5 Most Popular Japanese Products Thai Shoppers Buy and Import
The Japanese products Thai shoppers buy most through Mercari and Yahoo Auction — from figures and trading cards to auto parts, golf clubs, and second-hand clothing — plus how to start ordering them yourself.
The market for Japanese products, both new and second-hand, grows in Thailand every year — Japanese goods are known for their quality, authenticity, and great condition at a fair price.
This article rounds up the 5 most popular Japanese products Tama-Chan customers buy and import through Mercari and Yahoo Auction, with why each is in demand and buying tips for every category.
If you would rather see what is listed right now, open the Japan shopping page and type in what you are after.
The 5 Most Popular Japanese Products
Each category has its own strengths and buying know-how. Let us take a look.
1. Figures & Collectible Models
Collectibles from popular anime, games, and manga — scale figures, Nendoroids, and prize figures — have long been a favorite among Thai collectors.
Why it is so popular — Japan is the source of authentic figures from top makers like Good Smile Company and Bandai. Many are limited editions unavailable in Thailand, or far cheaper when ordered straight from Japan.
Buying tips — Clearly state whether you want a new or used item and check the box condition. For why two that look identical are priced multiples apart, and how to judge condition, see the deep dive on Japanese collectibles.
2. Trading Cards
Trading cards like Pokémon, One Piece, and Yu-Gi-Oh! from Japan — rare singles, booster boxes, and high-grade cards — are sought after by both players and investors.
Why it is so popular — Japanese-language cards often release first and carry exclusive designs, cost less at the source, and offer a better chance of finding rare cards in pristine condition than the Thai market.
Buying tips — For high-value cards, choose a well-reviewed seller and use the authenticity check before shipping. How to read a listing, and what the check commits you to, are in the article on spotting fake Japanese cards.
3. Auto Parts & Car Accessories
Genuine parts and Japanese car accessories — engine components, alloy wheels, and JDM tuning parts — are popular among Japanese-car enthusiasts.
Why it is so popular — Japanese cars dominate the Thai market. Good-condition used parts and authentic JDM accessories are easy to find in Japan and far better value than buying locally.
Buying tips — Specify the car model and part number, and estimate shipping for large or heavy items in advance. Tama-Chan offers both sea and air freight. Real prices by category, and what gets people the wrong item, are in the used Japanese car parts article.
4. Golf Clubs & Equipment
Japanese brands like Honma, Mizuno, and XXIO — new and used — are highly popular among Thai golfers.
Why it is so popular — Japan's second-hand market has plenty of choice in good condition, and craftsmanship and materials are what these brands are known for.
Buying tips — Check the shaft flex (R, S, SR) and left/right orientation to match the player, and review photos of the club face and grip before ordering. The prices each model family was actually listed at are in the second-hand Japanese golf club article.
5. Second-hand Clothing & Fashion
Second-hand Japanese clothing — vintage wear, brand-name pieces, and street fashion — is a fast-growing category among fashion and vintage lovers.
Why it is so popular — Japan's culture of caring for belongings means second-hand clothes are in excellent condition, with authentic brand-name and rare vintage pieces at accessible prices.
Buying tips — Compare Japanese sizing against international sizes before ordering, and read the condition notes carefully. Buying by the sack to resell is a different proposition from buying one garment at a time — start with the guide to buying bales.
Before you order — frequently asked questions
Related keywords
- Japanese trading cards
- Japanese secondhand clothing
- Japan pre-order
Read next
- How to Order from Mercari: Search, Haggle, Pay and TrackOrder from Mercari Japan yourself on Tama-Chan. No Japanese account needed: just follow the screenshots step by step.
- Japanese Figures: Why Prices Differ, and How to Check OneA figure that came out of a crane machine and one that was sold in shops are different price levels from the start. Work out which you are looking at, then read what the listing actually promises.
- Real or Fake Japanese Cards: How to Tell, and Who ChecksListing photos only take you so far. The rest is settled by an inspection in Japan before the card leaves the country: 1-3 business days, and if it fails, the order is cancelled and fully refunded.
- What Is Mercari, and Can You Sign Up from Thailand?Mercari is Japan's popular secondhand marketplace app, but you cannot open an account from Thailand: sign-up needs a Japanese phone number for the OTP and proof that you live in Japan.
Start Buying Japanese Products Yourself with Tama-Chan
Start ordering Japanese goods yourself through Tama-Chan, or message an admin on LINE.