Just make sure your items match the brands and categories they'll take by checking their ("Accepted Items") page. This may not be a great option for those living in controlled serviced apartments, however, as the Facebook groups members are not vetted and getting things down elevators without proper equipment can damage the building and/or the furniture. They only exist in Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa though, so if you live outside of those prefectures, you're outta luck. The humidity and rain that make up Japans rainy season often result in mold and other problems in your home. If you don't like it, you can just pass it on to someone else. Both programs send most of their clothing overseas to either be recycled as textile materials or otherwise reused, but they are a great option for keeping fast fashion out of the trash can. KOMEHYO is also a well-known chain that specializes in secondhand clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, and jewelry from high-end brands. I mean, er, buying them secondhand! Chances are, there'll be some furugiya around there as well for you to support. Their prices are fairly low, with many items selling for under 3,000 yen, as well as higher-end garments that can get into the tens of thousands of yen. Wandering into a 2nd Street is like playing roulette you might get super lucky, or you might find everything to be covered in sequins. Included are translations for the most common buttons and symbols on a Japanese air conditioners control panel from Japanese to English, to make sure your home remains at a comfortable temperature. Maybe you already read my article on secondhand shopping in Japan in general and are eager to learn more clothing-related phrases. Want to buy concert tickets, ship a package, buy lunch, or pay your utility bills all at the same place? This high level of transparency means you're generally less likely to encounter unsightly surprises when buying used clothing in Japan. Off House is the least prevalent in metropolitan areas, so be sure one is close by before deciding to pack things up. 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. Just check the schedule to see where it is, and drop by. For example, some sellers want you to comment your interest before buying. But what to do when your time in Tokyo has ended, or you need to move to another apartment, or you would like to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle? Once you find a frock that speaks to you, you'll want to look at the description. UseLet seems best for anyone who is on a budget, doesn't care about brand names, and/or just wants to get the most bang for their buck. 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. My best answer? 315, or "[Arrived] for Sale on March 15th"). And if you're not in Japan, 2nd Street actually has locations in the US, as well as an American online store. Fantastic, now you know how to articulate that you're looking for a 90s leather jacket for babies. To view the Google Drive folders, you need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The section of their site includes a selection of secondhand clothing that will make you look like the most stylish American hoodlum there is. But I hope the many benefits outweigh any worries you have. Hong Kong-born Filipino studying International Journalism. For some items, they even include the (sankjdai), or MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price), so you can compare and see how much it's marked down. 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. Finding ways to donate your used furniture can be trickier than clothing. For more essential information on living in Japan, please visit our series of guides for English-speaking expats. 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. 3-7 Nisshincho, Kawasaki-ku, Kanagawa Prefecture 210-0024, Book the dream trip to Japan with our tailor-made booking service.
But wait are you too good for $7 pants?
Claw machines, purikura, racing, street fighter and dance-dance revolution are among the classics you can indulge yourself. Convenience stores in Japan are exactly what their name suggests. You can use this next chart of vocabulary words to search for what you want, or come back and reference it while reading descriptions of clothes in Japanese. Wondering how I pulled this off without an ounce of remorse? warehouse clothing bulk Aya Francisco, Emily Suvannasankha, and Kanae Nakamine, Viewing under 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. 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"). 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. Keep in mind that sometimes, sellers will say something is "kedama-less" (, kedamaresu) or has "no stains" (, yogore nashi). purplefishbowl From here on, the City and dystopian aesthetics mix with the arcade games and there are plenty to choose from. khaadi classics libasco My personal award for #1 on this list goes to Mercari, but all of these stores have something wonderful to offer your clothing-less physique. 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. Kawasaki'sAnata no Warehouse permanently closed its doors on November 17th 2019. You'll find all the usual suspects: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and all those other fancy designers with hard-to-spell names. Please contact the Ecommit Sales Team with your sales enquiries for more information. 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. So if you're some kind of millionaire, or just a spirited debtor, KOMEHYO might be for you! Especially if you've never thrift shopped for clothing before, Japan is one of the best places to start. As a Hong Konger, I felt like I was not in Kawasaki anymore. Check their trade-in page to see what brands they'll accept. kanagawa My top suggestion is to investigate a little place of wonder called Mercari, or (Merukari). Conveniently, if you've hunted down the right area full of thrift stores, you may have also stumbled upon a flea market. The minimum price you can list something for on Japanese Mercari is 300 yen, so you'll find lots of clothing at and around that low price. karam unstitched sanaullastore On the other hand, if the description says (sokuknyka, "instant purchase is possible") or OK (sokukny k, "instant purchase is okay"), you're good to go without commenting. They're not only economical but have many features that you will soon find hard to live without. From the entrance, you will be greeted with the sign written in Chinese that this is Kowloon Walled City with accompanying sound effects. 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. Whether coming or going, we provide a wealth of information to help Japans international community live, work, and play. The words that come out of your mouth (or more likely, fingertips)? >> What is Mottainai?
The Mottainai Japan Facebook group can be a wonderful way to give a deserving Tokyo family or young emerging expat access to furniture. Also, RAGTAG sells many items for under 10,000 yen, which is less expensive on the whole than KOMEHYO. 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. Go to the photo gallery and videos section below to view samples of the used clothing items supplied. For tips on using Mercari that aren't strictly clothes-related, my article on Secondhand Shopping in Japan includes a lot more general advice on how not to make a dodo of yourself on the platform. Anata no Warehouse ("Your Warehouse"), or Kawasaki Warehouse, is an arcade centre inspired by the former Kowloon Walled City () in Hong Kong. Most times you'll find it's okay not to comment, but it's always best to check. 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. Oh, off the back of a stranger? Japanese sellers tend to describe and post pictures of imperfections meticulously. An estimated 33,000 (some reports say 50,000) people lived within the walls, squashed into 2.6-hectares (roughly the size of two rugby fields). Clothes are one of the easiest things to get rid of in Japan, as several different systems have recently popped up to help anyone looking to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. OFF HOUSE(website is only in Japanese) is the most expansive, covering everything from camping equipment, to small household appliances, to clothing. Not all their products are used, but most of them do say (chkohin), or "used item." 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 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. Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. Okay, now you know words for where to look, but how about words for what you're looking for? But at least some physical locations carry secondhand offerings as well, so you can browse the racks in person. And that's all the secondhand clothes shopping vocabulary I could think of! Hugall purchases high-end brands clothes and other articles such as watches, clothes, bags, furniture. Think eBay, but more interactive and less seedy and commercial. Wouldn't you rather pay 2,000 yen to Hanako from Kagoshima than 5,000 yen to Big Lolita Skirt? Find out how to prevent and fight them. Shtengai might be your best bet in terms of trendiness. But how do you make sure it's the right size? Since I haven't bought anything from the places in these last few sections, take my words with a grain of salt. On the dirt cheap side, UseLet () is a warehouse-style secondhand fashion outlet that prides itself on "extreme" affordability. Or maybe you're already a master Japanese haggler and just want to skip to the part where I tell you where to shop. Here are some explanations for foreigners about purchasing laundry detergent in Japan. (Who knew a pair of jeans from the 60s could be so expensive?) Think again, pal. Like any secondhand chain, different locations will have different things in stock at different times, but 2nd Street's overall vibe tends to vary especially widely. Plus, I've found that Japanese sellers tend to describe and post pictures of imperfections much more meticulously than in the US. That should show you some Japanese clothes-measuring diagrams, which you can reference to understand which measurements sellers are talking about. All of the clothing accessory items are packaged into boxes for shipping. Otherwise, copy and paste will be your friend.
Each spot will have its own unique style and specialty. 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. Ecommit is a wholesale supplier of sorted and mixed used clothes for export including a variety of mens, womens and childrens garments collected from various regions of Japan including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Kagoshima. Your conscience and wallet, along with budding nudist Satoshi, will thank you. If you're into Japanese fashion, you've likely heard of SPINNS, a streetwear store marketed toward young trendsetters, with their flagship store in Harajuku. 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. There's some guy named Satoshi running around stark naked, all thanks to me." However, RAGTAG also lets you compare items to clothes you've already bought and has a handy "Add to Closet" button. First things first why would you raid a stranger's closet when you could just buy something new? Ask around and find out where the locals go when they're fishing for a new outfit. Given the warehouse's semi-creepy vibes, only those over 18 are allowed to enter. 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. You thought we were done with Treasure Factory, eh? Luckily for English speakers, a lot of Japanese fashion words are phonetically borrowed from English. High quality returned clothes sourced from Japanese clothing shops are also available. Here are some category and description words that will really help to know when secondhand shopping in Japanese, especially online. 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. All clothes should be wearable, and the clothes dont have to be from the Uniqlo brand in order to donate. Usually, there will be someone there to take your bags of donated clothing, though that is sometimes not the case during bad weather.


The Mottainai Japan Facebook group can be a wonderful way to give a deserving Tokyo family or young emerging expat access to furniture. Also, RAGTAG sells many items for under 10,000 yen, which is less expensive on the whole than KOMEHYO. 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. Go to the photo gallery and videos section below to view samples of the used clothing items supplied. For tips on using Mercari that aren't strictly clothes-related, my article on Secondhand Shopping in Japan includes a lot more general advice on how not to make a dodo of yourself on the platform. Anata no Warehouse ("Your Warehouse"), or Kawasaki Warehouse, is an arcade centre inspired by the former Kowloon Walled City () in Hong Kong. Most times you'll find it's okay not to comment, but it's always best to check. 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. Oh, off the back of a stranger? Japanese sellers tend to describe and post pictures of imperfections meticulously. An estimated 33,000 (some reports say 50,000) people lived within the walls, squashed into 2.6-hectares (roughly the size of two rugby fields). Clothes are one of the easiest things to get rid of in Japan, as several different systems have recently popped up to help anyone looking to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. OFF HOUSE(website is only in Japanese) is the most expansive, covering everything from camping equipment, to small household appliances, to clothing. Not all their products are used, but most of them do say (chkohin), or "used item." 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 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. Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. Okay, now you know words for where to look, but how about words for what you're looking for? But at least some physical locations carry secondhand offerings as well, so you can browse the racks in person. And that's all the secondhand clothes shopping vocabulary I could think of! Hugall purchases high-end brands clothes and other articles such as watches, clothes, bags, furniture. Think eBay, but more interactive and less seedy and commercial. Wouldn't you rather pay 2,000 yen to Hanako from Kagoshima than 5,000 yen to Big Lolita Skirt? Find out how to prevent and fight them. Shtengai might be your best bet in terms of trendiness. But how do you make sure it's the right size? Since I haven't bought anything from the places in these last few sections, take my words with a grain of salt. On the dirt cheap side, UseLet () is a warehouse-style secondhand fashion outlet that prides itself on "extreme" affordability. Or maybe you're already a master Japanese haggler and just want to skip to the part where I tell you where to shop. Here are some explanations for foreigners about purchasing laundry detergent in Japan. (Who knew a pair of jeans from the 60s could be so expensive?) Think again, pal. Like any secondhand chain, different locations will have different things in stock at different times, but 2nd Street's overall vibe tends to vary especially widely. Plus, I've found that Japanese sellers tend to describe and post pictures of imperfections much more meticulously than in the US. That should show you some Japanese clothes-measuring diagrams, which you can reference to understand which measurements sellers are talking about. All of the clothing accessory items are packaged into boxes for shipping. Otherwise, copy and paste will be your friend.
Each spot will have its own unique style and specialty. 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. Ecommit is a wholesale supplier of sorted and mixed used clothes for export including a variety of mens, womens and childrens garments collected from various regions of Japan including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Kagoshima. Your conscience and wallet, along with budding nudist Satoshi, will thank you. If you're into Japanese fashion, you've likely heard of SPINNS, a streetwear store marketed toward young trendsetters, with their flagship store in Harajuku. 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. There's some guy named Satoshi running around stark naked, all thanks to me." However, RAGTAG also lets you compare items to clothes you've already bought and has a handy "Add to Closet" button. First things first why would you raid a stranger's closet when you could just buy something new? Ask around and find out where the locals go when they're fishing for a new outfit. Given the warehouse's semi-creepy vibes, only those over 18 are allowed to enter. 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. You thought we were done with Treasure Factory, eh? Luckily for English speakers, a lot of Japanese fashion words are phonetically borrowed from English. High quality returned clothes sourced from Japanese clothing shops are also available. Here are some category and description words that will really help to know when secondhand shopping in Japanese, especially online. 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. All clothes should be wearable, and the clothes dont have to be from the Uniqlo brand in order to donate. Usually, there will be someone there to take your bags of donated clothing, though that is sometimes not the case during bad weather.