An antique market (kobutsu ichiba) is a specialized marketplace where licensed used-goods dealers buy and sell secondhand items among themselves. Explanations published by Japan’s National Police Agency and prefectural police describe it, under the Secondhand Goods Business Act, as “a market for the sale or exchange of used goods between licensed dealers.”
Here, “used goods” refers to items that have been used once, or new items that have already been traded once. This covers a wide range of categories such as fine art, brand-name goods, home appliances, furniture, watches, musical instruments, toys, and gift certificates.
Who Can Participate
In principle, an antique market can only be used by businesses that hold a used-goods dealer license issued by the Public Safety Commission.
Recycle shops, buyback stores, pawnshops, brand-goods stores, and antique dealers take part, using the market to source inventory or clear stock. Most markets do not allow general consumers to participate, including as observers.
What Kind of Trading Takes Place
At many antique markets, trading is conducted in the following ways:
- Competitive (open-cry) auctions
- One-on-one negotiated (private treaty) transactions
Participating dealers bid on the items offered, source them at the winning price, and resell them at their own stores.
Relationship with the Law
The operator of an antique market is called an “antique market proprietor” (kobutsu ichiba-nushi) and, as a “Category 2 business” under the Secondhand Goods Business Act, requires a license from the Public Safety Commission.
The Secondhand Goods Business Act is intended to prevent stolen goods and other crime-related items from entering the secondhand market. Dealers and market proprietors are therefore obligated to verify identities, keep transaction records, and fulfill other duties.
