Pierced (). Here's some info on the rate structure and the payment methods available to those living in Japan. Here are some explanations for foreigners about purchasing laundry detergent in Japan. As usual, you can exchange your used clothing for a modest wad of yen here. The differences between Western and Asian sizing can be tricky, but this next handy chart should help you and your vintage infant avoid looking like packaged sausage. You should know them. Lastly, if there are any interesting Japanese fashion trends or styles you want to try but have held back because of the expense, buying used clothing is a great solution. 
So even if you do see some of the above words, know that the item may still be in good condition. Big ticket items can be posted on the website with fairly good results. All in all, there are many ways in Japan to get rid of the things that are cluttering up your life without throwing them in the trash. Then check out these three secondhand stores where you can thrift for upscale garments and accessories that will injure your bank account slightly less. See the photo gallery below for samples of the used clothing items supplied, please note only Grade A clothing are shown at present. Their stock is similar to Brand Collect, with the addition of some other interesting stuff, like fancy pens, fancy kimono, fancy musical instruments, fancy cameras, and of course, fancy diamonds. Since I haven't bought anything from the places in these last few sections, take my words with a grain of salt.
By studying old photographs and even importing trash from Hong Kong to Japan, the signs are also hand-painted just like it was in the City to truly transform the place into the famed cramped City. >> How to Sell on Mercari Japan>> Mercari Japan: How to Shop and Order in English. This way, your impact on both the environment and your coin purse is reduced. If you don't like it, you can just pass it on to someone else. Anyone who's tried to buy a white shirt only to find it's basically translucent tissue paper knows what I mean! And if you're shopping on Mercari (a magical, mystical wonderland that I'll talk about later), I wrote a whole other chart explaining how to search by item condition using their specific terminology. All of the clothing accessory items are packaged into boxes for shipping. The secondhand items are rated by their (teido, "degree/amount") of wear and tear on a six-star scale. This receipt will go to the cashier, along with your boxed item, and they will place a shipping label on it with the receipt inside. Please contact the Ecommit Sales Team with your sales enquiries for more information. For example, some sellers want you to comment your interest before buying. In general, recycle shops in Japan dont offer much, but if you are looking for a little extra cash, its a better alternative than throwing things away, especially for large furniture in good condition. UseLet says you can coordinate a whole outfit for just 1,000 yen, and I'd love to see someone test them on that. 
There's a bit of wear and tear around the neck, but on the whole, it's in close to mint condition. However, RAGTAG also lets you compare items to clothes you've already bought and has a handy "Add to Closet" button.
My top suggestion is to investigate a little place of wonder called Mercari, or (Merukari). Emily Suvannasankha Smaller items just need to be boxed or bagged up and dropped off at a participating convenience store (FamilyMart being the largest of the chains), where a small machine will scan the QR code on your phone and give you a receipt. Sometimes they have campaigns where shipping is free if you spend at least 5,000 yen, a number you're sure to hit if you buy literally anything. Especially if you've never thrift shopped for clothing before, Japan is one of the best places to start. This can be an excellent way for sneakerheads to pare down their collection without losing too much cash value, and its the most user-friendly of all the re-selling platforms in Japan.
I still think it's worth it to get a good deal, save some polar bears, and help an average person clean out their closet. They reportedly stock pieces from both the US and Japan, which is helpful for those of us who like Japanese styles but don't want to be bankrupted by shipping fees. In Japan there are many convenient ways in which you can pay your utility bills. 
(Who knew a pair of jeans from the 60s could be so expensive?) Also check on our Facebook page for more product videos, news updates and the latest sale offers. Uniqlos recycling program has a drop box at almost any location in Japan that allows you to bring clothes to drop off, in just about any quantity. The info page even provides frequent updates about (nyka, "new arrivals") and (nesage, "discounts"). More Information.
Almost all wards in Tokyo (and many cities besides) have rules for clothing recycling, generally picked up 14 times each month on designated days. Depending on your price point, you can decide which one might meet your sartorial needs. If you choose to go this route, you will need to call your local trash office and make arrangements for a specific day and time, then pick up the stickers from a local post office or convenience store. Like the "-Off" series of stores, Treasure Factory is a general flagship store with an umbrella of smaller, more specific shops, including several that specialize in secondhand clothing. Whether coming or going, we provide a wealth of information to help Japans international community live, work, and play. The "fugu" in Tofugu ;), Secondhand Shopping in Japan: How To Get Fashion Items, Take a Walk in Someone Else's Shoes (Literally), Where to Find Secondhand Clothing in Japan, length from the center of collar to the top of the sleeve. Loves photography, travel and East Asian cinema. Aya Francisco, Emily Suvannasankha, and Kanae Nakamine, Viewing under With the most awkward-to-say name of all time, TreFacStyle () mainly sells basic, everyday casual wear. Look for the following words in any item's description to learn how it's holding up. Chances are, there'll be some furugiya around there as well for you to support. I've found some downtown branches that have an upstairs with trendy, pricier brands of streetwear, while others feel like they were stocked exclusively by ob-chan's4 shuffleboard club. You might even be so lucky as to find a nearby haberdashery, the employees of which can hopefully teach you what the word haberdashery means. If youre interested in trying to sell rather than donate, there are several options in Japan especially for brand-name items, electronics, and smaller valuable items. Definitely check out the 2nd Streets in your area, but leave your expectations at the door and be open to whatever random racks of clothes happen to greet you. The most common option of calling your city to come pick up large items can be expensive and a hassle. Mercari was founded in Japan, then expanded into the US and UK. Neato! You'll find all the usual suspects: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and all those other fancy designers with hard-to-spell names. Plus, both flea markets and small thrift stores are excellent ways to support your local community, which also leads to feelings of back-pattery for you.
From the entrance, you will be greeted with the sign written in Chinese that this is Kowloon Walled City with accompanying sound effects. It's pretty helpful! Keep reading to find out how to get rid of the things you no longer want without putting them in the trash. This will ensure you're buying goods from within Japan, even if it takes some language learning on your part along the way. Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. Look out for phrases like (komento de yaritori shitekara, "once we chat in the comments, [we'll see about you possibly buying]") and (sokukny fuka, "do not instantly buy this item [without commenting]"). A poster of Bruce Lee could be seen from the inside of one of the apartments.
Your conscience and wallet, along with budding nudist Satoshi, will thank you. Not all their products are used, but most of them do say (chkohin), or "used item." The used clothing is processed at our warehouses in Japan, compressed into bales and bundles, and then loaded into a shipping container for export. The Mottainai Japan Facebook group can be a wonderful way to give a deserving Tokyo family or young emerging expat access to furniture. Employees then sort the clothes, and profits from the sale go directly to Animal Refuge Kansai or Shimin Kikin Kobe, an organization created to support local volunteers working around the Kobe area. Both prices are usually a bunch of money, but at least you're saving 300,000 yen on a 700,000 yen bag, right? But while there's a Western, English-based version of the app with different branding, I highly recommend downloading the Japanese version if you're in Japan. Chances are someone on this earth has already bought the item of clothing you want, worn it zero to a few times, and doesn't want it anymore. "Cool threads, pal. Share your passion for Japan with the world.
Of all the stores in this article, it's the only one with an English online store that isn't either 1) nonexistent, or 2) shoddily machine-translated. High quality returned clothes sourced from Japanese clothing shops are also available. Just the right distance for a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanagawa is home to some of Tokyos most accessible beaches, including around Kamakura, best known for its Big Buddha. Please also view our online used clothing store where a range of high quality bulk wholesale clothing items are available to purchase. Like Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo preaches, getting rid of things can be an enlightening experience and there are so many ways to do it in Japan. Grade A items are collected from second hand shops. Nice job, you've used these words to buy a frilly secondhand sundress for your big post-covid party in 2092. Save the fugu2 with your shopping habits! As a Hong Konger, I felt like I was not in Kawasaki anymore. Where'd you get them? The Japanese Meanings and Expressions, Mercari Japan: How to Shop and Order in English, Short Term Rental Monthly, Serviced Apartments, How to Donate and Sell Used Clothing and Furniture in Japan. The City can also be described as a building block, with residents using ladders to go from one "apartment" to another. ecommit-used-japanese-mens-ladies-childrens-shoes-boots-clothing-accessories-wholesale, ecommit-used-japanese-mens-ladies-childrens-hats-clothing-accessories-wholesale, ecommit-used-japanese-mens-ladies-childrens-bags-backpacks-clothing-accessories-wholesale, ecommit-used-japanese-mens-ties-clothing-accessories-wholesale, ecommit-used-japanese-mens-ladies-belts-clothing-accessories-wholesale. (If I still lived in Japan, this would be me!) Here are some category and description words that will really help to know when secondhand shopping in Japanese, especially online. Wandering into a 2nd Street is like playing roulette you might get super lucky, or you might find everything to be covered in sequins. Are you sure of what you want (a sweet, sweet shatsu, perhaps), but not certain which category it falls under? There are plenty of nihonjin unburdening themselves of their attire on Mercari. Make sure the clothes are in clear plastic bags, and place them wherever you put your trash and recycling out. If you don't know katakana yet (no shame), Tofugu has a Learn Katakana guide that might be up your alley. Fantastic, now you know how to articulate that you're looking for a 90s leather jacket for babies. Our company is experienced in shipping compressed bales and boxes of used clothing by the container load for import to many countries across Asia, Africa and South America. It's a great question, especially if you're used to wearing shiny new threads fresh off the conveyor belt. Otherwise, copy and paste will be your friend. Think again, pal. If none of the above options are of interest, be sure to check your citys local trash and recycling information sheet, usually provided with your residence information packet, on your buildings bulletin board, or posted near the trash pickup location. Treasure Factory also has an online store called TreFac Fashion, which bears the most similarity to TreFacStyle in terms of price and brands. Note that certain markets vary widely as far as availability and location, so make sure theres a branch of the one that suits you close at hand, as each store is usually dedicated to one category of items. Many Japanese online sellers list exact measurements, so prepare to measure your crotch in centimeters to see what will fit you. Most times you'll find it's okay not to comment, but it's always best to check. Anata no Warehouse is a must for thrill-seekers and entertainment lovers that want to do something that's a little bit off the beaten path. Maybe not so much during pandemic times, but you'll want to know where these colorful antique fairs are for future reference. The website doesnt have a huge audience, and it may take some time to get a good bite on your nicer items. Now, let's look at some example sentences to start stringing those random words into a semi-cohesive thought. They sell new items as well as used, so while you're rummaging around for latex cow-print unitards, you might hit the jackpot and find one with the tag still on. The coupon is only valid if you spend 3,000 or more in new items (which may not be a perk if youre looking to downsize), but its still a nice touch for doing something good. They periodically hold "20% UP" campaigns where you get paid 20% more for your whole lot if you include at least one item from specific high-end brands. Priced well, your items can go in a snap! Often, Japanese flea markets are held in central locations like shtengai, shrines, temples, parks, the base of Tokyo Skytree, etc. We welcome any suggestions regarding this content. There's some guy named Satoshi running around stark naked, all thanks to me." The section of their site includes a selection of secondhand clothing that will make you look like the most stylish American hoodlum there is. All you have to do is organize the clothes and pack them in a box to send to their address. OFF HOUSE(website is only in Japanese) is the most expansive, covering everything from camping equipment, to small household appliances, to clothing. Like 2nd Street, RAGTAG uses Virtusize to show you the size of clothes using diagrams and your own input measurements. What is Mottainai? Most impressively, you can even search by image. From liquor to books, the Off markets have a huge variety of goods available. Think eBay, but more interactive and less seedy and commercial.
Remember, if you've got holes in your ears, what are they? While based in Kobe, Orange Thrifty accepts boxes by post from anywhere in Japan. Thus, if you've got any old Hermes belts lying around, consider taking them to Brand Collect, KOMEHYO, or RAGTAG so some poor, needy banker can hold their fancy pants up for a discount. They only exist in Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa though, so if you live outside of those prefectures, you're outta luck. , . Price-wise, if you've recently hit it big at pachinko and are looking to blow those stacks of cash, it'll be pretty easy at Brand Collect. If you don't want to go outside, though, 2nd Street also has items for sale on their website. It's a reliable resource for when you need something basic, like a long-sleeve shirt or purse, that you're not that picky about in terms of style. Visitors can also travel a little farther afield for a weekend at Hakone onsen town. June 21, 2022 But you can recoup some of those losses by trading in (, kaitori) any of your spare monocles or golden handbags remotely through a LINE app application or in person. Craigslist requires a free sign-up and gives you a special anonymous post e-mail address to keep your actual contact information away from prying eyes. For Western expats, the easiest way to sell used items online is to post on Tokyo Craigslist. By the staggering number of items available, ZOZO is a highly popular website for clothing resale, so you'll likely have no trouble finding something that floats your boat. Once you find a frock that speaks to you, you'll want to look at the description. In that case, I recommend seeing if your city or prefecture has any local thrift stores that could use your business. They're not only economical but have many features that you will soon find hard to live without. Japanese clothing retailer ZOZOTOWN, which owns the popular Japanese outfit-sharing website/app WEAR, has a secondhand section called ZOZOUSED. Google-sensei will then show you thrift stores in your area, including both independent shops and big chains. Luckily, there are plenty of nihonjin (and some foreigners) unburdening themselves of their attire on Mercari often for way cheap. Off House is the least prevalent in metropolitan areas, so be sure one is close by before deciding to pack things up. Art by For more essential information on living in Japan, please visit our series of guides for English-speaking expats. H&M also offers a clothing recycling program, with the added perk of a 500 coupon for every bag you bring into the store. Computers and accessories are welcomed as well. Be warned that sometimes, rainy days will keep trash collectors from recycling particular items, so give yourself a little leeway just in case. Most garments you buy will (often explicitly) come washed, preserved, and ready for its second life on your beautiful form. words written by So next time you need a pair of jeans, sunglasses, or inflatable clown shoes, consider ripping them off the body of someone you've never met. But at least some physical locations carry secondhand offerings as well, so you can browse the racks in person. Many sellers on Japanese Mercari list the exact measurements of each piece of clothing, so break out the tape measure and punch (saizu no hakarikata, "how to measure size") into Google Images if needed. Download our product catalog! It's not an exhaustive list, but it should give you the basic tools you need to not accidentally buy shitagi ("underwear") when you were looking for uwagi ("outerwear"). Tokyo Freecycle is part of a global grassroots network of members with the aim of living more environmentally friendly lifestyles by focusing on the re-use part of the Three Rs. Kawasaki'sAnata no Warehouse permanently closed its doors on November 17th 2019. A Japanese costume onesie that looks like an animal or character. Have you got a fat pocketbook of yen to spend, but not quite fat enough to buy designer brands at designer prices? If you're having trouble, learn you some grammar! Ten minutes walk from Keikyu-Kawasaki Station. There are many categories to post on, and a large international presence on the website makes it easier to communicate with potential buyers in English. On the dirt cheap side, UseLet () is a warehouse-style secondhand fashion outlet that prides itself on "extreme" affordability. They have locations in Tokyo as well as an online store. In this section, I'll give you the details on some of the best spots to thrift shop for clothing in Japan, both online and in person. 2nd Street's overall vibe tends to vary especially widely. For instance, in Nagoya, Osu Kannon's shopping arcade contains dozens of small thrift shops with racks of clothes outside that you can flip through before entering. This can be felt to as you go another floor up and feel closer to the recreated houses matched with clothing lines, broken windows and a balcony filled with plants. Usually, there will be someone there to take your bags of donated clothing, though that is sometimes not the case during bad weather. For my fellow hermits, their online store has the same sort of opulent offerings as they do in person. Hobby OFF (website is only in Japanese) is a little more niche, and pertains almost exclusively to manga and toys. But whatever will you style it with? But don't let it stop you from scoping them out on my behalf! Included in this article are some translations of useful words, questions to ask in Japanese when purchasing, popular laundry detergent brands, softener brands, and product descriptions. RAGTAG is yet another store that sells secondhand luxury clothes for lower prices, seemingly focused on street brands. But what if you want gasp an in-person experience? And that's all the secondhand clothes shopping vocabulary I could think of! While this takes a little more time and investment, you can rest assured knowing your clothes are going to good causes. The most popular, called Off stores, can be found even in smaller cities that cater to customers who dont mind a little wear and tear for reduced prices. But no matter what you're buying, you'll probably want to make sure it's not actively disintegrating on the hanger.