Japan Secondhand Luxury Market Weak Yen Drives $580 Billion Global Boom in 2026

Would you fly across the ocean for a used Rolex? On January 1, 2026, millions of shoppers are doing exactly that. Japan's trove of high-quality secondhand goods, from luxury handbags to iPhones, is drawing a massive global audience looking for value and authenticity.

The 'Used in Japan' Cachet: Trust Meets the Weak Yen

According to Nikkei, the combination of a persistently weak yen and Japan's reputation for meticulous product care has created a unique market advantage. The pre-owned item sector is now part of a $580 billion global market, where 'pre-owned in Japan' signifies pristine condition and guaranteed authenticity.

Expanding Global Footprint for Japanese Retailers

It's not just about tourists visiting Tokyo anymore. Japanese secondhand giants like Bookoff or Komehyo are aggressively expanding into the U.S. and Southeast Asian markets. They're filling the void left by luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, which have recently scaled back their physical presence in Japan's regional cities.