The recommerce market in Japan is expected to grow by 10.2% on annual basis to reach US$6.16 billion in 2025.
The recommerce market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 12.7%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the recommerce market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 5.59 billion to approximately USD 8.50 billion.
This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in Japan, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market dynamics.
It offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the recommerce market, segmented by recommerce channels (C2C, B2C, trade-in programs), sales models (resale, rental, refurbishment), platform types (generalist and vertical-specific), digital engagement (app, website, social media), and retail categories (electronics, apparel, home goods, and more). In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour, device usage, payment preferences, and city-level penetration across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities.
The publisher’s research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.
Electronics and fashion recommerce in Japan are entering a phase of formal consolidation. Manufacturers, telcos, and resale platforms are scaling refurbishment and resale infrastructure in response to policy alignment and consumer demand. Government compliance and platform specialization will be the defining features of Japan’s recommerce evolution over the next 2-4 years.
The recommerce market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 12.7%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the recommerce market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 5.59 billion to approximately USD 8.50 billion.
This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in Japan, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (peer-to-peer and business-led resale); product categories; sales channels; and resale formats. With over 60+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of recommerce market dynamics.
It offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the recommerce market, segmented by recommerce channels (C2C, B2C, trade-in programs), sales models (resale, rental, refurbishment), platform types (generalist and vertical-specific), digital engagement (app, website, social media), and retail categories (electronics, apparel, home goods, and more). In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour, device usage, payment preferences, and city-level penetration across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities.
The publisher’s research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.
Key Insights
Recommerce in Japan Is Formalizing Through Manufacturer-Led Returns, Specialized Platforms, and Circular Design Alignment
Japan’s recommerce market is transitioning from informal peer-to-peer resale to structured, compliance-aligned, and specialist-operated ecosystems. With strong cultural foundations in repair and reuse, the sector is now scaling through OEM-controlled refurbishment programs, vertical resale platforms, and government-backed circular economy initiatives. Electronics, fashion, and home goods are leading the shift.Electronics Recommerce Is Being Institutionalized by OEM-Controlled Trade-In and Refurbishment
- Major Japanese OEMs like Panasonic and Sony are embedding trade-in, refurbishment, and resale services into their consumer electronics lifecycle. SoftBank and NTT Docomo operate structured smartphone trade-in and resale channels through in-store and online resale programs.
- Japan’s Electrical Appliance Recycling Law (2001, revised 2023) obligates manufacturers to collect and recycle end-of-life electronics. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) supports OEM-led take-back and resale to enhance product traceability and material recovery.
- OEM-led resale channels will expand under policy alignment. Domestic refurbishment hubs and telco resale programs are expected to capture growing share of used device circulation.
Apparel Recommerce Is Expanding Through Department Store Partnerships and Platform-Led Models
- Apparel recommerce in Japan is expanding through collaborations between fashion brands, department stores, and recommerce platforms. Beams and United Arrows have hosted resale events in coordination with Mercari. Isetan Mitsukoshi and Lumine are testing secondhand shop-inside-store models.
- Japan’s secondhand fashion market exceeded ¥500 billion in 2023 (Japan Reuse Business Journal, 2024). Demand is being driven by Gen Z and millennials seeking quality resale goods, sustainability values, and price-conscious alternatives to fast fashion.
- Department stores and platforms like Mercari and Rakuma will expand branded resale collaborations. Hybrid formats combining new and secondhand apparel will become common in urban retail settings.
Competitive Landscape in Japan Is Being Shaped by Platform Leaders and Policy-Aligned Resale Infrastructure
Japan’s recommerce ecosystem is consolidating around domestic platform champions, OEM resale programs, and retail enablers. Government policy and circular economy goals are reinforcing the growth of structured resale networks.Electronics and fashion recommerce in Japan are entering a phase of formal consolidation. Manufacturers, telcos, and resale platforms are scaling refurbishment and resale infrastructure in response to policy alignment and consumer demand. Government compliance and platform specialization will be the defining features of Japan’s recommerce evolution over the next 2-4 years.
- Resale operations will be integrated into OEM and retailer logistics systems.
- Government-backed compliance incentives will favor platforms with traceability, certification, and refurbishment capabilities.
- Physical retail will continue playing a critical role in take-back and resale through loyalty integration and reverse logistics hubs.
Domestic Platforms Are Scaling Recommerce Through Category Specialization
- General goods: Mercari leads C2C recommerce with over 20 million active users. In 2024, it expanded its B2C model via "Mercari Shops" and opened an authentication center in Chiba to enhance quality control.
- Fashion: Second Street, operated by GEO Holdings, runs over 700 secondhand stores and offers both in-store and online resale. It specializes in lifestyle and fashion categories.
- Electronics and Media: BookOff and HardOff continue to lead in refurbished electronics and physical media recommerce. These chains operate refurbishment centers alongside buy-sell outlets nationwide.
OEMs and Retailers Are Partnering on Take-Back and Refurbishment
- Panasonic and Sony are piloting structured resale aligned with the Circular Economy Roadmap under METI’s oversight.
- NTT Docomo and SoftBank operate device trade-in and resale services across affiliated stores.
- Aeon and Bic Camera offer trade-in counters linked to loyalty ecosystems, encouraging in-store resale adoption.
Scope
This report offers a comprehensive, data-centric analysis of the recommerce market in Japan, supported by 40+ tables and 55+ charts. The databook provides detailed forecasts and key performance indicators across transaction value, volume, and market share trends from 2020 to 2029. Below is a summary of the key market segments covered:Japan Recommerce Market Size and Growth Dynamics
- Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) Trend Analysis
- Average Transaction Value Trend Analysis
- Transaction Volume Trend Analysis
Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Sector
- Retail Shopping
- Home Improvement
- Other Sectors
Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Retail Category
- Apparel & Accessories
- Consumer Electronics
- Home Appliances
- Home Décor & Essentials
- Books, Toys & Hobbies
- Automotive Parts & Accessories
- Sports & Fitness Equipment
- Other Product Categories
Japan Recommerce by Channel
- Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)
- Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
- Retailer Trade-In & Buyback Programs
Japan Recommerce by Sales Model
- Resale
- Rental
- Refurbishment & Certified Pre-Owned
Japan Recommerce by Digital Engagement Channel
- Website-Based Resale
- App-Based Resale
- Social Media Driven Resale
Japan Recommerce by Platform Type
- Generalist Marketplaces
- Vertical-Specific Platforms
Japan Recommerce by Device and OS
- Mobile vs Desktop
- Android, iOS
Japan Recommerce by City Tier
- Tier 1 Cities
- Tier 2 Cities
- Tier 3 Cities
Japan Recommerce by Payment Instrument
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Bank Transfer
- Prepaid Card
- Digital & Mobile Wallets
- Other Digital Payments
- Cash
Japan Recommerce Market Share Analysis
- Market Share by Key Players
- Competitive Landscape Overview
Japan Recommerce by Consumer Demographics
- Market Share by Age Group
- Market Share by Income Level
- Market Share by Gender
Reasons to buy
- Market Insights for Growth and Innovation: Navigate the future direction of the recommerce market by understanding business models adopted by key players - including resale, refurbishment, and rental formats. Leverage market share estimates to assess innovation, positioning, and growth opportunities.
- In-depth Understanding of Recommerce Market Dynamics: Gain a detailed view of market structure and growth trends across core sectors such as retail shopping, automotive, and home improvement. Understand key drivers shaping recommerce adoption through 2029.
- Value and Volume KPIs for Market Sizing: Utilize gross merchandise value (GMV), transaction volume, and average transaction value at the national level to quantify the overall market opportunity with precision.
- Competitive Landscape and Market Share Intelligence: Benchmark against leading recommerce players using market share data across categories and channels. Inform strategic decisions by understanding the current and emerging competitive landscape.
- Channel-Level and Digital Engagement Insights: Identify high-growth channels including C2C, B2C, and retailer-led trade-in programs. Track consumer activity across app, web, and social platforms to align digital strategies with behavior.
- Consumer Segmentation and Demand Patterns: Target growth opportunities by analyzing consumer behavior segmented by age group, income level, gender, and city tier. Adapt business models to evolving spending dynamics and platform preferences.
Table of Contents
1. About this Report
2. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics
4. Japan Recommerce Market Share by Key Revenue Segments
5. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Key Sectors
6. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Retail Shopping Categories
7. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Recommerce Channels
8. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Sales Model
9. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Digital Engagement Channel
10. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Platform Type
11. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Device
12. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Operating System
13. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Cities
14. Japan Recommerce Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument
15. Japan Recommerce by Consumer Demographics
16. Further Reading
List of Tables
List of Figures
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 83 |
| Published | June 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 6.16 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 8.5 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 8.4% |
| Regions Covered | Japan |
