Thorough Investigation of Ichiban Kuji Resale Market | Price Trends on Mercari and Yahoo Auctions and High-Value Prizes
Have you ever thought about not being able to draw the prize you wanted from Ichiban Kuji, or wanting to sell a prize you obtained? Japan has a vibrant secondary distribution market, where Ichiban Kuji prizes are traded daily on platforms like Mercari and Yahoo Auctions. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the structure of the Ichiban Kuji resale market, price trends on each platform, characteristics of prizes that sell for high prices, and methods for safe transactions.
Understanding the Ichiban Kuji Resale Market
The Ichiban Kuji resale market is a unique entity that symbolizes Japan's secondary distribution culture. By understanding why this market was formed, you can make smart purchasing and selling decisions.
The main reason for the existence of the Ichiban Kuji resale market is its lottery system and exclusivity. Ichiban Kuji operates on a system where there is no guarantee that you will definitely get the prize you want, and the reality is that even if you aim for popular character A prizes or last one prizes, the chances of missing out are high. Therefore, a demand has arisen to purchase these coveted prizes in the secondary market.
The scale of Japan's secondary distribution market has been expanding year by year, especially with the proliferation of flea market apps that create an environment where anyone can easily buy and sell. Transactions related to Ichiban Kuji number in the hundreds of thousands monthly, and it is not uncommon for popular series to have thousands of listings right after their release. Platforms like Mercari and Yahoo Auctions have dedicated search categories for Ichiban Kuji due to high demand, attracting a wide range of users from collectors to investors.
The uniqueness of Ichiban Kuji prizes lies in the significant value fluctuations over time. Right after release, demand greatly exceeds supply, causing prices to soar, and as time passes and supply increases, prices tend to drop. However, rare prizes or those in good condition can maintain their value over the long term and may even be traded at higher prices than at the time of release. Understanding this characteristic of price fluctuation is a crucial point for utilizing the resale market.
Additionally, the demand from foreign collectors is a factor that cannot be ignored. Japan's anime and manga culture is globally popular, and there is a growing demand from overseas to purchase Ichiban Kuji prizes. As a result, transactions that accommodate international shipping are also on the rise, forming a global market.
Major Resale Platforms
When buying and selling Ichiban Kuji prizes, multiple platforms are available. Each platform has its own characteristics, and by using them according to your purpose, you can achieve optimal transactions. Here, we will provide a detailed explanation of the features of major platforms and how to differentiate their use.
Mercari
Mercari is Japan's largest flea market app and is the platform where the most active transactions in the Ichiban Kuji resale market take place. It boasts over 20 million monthly users, and the number of listings related to Ichiban Kuji is overwhelmingly high.
The biggest advantage of Mercari is its simplicity of immediate transactions. Since you can purchase at the price set by the seller, there is no bidding like in an auction format, allowing you to buy the desired prize as soon as you find it. The selling fee is relatively high at 10%, but due to the ease of transactions and the large number of users, it becomes the optimal choice if you want to sell quickly.
Additionally, Mercari has a UI optimized for smartphones, making the process from taking photos to listing very smooth. The search function is also robust, allowing you to narrow down your search efficiently with keywords like "Ichiban Kuji", "One Piece", and "A Prize". You can use the comment feature to check the condition of the item before purchasing, and price negotiations are also possible.
Yahoo! Auctions (ヤフオク)
Yahoo! Auctions is one of Japan's largest auction sites, and since its service started in 1999, a wide range of products have been traded. The trading of Ichiban Kuji prizes is also active, especially for rare and high-value items.
The characteristic of Yahoo! Auctions is price determination through auction format. With multiple bidders competing, popular prizes can be auctioned at unexpectedly high prices. Especially for rare prizes like A Prizes and Last One Prizes, bidding wars can occur, and it is not uncommon for them to be auctioned at prices significantly above market value.
The winning bid fee is 10%, which is on par with Mercari, but there is also the risk that the selling price is difficult to predict due to the auction format. However, it is also possible to set a buy-it-now price, allowing for use similar to flea market apps. Additionally, Yahoo! Auctions has a large number of PC users, which means that many collectors read detailed product descriptions and carefully consider their purchases.
Other Platforms (その他のプラットフォーム)
In addition to Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions, there are other platforms where Ichiban Kuji prizes can be bought and sold. Each has its own characteristics, and by using them according to the situation, efficient transactions are possible.
Rakuma is a flea market app operated by Rakuten, and its biggest appeal is the selling fee of 6%, which is lower than Mercari. However, since the number of users is fewer than Mercari, it may take longer to sell. It is particularly beneficial for those using the Rakuten ecosystem, as Rakuten points can be used and earned.
PayPay Flea Market is a flea market app operated by the Yahoo! Group, characterized by its integration with Yahoo! Auctions. PayPay points can be used, and the fee is set low at 5%. Simultaneous listings with Yahoo! Auctions are also possible, allowing you to reach more buyers.
Amazon sells new Ichiban Kuji prizes and set sales after they are sold out, but there tends to be more listings from businesses than from individual transactions. Prices are somewhat higher, but there is peace of mind in being able to use Amazon's delivery system.
On overseas platforms, eBay and Mercari US trade Japanese Ichiban Kuji prizes. If targeting overseas collectors, there is a possibility of selling at higher prices than on domestic platforms, but it is necessary to consider shipping costs and customs issues.
Price Analysis by Prize Rank (賞ランク別の価格相場)
The prizes for Ichiban Kuji vary significantly in price depending on their rank, from A Prize to E Prize and below. Here, we will introduce the price ranges for each rank and specific examples from popular series. Prices fluctuate constantly based on market supply and demand, but understanding the general trends can help in making informed trading decisions at appropriate prices.
A Prize & Last One Prize (A賞・ラストワン賞)
A Prizes and Last One Prizes are the most valuable items in Ichiban Kuji and are traded at high prices in the resale market. In Ichiban Kuji, which typically costs between 600 yen and 800 yen per ticket, these prizes are generally traded in the price range of 10,000 yen to over 50,000 yen.
This is particularly evident in popular series; for example, the A Prize figure of Luffy from "One Piece" is often traded for 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen shortly after its release. In mega-hit series like "Gundam," "Demon Slayer," and "Pokemon," even higher prices can be seen.
Conditions that lead to premium pricing include high quality of sculpting, being a popular character, limited production numbers, and becoming rare over time since release. Especially for Last One Prizes, their rarity, as they can only be obtained by drawing all the tickets, can sometimes give them a value exceeding that of A Prizes.
If the item is unopened, in its original box, and complete with accessories, the price can rise even further. Collectors place a high emphasis on the condition of the items, so even minor scratches or box damage can significantly lower the price, so caution is necessary.
B Prize & C Prize (B賞・C賞)
B Prizes and C Prizes are the core prizes of Ichiban Kuji, often traded in the price range of 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. While they are not as rare as A Prizes, they can still hold significant value if they feature popular characters or high-quality figures.
B Prizes typically consist of figures or plush toys that are of a size and sculpting quality just below A Prizes. In popular series, stable transactions occur around 10,000 yen, and due to high demand, they tend to sell relatively quickly. For example, B Prizes of semi-main characters like Zoro and Sanji from "One Piece" are traded for around 5,000 yen to 12,000 yen.
C Prizes usually consist of slightly smaller figures, towels, and other merchandise, with a price range of about 3,000 yen to 8,000 yen. However, in the case of popular characters or limited designs, prices can exceed 10,000 yen. Particularly, practical items like towels and blankets tend to maintain stable prices due to demand not only from collectors but also from fans who want to use them.
Lower Prizes (D賞・E賞以下)
Prizes below D Prize and E Prize are generally traded in the price range of 500 yen to 3,000 yen. These typically include small items like rubber straps, can badges, acrylic stands, and clear files, which have lower individual prices.
However, there is a unique demand for these lower-tier prizes. There is a certain number of collectors who want to complete merchandise for specific characters, as well as fans who want to obtain goods of their favorite characters at a low cost. Additionally, a set selling strategy can be effective; for example, if you list a complete set of 10 types of rubber straps from E Prize, it may fetch a higher price than selling them individually.
F and G prize items such as towel handkerchiefs and postcards are typically traded for around 500 to 1,000 yen, but if they feature popular characters or limited designs, prices can rise to around 2,000 yen.
The key is to bundle multiple lower-tier prizes together. Considering shipping costs, the profit from selling individual items is low, but by selling them as a set, shipping costs can be distributed, providing buyers with the advantage of acquiring multiple items at once. Additionally, by grouping items by character or by type of prize, and creatively adjusting the listing methods to meet buyer needs, it becomes possible to sell at higher prices.
High-Value Prizes: What Makes Them Sell (高値で売れる景品の特徴)
Among the prizes from the lottery, some are traded at prices several times their retail value. High-value prizes share several common characteristics, and understanding these can serve as a basis for purchasing and selling decisions. Here, we will take a closer look at the conditions of prizes that are traded at high prices.
Character Popularity (キャラクター人気)
The most important factor is the popularity of the character. Prizes featuring protagonists or highly popular characters always have high demand and stable prices.
For example, in "One Piece," Luffy; in "Demon Slayer," Tanjiro and Nezuko; and in "Pokemon," Pikachu are flagship characters whose prizes are traded at high prices immediately after release and tend to retain their value over time. Conversely, prizes featuring sub-characters or antagonists may have some demand from core fans, but their overall trading prices are often lower.
Moreover, lottery prizes released during the airing of an anime or at significant milestones in a series tend to attract more attention, making them particularly likely to fetch high prices.
Rarity & Scarcity (希少性)
Rarity is an important factor that influences price. Elements such as limited production numbers, regional exclusivity, and time-limited availability can significantly increase the value of prizes.
Lottery prizes are generally produced in limited quantities, and once sold out, they are rarely reissued by the official source. Therefore, as time passes, the number of items available in the market decreases, increasing their rarity. Particularly, A prizes and last one prizes are set with high rarity from the start due to their originally low winning probabilities.
Additionally, lottery prizes sold exclusively at specific stores or regions tend to be traded at higher prices than regular series due to the difficulty of obtaining them nationwide.
Condition & Packaging (状態・パッケージ)
The condition and presence of packaging of the prizes are crucial factors that directly affect price. Collectors place a high value on the condition of items, so even the same prize can vary in price by several times depending on its condition.
Prizes that are unopened, come with a box, and include all accessories are traded at the highest prices. Especially for figures, the presence or absence of the outer box can change the price by 30 to 50%. If unopened, the condition of the item is guaranteed, leading to higher trust from collectors and making it easier to command premium prices.
Even opened prizes can be sold at high prices if they meet conditions such as having all accessories, no noticeable scratches or dirt, and retaining tags. Conversely, if the box is missing, accessories are lacking, or there are scratches or sun damage, the price will drop significantly.
When listing items for sale, it is important to accurately describe the condition of the product and to show details through photographs. Discovering hidden scratches or defects later can lead to trouble and negatively impact evaluations. By honestly disclosing the condition, it becomes possible to sell at a fair price and build a good trading record.
Price Trends & Best Timing (価格推移と購入・売却のタイミング)
The prices of Ichiban Kuji prizes fluctuate over time. By understanding these price trend patterns, you can determine the optimal timing for buying and selling. Here, we will explain typical price trends and strategies for each period.
Post-Release Price Surge (発売直後の高騰)
The period immediately after the release of Ichiban Kuji is when prices surge the most, typically for about a week. During this time, demand greatly exceeds supply, so particularly popular A-prizes and Last One prizes are often traded at prices exceeding ten times their retail price.
On the first day of release, lines form at stores, and popular series can sell out within hours. Therefore, buyers who want to obtain prizes immediately may have no choice but to purchase them at high prices in the secondary market. This period is the most profitable for sellers, but it is the most costly for buyers.
However, this high price does not last long. After about a week, those who have drawn prizes begin to list them for sale, increasing supply and leading to a downward trend in prices. Therefore, those considering selling should list their items within the first week after release to maximize their potential profits.
Mid-Term Decline (中期的な下落)
One to three months after release is when prices typically decline the most. During this time, supply to the market increases significantly, leading to a state of oversupply. Many sellers try to dispose of their inventory, resulting in intense price competition, and it is not uncommon for prices to drop below half of what they were immediately after release.
This period is the best timing for buyers. If there is no urgent need to obtain items, waiting until this time can significantly reduce costs. In particular, mid-tier prizes such as B-prizes and C-prizes can often be obtained at reasonable prices during this period.
However, not all prizes decrease in value. Rare items with extremely low production numbers or prizes featuring overwhelmingly popular characters may maintain high prices even during this time.
Long-Term Value (長期的な価値)
After six months to over a year since release, the number of items circulating in the market decreases, and some rare items begin to increase in value again. In particular, figures of main characters from popular series and highly limited prizes continue to have demand from collectors over the long term, leading to stable or rising prices.
This phenomenon is also referred to as "vintage" and occurs as new and unopened prizes become increasingly rare over time, enhancing their value. Some Ichiban Kuji prizes from past popular series are traded at prices several times higher than their original release prices.
When purchasing Ichiban Kuji prizes for long-term investment, it is important to choose items that meet conditions such as main characters from popular works, unopened and in box, and high sculpting quality. However, not all prizes retain their value, so it is necessary to have an eye for the ongoing popularity of the work and market trends.
How to Buy Safely (安全に購入する方法)
Transactions in the secondary market come with risks of counterfeit and fraud. To trade safely, it is essential to keep several important checkpoints in mind. Here, we introduce practical methods to avoid trouble.
Seller Verification (出品者の確認)
The most important thing before making a purchase is verifying the seller's reliability. Platforms like Mercari and Yahoo Auctions have established rating systems for sellers, and utilizing these can significantly reduce risks.
First, check the seller's number of ratings and rating percentage. If the number of ratings is over 100 and the positive rating is 95% or more, you can consider the seller relatively trustworthy. However, it is important not to judge solely based on ratings, as sellers with few ratings may also conduct honest transactions; thus, it is crucial to consider other factors comprehensively.
The seller's past transaction history and the content of received ratings are also important judgment materials. If there are many positive comments like "The packaging was careful" or "The response was quick," you can feel reassured, but if there are negative comments such as "The product received was different from the description" or "I couldn't get in touch," caution is necessary.
Spotting Fakes (偽物の見分け方)
Ichiban Kuji is produced by official BANDAI SPIRITS and other authorized manufacturers, but counterfeits and pirated versions are also circulating in the market. To avoid purchasing fakes, it is important to keep several checkpoints in mind.
First, check for the presence of official tags or labels. Official Ichiban Kuji prizes always come with official tags or the BANDAI SPIRITS logo. If these cannot be confirmed in the product photos, it is advisable to request additional photos from the seller in the comments.
The quality of the packaging is also an important criterion for judgment. The packaging of genuine products has clear printing and accurate colors. Counterfeits may have blurry printing or slightly different colors. Additionally, genuine products usually have product codes or JAN codes printed on them.
The reasonableness of the price is also a point to consider. If popular prizes are listed at an extremely low price compared to the market, there is a possibility that they are counterfeit or problematic products. If you feel that the price is "too low," you should proceed with caution.
If you are uncertain, it is recommended to ask the seller questions before making a purchase. Confirming with questions like "Is this definitely an official Ichiban Kuji prize?" or "Are all tags and accessories included?" can also serve as a basis for judging whether you receive honest answers.
Platform Protections (プラットフォームの保護制度)
Major platforms like Mercari and Yahoo Auctions have systems in place to protect buyers. By understanding and appropriately utilizing these, you can deal with any potential troubles that may arise.
In Mercari's compensation system, if a product does not arrive, if a product significantly differs from the description, or if a counterfeit is received, the administration intervenes to support problem resolution. The purchase price is held by Mercari in an "escrow system" until the buyer completes the receipt evaluation, meaning the seller does not receive the payment before the product is confirmed.
Yahoo Auctions' compensation system similarly provides compensation if a product does not arrive or if it significantly differs from the description, provided certain conditions are met. Additionally, Yahoo! Premium members have access to even more generous compensation.
In the event of a problem, first contact the seller to explain the situation and attempt to resolve it. If that does not lead to a resolution, reach out to the platform's administration. It is important to keep evidence such as product photos, screenshots of transaction messages, and shipping tracking information.
Ethics & Manners of Reselling (転売の倫理とマナー)
There are mixed opinions regarding the reselling of lottery items. Conducting transactions with proper understanding and manners contributes to maintaining a healthy market.
The Debate on Reselling (転売の是非)
There are both proponents and opponents of reselling. Proponents argue that it plays a role in "adjusting the balance of supply and demand" and "providing opportunities for those who could not obtain the items." In fact, for those living in rural areas with fewer chances to draw lottery items or those who cannot visit stores due to work, the secondary market serves as a valuable means of acquisition.
On the other hand, opponents point out issues such as "original fans being unable to buy at retail prices," "hoarding practices running rampant," and "profits not being returned to manufacturers or official sources." In particular, the actions of those referred to as "resellers," who buy in bulk for profit, face strong criticism from the fan community.
Companies like BANDAI SPIRITS, which operate lottery systems, do not explicitly prohibit reselling, but they express a desire for "as many fans as possible to enjoy" the products. Some stores have implemented measures such as limiting the number of purchases per person.
Ethical Guidelines (倫理的なガイドライン)
When engaging in reselling, it is important to adhere to several ethical guidelines. First, strive for sales at fair prices. Setting prices significantly above market value not only invites resentment from buyers but also tarnishes the image of the entire community.
Avoiding hoarding practices is also an important manner. Drawing a large number of lottery tickets in stores to monopolize stock deprives other fans of purchasing opportunities. Especially for popular series immediately after release, it is expected to voluntarily limit the number of draws per person.
Additionally, consideration for fans should not be forgotten. Selling items at fair prices when you have drawn duplicates or unwanted items for completion purposes can be considered healthy secondary distribution. However, buying in bulk with the intent to resell from the start is not welcomed by the fan community.
Ultimately, the reselling market will continue to exist as long as there is demand. What is important is not just pursuing profit, but having manners and ethics as a member of the community. By adhering to the basic principle of "not doing to others what you would not want done to yourself," you can contribute to the development of a healthy secondary market.
For International Buyers & Sellers (外国人向けガイド)
Japan's lottery items are also highly popular among overseas collectors. However, there are several hurdles when purchasing from abroad, such as language barriers and shipping issues. Here, we provide practical advice for foreigners looking to utilize Japan's secondary market.
Using Proxy Services (プロキシサービスの利用)
The easiest way to purchase Japan's Ichiban Kuji prizes from overseas is to use a proxy service. These services act as intermediaries for purchases within Japan and international shipping, allowing you to use them with peace of mind even if you don't speak Japanese.
Buyee is one of the largest proxy services in Japan, supporting major platforms such as Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, and Rakuten. It offers a multilingual interface in English, Chinese, Korean, and more, allowing you to search for products, make purchases, and arrange international shipping all in one place. The fees are around 5-7% of the product price, and shipping costs vary depending on the shipping method and weight.
FROM JAPAN is also a popular proxy service that, like Buyee, supports a wide range of platforms. Its fee structure is clear, and it offers a variety of shipping options, allowing you to choose based on your needs, whether you want to keep costs down or prioritize speed.
When using a proxy service, it is important to check the total cost of fees and shipping in advance. Even if the product price is low, adding the fees and international shipping can result in unexpectedly high costs. Additionally, you can save on shipping by utilizing the "consolidated shipping" service, which allows you to ship multiple items together.
Customs & Shipping
International shipping may incur customs duties and import taxes. Regulations vary by country, but generally, customs duties are applied to products above a certain value. For example, in the United States, items under $200 are duty-free, and in the EU, items under 150 euros are often exempt, but regulations can change, so it is important to check your country's customs regulations.
Choosing a shipping method is also a crucial point. The main options are EMS (Express Mail Service), airmail, and sea mail. EMS is the fastest, arriving in about 3-7 days, but the shipping cost is high. Airmail takes about 10-14 days, while sea mail can take 1-3 months, but the shipping costs are significantly lower.
It is strongly recommended to choose a shipping method with tracking services. When purchasing high-value Ichiban Kuji prizes, shipping without tracking carries a high risk of loss, and it becomes difficult to address issues in case of trouble. Even if the shipping cost is slightly higher, selecting a method that is trackable and offers insurance allows for a more secure transaction.
Language Support
Even if you don't speak Japanese, there are several ways to overcome the language barrier. Using translation tools like Google Translate can help you understand product descriptions and messages to some extent. However, since machine translation is not perfect, it is safer to request confirmation from the proxy service's customer support regarding important transaction conditions and the condition of the products.
Many proxy services offer multilingual customer support, assisting with questions about products, inquiries to sellers, and mediation in case of trouble. There may be additional fees, but it is worth considering when purchasing high-value items.
Additionally, some sellers support international shipping and may be able to communicate in English. On platforms like Mercari, you can find such sellers by searching for keywords like "International shipping available" or "海外発送OK".
Summary: Smartly Utilizing the Ichiban Kuji Resale Market
The resale market for Ichiban Kuji is a complex ecosystem that relies on the balance of supply and demand. By utilizing the information presented in this article, you can use the secondary market more wisely, safely, and ethically.
For buyers, it is important to understand price trends and purchase at the right timing. Prices are high immediately after release, but waiting a few months may allow you to obtain items at a more reasonable price. Additionally, by checking the seller's ratings and developing the ability to distinguish fakes, you can avoid troubles.
For sellers, the key to success is to understand the characteristics of the platform and list items at a fair price. Mercari is strong in immediate transactions, while Yahoo Auctions is suitable for high-value item auctions. By accurately describing the condition of the items and ensuring careful packaging and prompt shipping, you can accumulate good ratings and build a long-term trading record.
Most importantly, it is essential to observe ethics and manners. Reselling is not entirely bad, but excessive hoarding and high-priced reselling are criticized by the community. Let’s act as a member of a healthy secondary market by engaging in transactions at fair prices, considering fans, and respecting the official sources.
For foreign collectors, utilizing proxy services allows you to overcome language and shipping barriers to obtain Ichiban Kuji prizes from Japan. Please choose the method that best suits you while considering costs and time.
The resale market for Ichiban Kuji will continue to grow in the future. By using this market wisely, you can acquire desired prizes, enhance your collection, or sell unwanted prizes at fair prices to fund new collections. I hope the information in this article helps enrich your Ichiban Kuji life.
