TOKYO - Japanese flea market app operator Mercari opened an exhibition in Tokyo's Harajuku district on October 28, recreating the rooms of fictional overseas fans of Japanese anime, manga and other pop culture to highlight how ordinary secondhand goods in Japan have become treasured collectibles around the world.
The exhibition, titled "Someone's Favorite Fan Room Around the World," features three rooms representing fictional enthusiasts living in the United States, France and Taiwan. Each room reflects the passion of fans who collect merchandise related to their favorite Japanese characters and entertainment franchises.
More than 1,000 items previously traded on Mercari are displayed across the three rooms, offering visitors a glimpse of how products commonly found in Japan's secondhand market can acquire special value among overseas collectors.
The exhibition also includes interactive games and opportunities to engage in simulated conversations with the fictional residents, allowing visitors to experience the enthusiasm surrounding Japanese pop culture in different parts of the world.
The event comes as Mercari's cross-border business continues to expand rapidly, driven by overseas demand for Japanese products. The gross merchandise value of its international transactions reached 112.2 billion yen in the fiscal year ended June 2026, approximately 19 times the level recorded four years earlier.
The growth reflects the increasing international appeal of Japanese anime, manga and related merchandise, particularly among collectors seeking items that may be difficult to obtain outside Japan.
Mercari hopes the exhibition will raise awareness of how highly Japanese products are valued overseas, including everyday secondhand items that domestic sellers may not regard as particularly valuable.
Mercari executive officer Yu Ishikawa said the company wanted the event to attract a broad audience beyond dedicated pop culture enthusiasts. "We hope a wide range of people will visit, not only those who love pop culture but also people who casually use Mercari in their everyday lives," Ishikawa said.
Source: テレ東BIZ
