There are several recycle stores, but you do have to look for them. Most of the bigger cites have them, here in Yamagata-ken I have been to a few such as the one in Yonezawa and Yamagata City. Have to admit they do sell some nice stuff and very good prices. However, as stated in another post most Japanese will now shop at the recycle store.

Depending on what you are looking for house items, clothes, or sporting goods they are a great buy and sometimes in the original box. As an example I paid 300? for a solid wooden computer desk and chair. This may never happen again, but we also found a nice chair for my office of 150?. Depending on where you live the selection is very different.

In Yamagata, one store sells used furniture and appliances only, but you have to have a way to get them home. It is a big saving if you only plan to be in Japan for a short time or if you just need a second refrigerator to store items since they are so small here. I think they are worth checking out.