Japanese popular culture is seeing a surprising surge in the resale of fleece jackets, notably those worn by iconic actor, Kimura Takuya. Often referred to as “Kimutaku”, the actor's high-profile presence in Japan has resulted in a booming resale market for these items. Retailers have noted a spike in demanding prices, while ongoing discussions concerning the social implications and legality of such practices continue.
Kimura Takuya is a major figure in Japan, leading to a trend where items associated with him often see heightened demand. Therefore, the resale market for these items can become pretty competitive and controversial. In Japan, while some appreciate the economic opportunity such a market presents, others argue about the ethics and the legality of exploiting the popularity of figures like Kimutaku for profit, especially without their explicit endorsement.
In the US or EU, laws against unauthorized resale of items can apply in certain scenarios, especially when these items have an intrinsic value or are associated with eminent public figures or celebrities. While the celebrity endorsement markets work similarly in the west, there is generally more regulation around it. Reselling is viewed differently by different people, either as a way of responsible recycling or as opportunistic profiteering.