If you’re a Filipino thrifter who collects Japanese trading cards, anime figures, Ichiban Kuji prizes, or limited-edition toys, you’ve likely compared Mercari Japan and Carousell Philippines.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, share Japan vs Philippines price examples, and show you the easiest way to buy from Mercari and ship to the Philippines using Buy&Ship Proxy Shopping (Buy&Ship buys for you).
Table of Contents
→ I. What is Mercari Japan?
→ II. What is Carousell Philippines?
→ III. Japan vs Philippines Price Comparison
→ IV. Why Mercari Is Better for Serious Collectors
→ V. How to Buy from Mercari & Ship to the Philippines
→ VI. FAQs
I. What is Mercari Japan?
Mercari is Japan’s largest C2C marketplace—similar to Carousell, but much bigger. It’s a favorite among collectors because Japan is the origin market for many anime and trading card products.
- Massive inventory for anime figures, Ichiban Kuji prizes, and Japanese card games
- More listings = more competitive pricing
- Better chance of finding rare or Japan-exclusive items
II. What is Carousell Philippines?
Carousell Philippines is popular for local preloved shopping and quick meetups. You can find some anime and card listings, but inventory is usually limited—especially for Japan-exclusive collectibles.
Many Carousell listings are imported first, then resold locally—so prices can include import costs and reseller markup.
III. Japan vs Philippines Price Comparison
Here are common collectible categories Filipino thrifters search for, with typical Japan (Mercari) vs Philippines (Carousell) price ranges. (Prices are approximate; final price depends on condition, rarity, and exchange rates.)
1) Pokémon Japanese Booster Box (Sealed)
Japan (Mercari): approx ₱2,800–₱3,500
Philippines (Carousell): approx ₱4,500–₱6,000
Because sealed Japanese boxes originate in Japan, local supply is higher—so pricing is often more competitive than imported resale listings in the Philippines.
2) Anime Scale Figures
Japan (Mercari): approx ₱3,000–₱5,000
Philippines (Carousell): approx ₱5,000–₱8,000
Japanese collectors often resell quickly due to space limits, which can keep secondhand prices lower than PH resale listings.
3) Rare Trading Cards (Yu-Gi-Oh OCG / Pokémon SAR)
Japan (Mercari): often 20–40% cheaper
Philippines (Carousell): marked up due to import costs
High-rarity Japanese cards originate in Japan, so PH listings often include import fees and reseller markup.
IV. Why Mercari Is Better for Serious Collectors
- Larger inventory: More listings per item means you can compare condition, rarity, and pricing.
- Lower base prices: You avoid PH reseller markup for many Japan-origin products.
- Japan-exclusive access: Ichiban Kuji prizes, event promos, and OCG cards are far easier to find in Japan.
V. How to Buy from Mercari & Ship to the Philippines
Mercari Japan usually requires a Japanese address and local payment methods. If you don’t have those, you can use Buy&Ship Proxy Shopping so Buy&Ship purchases the item for you and ships it to the Philippines.
✅ Buy&Ship Proxy Shopping Tutorial (Mercari Japan)
Step 1: Find your item on Mercari Japan (search in Japanese for better results, e.g., “一番くじ”, “ポケモン SAR”, “遊戯王 OCG”).
Step 2: Copy the product link and submit it on the Buy&Ship Proxy Shopping page with your preferred specs/condition and quantity.
Step 3: Confirm the quote and pay. Buy&Ship will purchase the item based on your request.
Step 4: Once the item arrives at the Japan warehouse, you’ll receive a notification.
Step 5: Pay shipping and arrange home delivery (Philippines). Track updates via Buy&Ship anytime.
VI. FAQs (Mercari vs Carousell)
1) Is Mercari cheaper than Carousell for anime figures?
In many cases, yes—especially for Japan-origin items like scale figures and Ichiban Kuji prizes, where PH listings often include reseller markup.
2) Is it safe to buy trading cards on Mercari?
Mercari includes seller ratings and reviews. Always check photos, condition notes, and feedback history. If you want a smoother purchase, use Proxy Shopping to avoid payment and address restrictions.
3) When is Carousell better than Mercari?
Carousell is better if you need the item urgently, prefer local meetups, or if the price difference is small. For rare Japan-exclusive collectibles, Mercari typically offers better selection and value.
Final Verdict: For Filipino thrifters who focus on Japanese cards and anime collectibles, Mercari usually wins on inventory and pricing. If you want to buy from Japan without needing a Japanese card or address, use Buy&Ship Proxy Shopping and ship straight to your Philippine doorstep.