Japan's used car market hits record 5.3 trillion yen in 2025
Axios (Tổng hợp từ english.kyodonews.net)
Japan's used car market hit a record 5.32 trillion yen ($34 billion) in 2025, up 54.8% from five years prior, according to a survey by an institute under the Japan Automobile Dealers Association. The growth is fueled by reduced consumer stigma toward second-hand vehicles and rising new car prices driven by raw material costs. Mini-cars and hybrids led sales growth, with increases of 62% and 78%, respectively.
Japan's used car market reached a record high of 5.32 trillion yen (equivalent to $34 billion) in 2025, an increase of 54.8% compared to five years earlier. This result comes from a recent survey by an automotive research institute under the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.
This growth is driven by two main factors: consumers' hesitation to buy second-hand goods has significantly declined, and new car prices have surged due to rising raw material costs. New car prices in Japan have increased by an average of 15-20% over the same period, prompting many to turn to used vehicles.
The survey also indicates that the supply of used cars has improved due to reduced demand for new cars during the recent economic downturn, creating favorable conditions for the used car market boom. The mini-car segment (engine displacement under 660cc) and hybrid cars led growth rates, with sales increases of 62% and 78%, respectively.
The market value of 5.32 trillion yen also reflects a shift in consumer habits, as buyers increasingly favor high-quality used models, especially vehicles aged 3-5 years and models known for durability such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, and Nissan Note. The research institute forecasts that the market will continue to grow steadily in 2026, despite concerns over inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
