KEY TAKEAWAYS

• How can I buy Japanese statues?

• Where can I buy Japanese knives?

• What is a Sayonara sale?

• Where can I buy Japanese used things?

• Are there any sites that sell Japanese traditional art?

NEW! SAYONARA SALE STARTS TODAY!

Daniel TJ International Reporter Tokyo, Japan

Hi There!

So, confession time: I’ve been living in Japan for 25 years. Yeah, a quarter of a century. And in that time… well, let’s just say I’ve collected stuff. A lot of stuff.

Some of it I actually use, some of it I bought on a whim, and some of it… honestly, I forgot I even had it. It’s like walking through your own little museum of impulse purchases.

Anyway, I’m finally doing what I should’ve done years ago: cleaning out my house. Full-on, Marie Kondo-style, but without the sparkly organization magic—just me, a ton of boxes, and a little existential panic.

And along the way, I thought… why not share all this with people who might actually want it? Hence, the “Sayonara Sale.”

I know, dramatic name, right? But it’s fitting. I’m literally saying goodbye to 25 years of stuff to make space for the next 25 years.

There’s something strangely freeing about it. You open your closet, look around, and realize—wow, I actually have space now. And your mind feels lighter too. It’s kind of like a mental reset button, but with more cardboard boxes.

So, what’s actually up for grabs? Well, everything and anything you could imagine from someone who’s lived in Japan for a long time.

There’s new stuff, untouched in the original packaging—like that thing you bought thinking, “This will totally change my life,” and then… it didn’t.

There’s slightly used stuff that’s still perfectly good, and then there’s things that are, well, loved. You know, a little worn but full of character.

Some highlights: I’ve got kitchen gadgets that are actually handy (you know, the stuff you wish existed in your own kitchen), stationery that makes writing a joy (because yes, Japan and pens are basically a love story), clothes, shoes, electronics that are surprisingly modern for their age, and a few quirky little items that only someone who’s lived in Japan this long could collect.

Honestly, sometimes I find something and think, “Wait… did I buy that in 1999?”

And yes, parting with these items is a little bittersweet. There’s history in some of this stuff. That set of tea cups I bought in Kyoto? Used for every little tea moment I’ve had.

That lamp? It’s been with me through more late-night projects than I can count.

But that’s kind of the point, right? Someone else gets to make new memories with these items. And if that feels good to me, then it’s totally worth it.

Selling all this online is… well, an adventure. Japanese second-hand marketplaces are a whole world of their own.

People care a LOT about condition, packaging, and communication. I’ve learned to be super clear with descriptions, take decent photos, and sometimes, add a little story about the item. Trust me, it works.

People love the “here’s the story behind this” vibe—it makes it more than just stuff.

Honestly, the best part of this is imagining these items finding a new home. That little ceramic bowl could become someone’s favorite snack bowl.

Those perfectly fine pens could make someone’s journal come alive. And that quirky kitchen gadget? Maybe it becomes a secret weapon for dinner parties.

There’s something really satisfying about giving things a second life instead of letting them gather dust forever.

So, here’s the deal: if you see something you like—or just want to peek at what’s available—hit me up using the form below.

I’ll be updating listings regularly as I go through closets, drawers, and storage spaces. And yeah, you might find something totally unexpected that ends up becoming your new favorite thing.

This isn’t just a sale—it’s a little celebration of 25 years of life in Japan, full of quirks, memories, and stuff I loved (or thought I did).

And it’s also me making room for the next chapter. So come check it out, and let’s give these items a new home.

Because let’s be real, my closets have been full long enough. Time to pass the baton… or the tea cups… or the pens… you get the idea.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope something here sparks your interest.

The Sayonara Sale is officially open—let’s make some room, share some memories, and maybe even start a few new ones along the way.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS? How Can I Live In Japan?