Reselling Vintage Japanese Computers: MSX, PC-98, Old Macs & More from Japan

1. Why Retro Computers from Japan Are in High Demand

Vintage computing is no longer just nostalgia—it’s a thriving collector’s market.
From retro gaming and hardware modding to digital preservation and computer history fandom, there’s growing global demand for:

• Rare Japanese computers and peripherals

• Early gaming-compatible machines

• Well-maintained vintage Apple products

• Unique Japan-only keyboard layouts and designs

Collectors, developers, and hardware enthusiasts seek authentic hardware that can no longer be found locally—and Japan remains one of the richest sources.

2. What to Source: High-Value Retro Hardware Categories

MSX Systems

• Includes models from Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Yamaha

• Popular with retro game collectors and homebrew developers

• MSX2 and MSX2+ systems fetch premium resale value

• Look for: boxed units, manuals, rare cartridge software

NEC PC-98 Series

• The core of Japanese PC gaming in the 80s and 90s

• Used for exclusive visual novels, RPGs, and business software

• Target systems with clean screens and functional floppy drives

• Matching peripherals, keyboards, and external drives add value

Vintage Macintosh (Japanese Market)

• Mac Classic, LC, SE/30, and iMac G3 Japan editions

• Often maintained by designers, print shops, or hobbyists

• Japanese keyboard layout = niche appeal for collectors

Other Desirable Items

• X68000, FM Towns, and Sharp MZ series

• Retro CRT monitors, SCSI drives, vintage keyboards

• Discontinued Japanese accessories (e.g., PCMCIA adapters, SCSI terminators)

3. Why Japan Is the Best Market for Sourcing Old Computers

Japanese owners often store electronics with care—even decades-old hardware is:

• Clean, complete, and often still operational

• Sold with original boxes, manuals, disks, and cables

• Available at prices well below international resale value

On Mercari, Rakuma, and JDirectItems Fleamarket, you can often find:

• Bundled hardware + software lots

• Items marked “junk” (ジャンク) that are repairable or working

• Under-described listings with hidden gems due to limited photos or vague titles

Most of these listings are invisible to international buyers due to platform restrictions.

4. How to Find Profitable Retro Computer Deals

• Use Japanese search terms: PC-98, MSX, Mac 本体, レトロパソコン, ジャンク, 動作品

• Look for original packaging and bundled accessories

• Focus on sellers who list as “動作確認済み” (operation confirmed)

• “Junk” listings often mean untested—not broken

• Compare eBay and auction house prices for vintage value validation

5. Let J-Subculture Handle the Logistics for You

Vintage electronics require care, safe packaging, and international shipping expertise.
J-Subculture offers a complete sourcing and logistics service:

• Purchase from Mercari, Rakuma, and JDirectItems Fleamarket

• Request specific condition checks and confirmation of operation

• We handle delicate and heavy item packaging with shock protection

• Customize customs declaration (e.g., “used home computer”)

• Consolidate multiple accessories and software into one shipment

• English support to guide complex purchases

Business User Features:

• Lower service fees and combined shipping discounts

• Support for multiple international addresses

• Bulk order CSV processing

• Priority inspection and secure packaging for valuable hardware