Who doesn't love a good treasure hunt at a secondhand store? While you might not always find something brand new, the thrill of unearthing a rare gem is exactly what makes these shops so much fun. Japan, in particular, is brimming with them, offering countless opportunities to score that long-sought-after item at an unbeatable price.
Recently, an X user in Japan hit the jackpot. They stumbled upon a copy of "Dragon Ball" Vol. 1 at a Book Off for a mere 300 yen (about $2 USD). Thinking it was a steal regardless, they grabbed it. But upon flipping to the back, they discovered it was a first print, first edition! Their post instantly blew up, sending netizens into a frenzy.
The lucky poster, @OGC2015 (ねこだんな), is a self-proclaimed retro gaming enthusiast who collects nostalgic memorabilia from the Showa and Heisei eras. Their usual routine involves scouring secondhand shops for games, figures, vinyl records, and more. On this particular day, after failing to find the game they were looking for, they decided to browse the newly stocked manga section.
That's when they spotted "Dragon Ball" Vol. 1. "I'd heard that the first print of the first volume was super expensive, so I thought, 'No way... right?' and just bought it," they recounted. Turns out, it *was* the ultra-rare first print. Talk about striking gold!
Indeed, it was the coveted 1985 first print. For collectors, even a copy in average condition can fetch tens of thousands of yen, with pristine copies going for even more eye-watering sums. And yet, this one was sitting quietly on a secondhand shelf, priced at just 300 yen...
@OGC2015 is a huge "Dragon Ball" fan and already owns the complete manga set. But this first print is on an entirely different level. Even with its less-than-perfect condition, it holds immense significance for any collector. They confirmed they have no plans to sell or give it away, intending to keep it as a cherished part of their collection.
The replies were a flood of envy and disbelief: "That's the one I've been looking for for years! So jealous!" and "This is the kind of find that makes collectors drool." Many were stunned that such a treasure could simply be found by chance in a secondhand store.
So, next time you're browsing a secondhand bookstore, don't just skim the shelves. Take a moment to flip through a few books – who knows, the next hidden gem might just be waiting for you to awaken it!
via： X帳戶ねこだんな