Sell Books, Art & Objects
SELL YOUR BOOKS
BUNBUKU purchases books and materials related to art and visual culture, including photobooks, art books, design, architecture, fashion, mingei and craft, ZINEs, self-published books, and ephemera. We also consider artist prints, printmaking works, one-of-a-kind works, and Japanese folk toys.
Please consult us for anything from a single book to organizing a large collection. First, please send us photos showing your bookshelf or book spines via Instagram DM or email. There is no need to photograph each book individually.
Please consult us with photos first, instead of sending books directly.
What kinds of books can I sell to BUNBUKU?
Where can I sell photobooks or art books?
One option is to consult a bookseller that specializes in photography, art, and design. BUNBUKU reviews single books as well as larger collections, considering the content, condition, and current demand.
Do you also buy books on art, design, architecture, mingei, and craft?
Yes. We also review books on fine art, exhibition catalogues, design, architecture, fashion, prints, folk craft and mingei, folklore, and related fields.
Do you buy ZINEs, self-published books, or books without ISBNs?
Yes. ZINEs, artist books, small-edition publications, and self-published works are considered based on their content, design, and condition rather than ISBN alone.
Do you buy artist prints, printmaking works, or folk toys?
Yes. We also consider artist prints, printmaking works, one-of-a-kind works, and Japanese folk toys. Please send photos showing the overall item and its condition first.
Books We Purchase
- Photo books
- Art books, portfolios, exhibition catalogs
- Design, graphics, typography
- Crafts, folk art, ceramics
- Fashion
- Architecture, interior design
- Picture books
- ZINEs
- Artist books
- Little presses
We carefully review each visual book to ensure it fits Bunbuku's collection, primarily focusing on photo books, art books, design books, and art books.
We do not judge solely by the presence or absence of an ISBN. For ZINEs, artist books, little presses, and self-published portfolios, we not only purchase them but also welcome inquiries from artists, publishers, and galleries regarding handling.
Books with significant damage, water damage, mold, or odors, as well as large quantities of general books, paperbacks, practical guides, or books significantly outside Bunbuku's handling genres, may be difficult to purchase.
Purchase Process
Send Photos
Please send photos of your bookshelf, book spines, or the photo books you are considering selling via Instagram DM or email. It's fine to take photos of several books at once, as long as the spines and titles are legible.
Review Content & Consultation
After reviewing the photos and content, we will guide you on mail-in or on-site purchase options. We will discuss the most suitable approach based on the content and number of books.
Appraisal & Payment
After examining the books, we will provide an appraisal. Upon your acceptance, we will transfer the payment to your bank account under your name.
Mail-in Purchases
Consultations are welcome from anywhere in Japan. Please send photos first, rather than sending books directly. Shipping arrangements will be discussed individually based on the content and number of books.
On-site Purchases
On-site purchase consultations are available in and around Tokyo, primarily in Setagaya Ward. Please contact us if you are considering organizing a large collection of photo books or art books.
Photographers & Photo Books We Are Particularly Looking For
We are especially looking for photo books and portfolios by the following photographers. We can also consider artists and titles not listed here, depending on the content.
- Daido Moriyama
- Nobuyoshi Araki
- Masahisa Fukase
- Shomei Tomatsu
- Takuma Nakahira
- Keizo Kitajima
- Issei Suda
- Shigeo Gocho
- Kiyoshi Suzuki
- Yutaka Takanashi
- Miyako Ishiuchi
- Mao Ishikawa
- Katsumi Watanabe
- Michio Yamauchi
- Hiroo Kikai
- Shoji Ueda
- Takashi Homma
- Masafumi Sanai
- Osamu Kanemura
- Naoya Hatakeyama
- Rinko Kawauchi
- Lieko Shiga
- Yurie Nagashima
- Mikiko Hara
- Tokuko Ushioda
- Ryuji Miyamoto
- Ikko Narahara
- Eikoh Hosoe
- Keizo Kitajima: "Photo Express Tokyo," "A.D.1991," "NEW YORK"
- Issei Suda: "Fushi Kaden," "Human Memory," "Red Flower"
- Shigeo Gocho: "SELF AND OTHERS," "Daily Days"
- Masahisa Fukase: "Ravens," "Yoko"
- Takashi Homma: "TOKYO SUBURBIA," "Baby Generation"
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell just one book?
Yes. You can consult us for a single book. Please send photos first.
Can I consult with just photos?
Yes. Photos are sufficient for the initial consultation. We will review photos of your bookshelf and book spines.
What kind of photos should I send?
Please send photos showing your entire bookshelf, book spines, and legible titles. If you have only a few books, photos of the covers and condition will make it easier for us to assess.
Can I decline if I'm not satisfied with the appraisal?
Yes. You are welcome to decline the sale after reviewing the appraisal.
Do you offer mail-in purchases?
Yes. Consultations are welcome from anywhere in Japan. Please send photos via Instagram DM or email before shipping your books.
Do you offer on-site purchases?
On-site purchase consultations are available primarily in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto region. We will guide you based on the number of books, content, and location.
Can I consult if I'm not in Setagaya Ward?
Yes. Mail-in purchases are available nationwide, and on-site purchases are available primarily in and around Tokyo.
Do you also purchase ZINEs and self-published works?
Yes. We accept inquiries for the purchase of ZINEs, artist books, self-published portfolios, and little presses.
Do you purchase books without ISBNs?
Yes. We do not judge solely by the presence or absence of an ISBN. We assess based on the content, binding, and condition.
Is identification required?
Yes. Based on the Secondhand Articles Dealer Act, identification is required when a purchase is finalized. We cannot purchase items without identity verification. Also, we do not accept purchases from individuals under 18 years of age.
Please send photos first.
Even if you are still undecided about parting with your books, please feel free to consult us with photos of your bookshelf or book spines.