What to Buy in Japan with the Weakening Yen? 5 Recommended Shopping Items in Japan

Is the weakening of the Japanese yen making you want to go on a shopping spree in Japan again, but not sure what’s worth buying? This article will tell you!

Smart Shopping While the Yen Is Weak

Since mid-2022, the yen exchange rate has been on a roller coaster ride, generally declining, at one point dropping to 150 against the US dollar. (Editor's note: Recently it fell to 0.22 against the New Taiwan Dollar.) For those who regularly use yen, these fluctuations have both pros and cons; for foreigners earning foreign currency, spending yen has become more affordable. In Japan, many high-priced items have not adjusted their prices to reflect the yen's weakness, meaning overseas buyers can snag their desired items at a lower cost than expected. If you're considering spending on luxury goods or items only available in Japan, now is the time to act—check out our shopping recommendations below!

Recommendation ① Photo Equipment, Audio Gear, Home Appliances, and Other Electronics

"Made in Japan" has always been a mark of quality, and Japanese consumers have high standards for overseas products as well; in other words, products sold in Japan are generally reliable. Items like cameras, game consoles, computer peripherals, and home appliances are very popular. Even though smartphone photography dominates, cameras remain essential for professional photography. Among the world's leading camera manufacturers, the three giants Canon, Nikon, and Sony are all Japanese brands, while more distinctive brands like Fujifilm, Olympus, and Pentax are also highly popular. As for game consoles, Nintendo's Switch and Sony's PlayStation are top choices. And in home appliances, Japan's Panasonic goes without saying.

Since electronics often come with a higher price tag, buying them when the yen is weak makes the price difference more noticeable. Of course, this is assuming you don't mind the warranty issue. (laughs)

Can't visit Japan? Shop across the sea

・Whether new or used, you can find almost any high-tech product you want at Sofmap: phones, computers, mechanical keyboards, Dyson hair dryers, widescreen monitors, and more—too many to list.

・High-spec speakers sold at FUJIYA AVIC and AVAC will never disappoint audio enthusiasts.

・BONZART specializes in unique cameras, both film and digital, from toy cameras to original lenses.

Recommendation ② Luxury Watches

If you're a watch enthusiast or planning to buy a nice watch for yourself or your family during a trip to Japan, now is a good time to take advantage of the weak yen! Japan's luxury watch stores offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned timepieces; it's worth checking out shops where you can pick up a Rolex or Patek Philippe at a good price. Of course, if you're just looking for an ordinary watch rather than a luxury one, you can also consider Japanese custom watch brands like Knot to create a unique timepiece for yourself or a loved one.

Shop across the sea without going to Japan

・JACK ROAD is one of Japan's most famous watch specialty stores, representing over 200 international watch brands.

・TiCTAC's catalog is carefully curated, with many limited-edition models.

・Watch LIFE NEWS is a watch information site, and their store carries printed materials and watches from the Japanese brand OUTLINE.

・DEDEGUMO is a watch workshop in Kyoto, producing beautiful creations inspired by traditional Japanese culture.

Recommendation ③ Japanese Fashion Brands or Designer Pieces

Japan has long been a fashion hub in Asia, with Japanese street style influencing trends across the region. Just looking at street snaps from Tokyo reveals the evolution of Japanese fashion over the past 50 years in Shibuya and Harajuku. High-end designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake have long been established on the international stage, while streetwear brands like BAPE have greatly influenced global trends. Casual wear and select shops like UNIQLO, URBAN RESEARCH, and niko and... are also popular overseas. On the other hand, the high demands of Japanese consumers force overseas brands to bring their best products to the local market. So taking advantage of the yen's depreciation, buying clothing in Japan is a good choice.

Shop across the sea without going to Japan

・Laforet Harajuku is a department store in the heart of Harajuku; its online shop also gathers multiple popular brands, and you can even filter by floor!

・BRAND OFF and KOMEHYO are secondhand designer fashion stores with items in such great condition that it's hard to believe they aren't new.

・KICKS LAB and magi are best friends for sneakerheads, offering the latest releases and collector favorites.

・DIVERSE and 1LDK focus on hot Japanese fashion brands, bringing together works from local and overseas designers.

Recommendation ④ Kitchen Knives, Cookware, and Household Items

Japan is famous for its craftsmanship in making things (monozukuri). Items like the works of Sori Yanagi (known overseas) or knives from Kappabashi Dougu Street in Asakusa are popular choices for those shopping for kitchen tools in Japan. Additionally, due to limited land and living space, Japanese people have developed excellent storage skills, leading to many ingenious products. There are also many items designed for single-person households, which are popular among visitors to Japan.

Shop across the sea without going to Japan

・IKEHIKO's Japanese-style furniture aims to blend into modern homes, including movable tatami mats, kotatsu, and traditional futons.

・Maruhiro's cups and plates combine appearance and practicality, while e刃物's kitchen knives can help elevate your cooking skills!

・BOTANIZE's planters have a strong presence and become a focal point wherever placed.

・USAGI ONLINE carries home goods from gelato pique, a brand known in Japan for its soft and comfortable fabrics.

・Fujimaki Department Store's carefully selected items cover a wide range, including Japanese-style household goods.

Recommendation ⑤ Anime Merchandise

Do you often get criticized by family or your partner for spending too much on anime figures and models? Honestly, non-fans just can't understand the appeal. But when the yen is weak, it's easier to justify the expense and less stressful on your wallet. If there's a model you've been eyeing for a long time but haven't bought... now might be the time! Bring home a giant Gundam model, upgrade your gaming setup to the max, or look for limited-edition anime accessories to adorn your wardrobe—let your anime passion burn bright!

By the way, if you're planning a trip to Akihabara to buy Gundam models, it's worth checking out the recommendations from a 20-year veteran Japanese Gundam model expert on Akihabara shops.

Shop across the sea without going to Japan

・HOBBY STOCK is a one-stop anime and game merchandise store, offering everything from Gundam models to half-human-size giant figures, as well as more everyday items from famous works (like Pokémon and Ghibli).

・Akihabara Sofmap sells physical copies of the latest games, new and old consoles, and new and used accessories.

・Attasa specializes in arcade sticks and electronic game-style controllers, perfect for gamers who like a personalized experience.

・Hobby Station, CARD RUSH, and Bee本舖 specialize in card games; some rare cards might cost more than your monthly salary!

Have You Decided What to Buy?

Over the past few months, the yen exchange rate has been fluctuating like a roller coaster, but overall it remains low. So if you earn money in a non-yen currency, buying Japanese goods with yen at a low rate effectively gives you a "discount." This is especially true if you're looking to buy the categories of items listed above and don't mind the after-sales service and warranty issues. Whether you fly to Japan to shop or buy through online platforms, both are viable options—it's up to you.

Planning a trip to Japan for shopping and travel is also a great idea while the yen is weak! If you're not sure what to do, you might want to check out this article about traveling in Japan.