New Feature · January 28, 2026
Mercari Now in English: What Foreign Sellers in Japan Need to Know (2026)
Finally — Mercari has English support. Here's what actually changed, what still requires Japanese, and how foreign sellers can take advantage.
What Changed on January 28, 2026
On January 28, 2026, Mercari Japan officially began rolling out English language support. This is a significant milestone — Mercari has operated as a Japanese-only platform since its launch in 2013.
- Product detail pages now display in English for users who set English as their language preference
- Category names and navigation elements have English translations
- This is a gradual rollout — not all areas of the app are fully translated yet
What still requires Japanese: Buyer and seller messages remain in Japanese. Listing titles and descriptions written by sellers are not auto-translated. Payment and identity verification flows are still primarily in Japanese.
What This Means for Foreign Sellers in Japan
The English update lowers the barrier for English-speaking buyers — which directly benefits foreign sellers already on the platform.
- More English-speaking expats and tourists can now browse and buy listings they previously couldn't navigate
- High-demand categories for English-speaking buyers: vintage items, anime goods, Japanese fashion, and electronics
- You'll still need basic Japanese for messaging — use our message generator to communicate with buyers without speaking Japanese
Tips for Foreign Sellers to Attract More Buyers Now
- Add English keywords to your title. Even a few English words (brand name, condition, size) help English-speaking buyers find your listing through search.
- Include a short English description. A single sentence in English below your Japanese description can make a big difference for non-Japanese buyers.
- Price in JPY as normal. Currency conversion is handled on the buyer's side — just list in yen.
- Know your profit before listing. Calculate your net profit after Mercari's 10% fee and shipping costs before you set a price.
Calculate your profit before listing → Mercari Profit Calculator
Should You Sell on Mercari or eBay?
| Mercari Japan | eBay | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Japan domestic | Global |
| Setup difficulty | Easy (Japanese phone needed) | Moderate |
| Seller fee | 10% | ~13–15% |
| Best for | Fast local sales | Higher prices for Japanese items abroad |
Compare eBay profit → eBay Profit Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners sell on Mercari in Japan?
Yes. Anyone with a Japanese address and phone number can sell on Mercari Japan. The January 2026 English update makes it easier to navigate for non-Japanese speakers.
Do I need to write listings in Japanese on Mercari?
Japanese listings sell faster since most buyers are Japanese. However adding English keywords helps attract the growing number of English-speaking users.
What sells well on Mercari for foreign sellers?
Vintage Japanese items, anime goods, traditional crafts, and Japanese fashion tend to sell well. Check our profit calculator to estimate earnings before listing.