Ukay-Ukay: Japanese Style

Known for their affluence, it is hard to imagine the Japanese being practical - or frugal. They may not all be filthy rich, but their average incomes are much higher than many other nationalities. That they have always been among the top targets for expensive branded merchandise simply confirms the thickness of their wallets.

It is thus interesting to find flea markets in some areas here. I'm not sure if the recession has in some ways contributed to their proliferation, but as I was told, this scene has been going on for some time. There were many "shoppers", i tell you. And while some sellers are regular businessmen, many seem to be there just to clear their closets.

Last Sunday, I was brought by a friend to Sendagaya and was immersed in a sea of second-hand goods. Some were actually still pricey, but if one's patient enough to search around, he could actually get some astonishing bargains. My friend snatched two original Levi's jeans (still in good condition) for Yen 500 or about Php 250.00. I saw a pair of Armanis worth Yen 800, only that they were a little too small for my post vacation waistline.

Some items however could make one smile as they are already cousins to garbage. But then again, "buyers beware" remains as a primary market principle, so it really is up to the market players to decide whether an item get sold or thrown to the recycling shops.



Note: "ukay-ukay" is Filipino slang for second-hand merchandize (disaster relief items actually) being sold in specialty stores.