Key Facts
• Business cards of prominent figures like Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi sold online.
• Prices exceed ¥10,000, with some cards reaching ¥15,000 for deceased former prime ministers.
• Cards include minimal personal information, such as office addresses and phone numbers.
• Flea market platforms like Mercari prohibit selling items containing personal data.
• Legal expert states selling business cards is not illegal unless information is falsified.
• Cards with handwritten notes, like Takaichi’s, may raise concerns if altered.
• Buyers may misuse cards to enhance credibility or commit fraud.
• Ownership of business cards transfers upon exchange, making resale legally permissible.
• Selling such items can harm the reputation of both sellers and buyers.
Summary
Business cards of political figures, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi, are being sold on flea market apps for high prices, sometimes exceeding ¥10,000. While platforms like Mercari prohibit selling items with personal data, legal experts confirm that selling business cards is not inherently illegal unless the information is falsified. Cards with handwritten notes, such as Takaichi’s, may pose additional risks if altered. Buyers often seek these cards to boost credibility, potentially leading to misuse or fraud. Although legally permissible, such transactions can damage reputations and raise ethical concerns.
