Japan's 'Hidden Assets' Hit ¥90.5 Trillion: A $579 Billion Sleeping Market

Your cluttered closet might be a gold mine. Japanese households are sitting on an estimated 90.53 trillion yen ($579 billion) in 'hidden assets'—unused goods that haven't been touched for over a year. According to a recent survey by online flea market giant Mercari Inc., this dormant value represents a massive untapped economic resource.

Fashion and Hobbies Lead the Surge

The survey of 2,400 people, conducted in October, calculated values based on average transaction prices on the Mercari app. Fashion items are the biggest contributors, making up 33.6% of the total. Hobby and leisure goods follow at 22.2%, while books, music, and games account for 21.2%. It's clear that the average household is storing significant wealth in their drawers.

Regional Wealth Disparity and Waste Risks

Geographically, people in the Chubu region (including Nagoya) hold the most hidden assets, averaging 898,765 yen per person. The Kinki region (Osaka) ranks second at 805,086 yen. Analysts attribute this to larger homes and higher incomes in these areas, allowing for more accumulation of goods.