WoodenToysinJapan – The Japan Dreamer

Salam and hi guys,

I love shopping for wooden toys in Japanese thrift store or what they call ‘chuuko’ 中古。If you see the price difference you will understand why.

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On weekends, there are times when Hafiz and I have no idea of where to go. Other than having lunch outside, we love to go somewhere for a good couple of hours. At times, chuuko will be our choice. Chuuko or thrift store is where Japanese people sell and buy second hand items. What’s great about this place is that most of the things sold here are still in good condition and, what’s even more important is that they are super CHEAP. Don’t tell me you don’t like cheap things. HA.

As a matter of fact, Japanese homes are typically small so the idea of not having big storage at home to keep stuffs contribute to lots of things being sold at the thrift shops which are available nationwide, as many as one per neighbourhood. The issue of lacking of storage space inevitably forces people to sell their belongings even after they are just being used for a very short period of times, or sometimes still new. The other reason of why this kind of store is essential is that people actually have to pay if they want to throw big garbage! That includes furniture, electrical items, big toys etc. Hence instead of paying they would rather sell it to the thrift store even if they don’t make any fortune out of it.

I used to dislike going to the thrift shop. But now that I know what things to search for I begin to love it! Most of the times, I buy Ian’s wooden toys here because there are so many options, and the price is ridiculously low with such great quality. Win!

Wooden train with blocks / Thrifted : 750円 (RM30) train New: 9,680円 (RM390)