Are japanese electronics cheaper in Japan?

Question

For those who have been to Japan or know about these things: would a Sony dvd player for example that cost $100 in the US be sold for say half that in Japan?

Answer 1

Yes and No, in Japan electronics cost the same and work fine on any American T.V. The prices do go down faster there. Price cuts always happen in Japan first. But the price to import it will be equal to the price that it would cost in America. If you want cheap electronics try hong kong outlets on the web, im talking real savings, like 10 dollar dvd players and stuff like this. Only problem is that there are no warrinties.

Answer 2

Hmmm, I have to disagree. At least in Tokyo, I was told that 2 GB SD Cards are upwards of $200 equivalent USD. That's really expensive. My 2 GB SD Card cost $60 and mine was made in Japan. I think it has something to do with the market situation. That and the fact that there are a lot of taxes involved.

When I was there, the ipods in Hiroshima were a little more expensive (though I don't think they're made in Japan). But it should be noted how far ahead they are in technology, so I wouldn't be surprised if something as common as a DVD player was cheaper there.

Answer 3

Cheap Electronic Devices

Answer 4

A lot of things can be cheaper in Japan if you know where to shop. Akihabara district in Tokyo has a lot of cheap electronics, and heaps of variety too. Shop around in Japan and you will find cheap items - just make sure they are going to work in your own country!

Answer 5

A Japanese DVD player is different. The US uses region 1, Japan uses region 2. We can't play a region 2 DVD unless you buy a region free DVD player. But the VHS video tapes can be used the same.

Answer 6

Japan has some of the highest prices in the world. But quality-wise, you will find nothing better. Akihabara in famous for having cutting-edge stuff, brand new electronics and games that have not yet come out in the US. So if you are looking for quality, Japan is the best place to get incredible product. For quantity, US.

Answer 7

Typically electronic devices in Japan are cheaper but, there is a catch.

Use caution when you do buy electronics in Japan and make sure you are buying a NTSC formatted device. Usually the electronic devices are in PAL format. PAL format is different than what is used here in the US, which is NTSC.

If you purchase a PAL formatted device such as a camcorder, it will work and record fine but when you go to play the recording on your American TV it will not play correctly.

Answer 8

They normally cost less, yes, but not half the price!!

DVDs are a different region code - but there are multi-region players available. Don't know how much they're charging though ...

You wouldn't want to save $10 - $20 only to have to buy Japanese DVDs forever more...!!

Videos are NTSC ... so wouldn't be a problem.

Answer 9

No, I've been to Japan several times (my girlfriend is Japanese) and everything there is EXPENSIVE. Unless you want older technology which is like a sin there. I've seen people throw out flay panel TVs on the street!

Another problem is taxes: The japanes have VAT and transfer taxes on all goods going in or out of the country and security is super tight. For example, say I were to just pick up that flat TV someone threw out and ship to US and A, I'd have to pay shipping of course, but I'd have to declare or present the goods to the Japanese postal service who will assign a fair market value and assess a VAT & transfer tax... in other words, it will cost mad money to ship.

Another example, my gf bought a coach bag and shipped to her mom in Japan, well her mom ended up paying $80 in taxes just to receive the bloody bag and my gf spent $40 to ship it ... that's $120 of bull-crap tax.

Answer 10

not half ,but yes most r cheaper of them
but except for cameras most of them has only Japanese language