Tosogu Book in Japan

[Curran]

I keep an eye out for certain books fellow collectors told me they'd like to buy if I see them at auction.

Recently there have been a few good one on Yahoo!Japan. I hesitantly passed on a fair priced Higo Kinko Taikan because we are moving soon.

 

This TOSOGU GOKECHO MEIHIN SHUSEI is up for sale a second time:

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After shipping and agent fees, it will be $300 to $325 to those of us in the US. The US dealers offer it for $550 up to $600.

Can be read about here: http://www.nihonto.com/3.1.10.html

and here: http://www.satcho.com/

 

Anyway, not a book for everybody- but I already have my copy and enjoy it.

Figured I'd share the heads-up with the NMB.

[Pete Klein]

Curran, I don't know if you've done any transactions recently but for whatever it's worth figure $375 to $400 by the time you're done. I buy books and other items through a Japanese agent regularly and after internal shipping fee (fee for shipping to the agent), Yahoo fee (buyer pays), air postage to USA (large and heavy book here), fee to agent, and exchange rate of 77 Y to $1 USA (don't go by the listed exchange rate -- it doesn't work that way as the exchange company/bank/paypal has to make a profit also), Paypal fee, etc. it will be a lot more than $300/325. And then of course the outer box is probably missing as it isn't shown and you can't be certain of the condition and returns are not possible. Just a friendly warning to the uninitiated.

 

PS: This isn't the Goto book listed by Nihonto and Satcho but the Machibori book... Also, it was first listed about four months ago for 25000 Y and was dropped several weeks ago to 200 Y.

[Curran]

Mia culpa--

 

Thought I was helping, but Peter is right that it is not the Goto book.

Careless of me.......I've edited out the link due to my error.

 

I have only purchased 2 item from the Japan auctions in the last 2+ years. Mark-up including shipping only added +10-15%, so I didn't have a good frame of reference. I'll take Peter's word on the added agent and shipping from Japan mark-up.

 

Forewarned: Yes, the currency rate is now FUBAR for those of us in the USA.

If you know what you want and where to find it, USA is best place to buy. Last tsuba I purchased was in Tampa, only to see a similar damaged one with only Hozon papers go off for about +30% on the Japan!Auctions. Prior to the earthquake, things were actually selling back to Japan. Not sure about now.

 

Found something else I'd like to buy if the funds come together...again here in the USA....

The Japan auctions continue to be downgraded to browsing and practice.