your logistics choice a key part of the transaction's success.

Packaging for peace of mind

Secure packaging is the first line of defense when shipping high-value items internationally. For fragile Japanese collectibles, extra care prevents damage and ensures customer satisfaction.

Here are some key packing tips:

• Double-box fragile items: Place the collectible in its original packaging inside a sturdy inner box with cushioning, then place that inner box inside a larger, strong outer shipping box with additional padding.
• Use appropriate void fill: Fill all empty spaces with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam to prevent items like anime figures from shifting during transit.
• Protect cards rigorously: Place valuable Pokémon cards in rigid sleeves (toploaders) and then secure them between pieces of sturdy cardboard before wrapping or placing them in a padded mailer or box.
• Wrap individual components: For vintage electronics, wrap cords, accessories, and the main unit separately with protective material before placing them in the box.
• Seal boxes securely: Use strong, high-quality packing tape (like pressure-sensitive plastic tape) to seal all edges and seams of the outer box securely.

Remember, ensuring your packing is safe for international shipping not only protects the item but also prevents damage claims and the significant costs associated with handling international returns.

The power of verifiable tracking

For high-value shipping, end-to-end tracking is non-negotiable. DHL Express provides detailed, verifiable tracking from the moment a package is picked up in Japan to its final delivery confirmation. This level of visibility offers peace of mind to both seller and buyer and is often essential for meeting seller protection requirements on major online secondhand marketplace platforms, helping you avoid mistakes when shipping internationally.

DHL Express: your partner for global e-commerce

Success in exporting unique finds from Japan's online secondhand market relies on pairing the right sourcing platform, like Mercari, with the right logistics partner. DHL Express provides the speed, security, and customs expertise needed for reliable international shipping, helping you maintain buyer confidence and scale a profitable business focused on Japanese collectibles.

Ready to turn your Japanese finds into global exports? Open a DHL Express business account today for specialized high-value shipping solutions. Explore our full range of e-commerce services designed for cross-border success when shipping high-value items internationally.