there's actually a quite widespread aversion to buying used over there to begin with. friends of mine speak of people basically putting perfectly good possessions on the the curb for the taking. lightly used japanese car engines are often exported, much to the benefit of US consumers.
New law forbidding the sale of used gear Japan
There is a new law in Japan forbidding the sale of electonics that are more than 5 years old. I think that this coul have major ramifications as well as present the opportunity to buy tons of used gear in japan on the cheap. Check out the following link:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/22/japan-bans-old-electronics-as-of-april-1/
http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/22/japan-bans-old-electronics-as-of-april-1/