Pawn Shop 'Pledge-In' Surges in Japan Amid Rising Prices, Between Hardship and Memories

Due to surging prices in Japan, 'pledge-in' services at pawn shops are booming as people seek cash without permanently selling sentimental items. This trend highlights the financial struggles many are facing while trying to preserve their cherished belongings.

Thu May 28 2026

Surge in Pawn Shop Usage Amidst Rising Prices

Recently, with the continuous rise in prices in Japan, the financial burden on households has increased. In this situation, pawn shops offering 'pledge-in' services—where individuals can borrow money using their belongings as collateral—have gained significant attention. The Kanteikyoku Ichikawa Inter branch, a national pawn shop chain in Chiba Prefecture, exemplifies this trend. Many customers opt for 'pledge-in' instead of outright selling their items, as it allows them to retrieve their possessions once the loan is repaid.

Diverse Stories and Sentimental Items

Customers visiting the pawn shop bring items for various reasons. A 20s office worker, needing cash for a trip to Korea, pledged a game console, smartwatch, and wireless earphones, valued at approximately 90,000 yen, which she purchased five years ago. Although she doesn't play games often, she chose to pawn them rather than sell, as they are used when playing with friends. Another university student needed money for driving school and pledged six vintage T-shirts worth about 150,000 yen, stating her intention to retrieve them. A 50s woman, needing funds for her mother's medical treatment, also brought five pieces of sentimental jewelry, including a platinum engagement ring and gold necklaces, keeping it a secret from her husband. She mentioned that the value of platinum might increase further.

Rising Precious Metal Values Fueling Pledge-In Popularity

The recent soaring prices of precious metals such as gold and platinum have further boosted the popularity of pledge-in services. Platinum prices, in particular, have more than doubled over the past year, offering customers higher loan amounts. This pawn shop handles a wide range of items, from high-value goods like cameras and luxury watches to smaller items suitable for minor loans. Customers appear to favor pledge-in not just for immediate cash needs but also for the ability to temporarily secure funds while preserving their valuable possessions for future retrieval.

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-05-28)*

Tags: #pawn shop #Japan economy #inflation #household finance #personal finance