The second-hand market for soundproof rooms in Japan is quietly expanding.
While new soundproof rooms offer high performance, they come with hefty price tags ranging from several hundred thousand to several million yen. This has brought attention to the second-hand soundproof room trading market. Particularly with the increase in content creators and music enthusiasts, demand has risen, and 2025 has seen an acceleration in second-hand circulation within the Japanese market.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of second-hand soundproof room circulation volumes, pricing changes, and trading considerations, based on the latest data and real-world examples from Japan.
Current State and Growth Background of the Japanese Second-Hand Market#
An explanation of the market establishment and recent circulation trends in Japan.
As of 2025, the circulation volume of second-hand soundproof rooms in Japan has increased by approximately 20% compared to the previous year. Unit-type soundproof rooms such as Yamaha’s “Avitecs” and Kawai’s “Nasal” are primarily traded through Mercari (a Japanese marketplace app), Yahoo Auctions, and specialized resale dealers.
The background includes three main factors:
- Sustained high new unit prices (rising costs due to yen depreciation and material cost increases)
- Growth in home-based creator population (VTubers, DTM producers, aspiring voice actors, etc.)
- Improved reusability of unit-type rooms (easy disassembly, relocation, and reassembly)
Additionally, manufacturers themselves are beginning to engage in second-hand resale. Yamaha is pilot-testing official reuse programs for second-hand Avitecs units. This is establishing more reliable resale channels in the Japanese market.
Second-Hand Soundproof Room Pricing and Performance Maintenance#
An overview of second-hand pricing trends and factors affecting prices in Japan.
Compared to new soundproof rooms priced at 1-2 million yen (approximately $6,700-$13,400 USD), second-hand units generally circulate at 40-70% of the original price.
| Size | New Price Range | Second-Hand Market Price | Circulation Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-tatami type | 600,000-1,000,000 yen ($4,000-$6,700) | 250,000-550,000 yen ($1,700-$3,700) | High demand, quick sales |
| 1.5-tatami type | 1,000,000-1,300,000 yen ($6,700-$8,700) | 500,000-800,000 yen ($3,300-$5,300) | Popular for piano/streaming |
| 2-tatami type | 1,300,000-2,000,000 yen ($8,700-$13,400) | 700,000-1,100,000 yen ($4,700-$7,300) | For instrument practice/recording |
| 3+ tatami | 2,000,000 yen+ ($13,400+) | 1,000,000 yen+ ($6,700+) | Limited circulation, dealer-centered |
Note: Tatami is a traditional Japanese unit; 1 tatami ≈ 1.65 square meters
What matters most in Japan’s second-hand market is the “D-rating (sound insulation grade, a Japanese acoustic standard)” and “maintenance history.”
If the original D-rating was D-45 or higher (suitable for piano/vocal use), second-hand units often maintain sufficient sound insulation performance. However, for units over 10 years old, attention is needed for deterioration of sound-absorbing materials and hardening of gaskets.
Second-Hand Circulation Trends by Major Japanese Manufacturers#
A comparison of manufacturers with particularly high transaction volumes in the Japanese market.
| Manufacturer | Main Model | New Price | Second-Hand Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | Avitecs Sefine NS | 1,000,000-2,000,000 yen ($6,700-$13,400) | ~50% | Largest market share in Japan |
| Kawai | Nasal | 800,000-1,800,000 yen ($5,300-$12,000) | ~30% | Popular for piano use |
| Tokyo Boon | Okudake Series | 100,000-300,000 yen ($670-$2,000) | ~10% | For telework/streaming |
| Nagawa | SOUND ROOM compact | 800,000-1,200,000 yen ($5,300-$8,000) | ~5% | For corporations/educational institutions |
Yamaha units, in particular, tend to have long service lives and high resale value in the Japanese market. As of 2025, the average transaction price for second-hand Avitecs is approximately 780,000 yen ($5,200 USD). Kawai’s “Nasal” trades at an average of 650,000 yen ($4,300 USD), maintaining steady popularity for piano practice.
Trading Platforms and Transaction Reality in Japan#
Real-world transaction examples and considerations between individuals and dealers.
Second-hand soundproof room circulation in Japan is divided into three main routes:
- Specialized second-hand soundproof dealers (e.g., Boon Reuse, Acoustic Regeneration Co.)
→ Performance testing, disassembly, and installation included with warranty. Transaction prices are slightly higher. - Peer-to-peer sales (Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, etc.)
→ Lower prices but shipping and installation costs are separate. No warranty. - Manufacturer trade-ins (Yamaha/Kawai systems)
→ Peace of mind. Refurbished units circulate through reuse resale programs.
Average shipping and installation costs range from 150,000-300,000 yen ($1,000-$2,000 USD). Especially for large models of 2 tatami or more, self-transport is not recommended as disassembly and reassembly require specialized knowledge. Delivery routes and ceiling heights must also be confirmed.
Checklist for Purchasing Second-Hand Soundproof Rooms#
Key performance and condition factors to verify before purchase.
| Check Item | Verification Method | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Panel warping | Visual inspection/measurement | Gaps of 1mm or more |
| Gasket deterioration | Touch/airtightness test | Rubber hardening or powdering |
| Ventilation system | Check operational sound | Abnormal noise/insufficient ventilation |
| Door/window airtightness | Opening/closing test | Difficulty closing/sound leakage |
| Interior moisture marks | Wall/floor observation | Mold or discoloration requires caution |
Additionally, if a soundproof performance measurement certificate is available, it becomes critical reference material for purchase decisions. This allows objective confirmation of actual sound insulation performance (D-rating).
Intersection of Second-Hand and Rental Markets in Japan#
Analysis of the relationship between soundproof rental properties and general rental properties in Japan.
As of 2025, approximately 12% of soundproof rental properties in Japan utilize second-hand soundproof rooms. This is due to an increase in cases where rental property owners introduce second-hand soundproof rooms for cost reduction.
For example, “Musision” operated by Livlan Co. has implemented a system to reinstall reusable soundproof units during renovation after tenant move-out. This has achieved approximately 30% reduction in new construction costs.
Second-hand circulation may also contribute to the expansion of Japan’s soundproof rental market in the future.
Future Outlook and Maturation of the Reuse Market#
A look at the future of Japan’s second-hand soundproof room market.
The second-hand market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10-15% from 2025 to 2030 in Japan. The background includes heightened awareness of sustainable resource use and the “recirculation of previous-generation models” due to the spread of AI and IoT-integrated soundproof rooms.
Furthermore, the following new trends are underway in the Japanese market:
- Soundproof subscription services (lease-based usage)
- Reuse-guaranteed sales
- AI-based performance evaluation
Moving from “replacement” to “circulation.” Soundproof rooms are being redefined as sustainable products in Japan.
Summary: Demand Expected to Continue Growing#
Japan’s second-hand soundproof room market has evolved from a once-limited enthusiast market to a practical option now open to general users.
While high performance can be obtained at less than half the price of new units, attention is required for installation, transportation, and performance maintenance. By utilizing reliable dealers and manufacturer resale channels, safe introduction is fully achievable.
From 2025 onward, the reevaluation of second-hand soundproof rooms will progress, and the trend that “second-hand offers the best value” will become established in the Japanese market.
The era of “smartly” obtaining quiet spaces has already begun in Japan.