Gold Hits All-Time High, Yet Remains "Unsellable" – The "Asset Liquidity Problem" of Foreign Ingots and Inherited Gold Surfaces

The Japan Money Exchangers Association (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hisashi Komiya) established a free "Consultation Service for Foreign-Made Gold Ingots" on June 10, 2026, targeting consumers who have difficulty cashing in gold ingots purchased overseas or inherited gold bullion. Concurrently, it will launch the "Survey on the Actual Conditions of Foreign Gold Bullion Holders" to grasp the reality of this "unsellable gold." Consultations can be anonymous and are accepted nationwide free of charge.

Image of foreign-made gold bullion*

Background: "Unsellable Gold" Spreading Amidst Record Highs

In early 2026, gold prices surpassed 30,000 yen per gram at one point in domestic retail prices, marking an all-time high. Currently, prices remain in the high range of around 25,000 yen per gram (based on retail prices published by Tanaka Kikinzoku). While this would normally be considered a "good time to sell," many consumers are finding themselves unable to cash in their gold holdings.

The association has received the following feedback from various regions:

- Ingot purchases rejected for items bought overseas or inherited

- Significant price reductions below market value

- Asked for "documents proving authenticity" but unsure how to obtain them

- Inherited gold left untouched due to lack of knowledge about its value or how to sell it

Particularly with foreign-made ingots, the prevalence of unfamiliar hallmarks and brands makes it difficult to objectively prove authenticity, purity, and provenance, leading to purchase rejections or reduced offers. Valuable assets are becoming immobilized and stagnant—this asset liquidity problem is quietly spreading.

Overview of the "Consultation Service for Foreign-Made Gold Ingots"

Name:

Consultation Service for Foreign-Made Gold Ingots

Operation:

Japan Money Exchangers Association (Affiliated body: Precious Metals Certification Authority PMCA)

Opening Date:

June 20, 2026

Target Audience:

Consumers holding foreign-made ingots, inherited gold bullion, gold coins, etc.

Consultation Fee:

Free

Features:

Anonymous/Pseudonymous consultations accepted | Strict confidentiality | Nationwide service

Reception Methods:

Dedicated form / Phone (0120-110-081)

URL:

https://ryougae.org/

Launch of Nationwide "Survey on Foreign Gold Bullion Holders"

In conjunction with the consultation service, the association will conduct a survey targeting holders of foreign gold bullion and inherited gold. The survey aims to understand the realities of purchase rejections and price reductions, as well as challenges in the circulation of foreign-made ingots. The results will be published in a non-personally identifiable statistical format. Consultations can also serve as cooperation for this survey, and contributions of personal experiences are welcome (no need for face-to-face or real names).

Towards "Sellable Gold" with a Neutral Appraisal System

Through its affiliated body, the Precious Metals Certification Authority (PMCA), the association scientifically appraises the authenticity, purity, and origin of precious metals, issuing certificates of appraisal that facilitate legitimate circulation. The appraisal system "PMAS-1" integrates multiple analytical methods, including quantum magnetic sensors and X-ray fluorescence analysis. As a neutral industry organization, the association provides information unbiased by specific buyers.

Statement from Representative Director

"Gold is a symbol of universal value. Yet, many people face the reality of it being 'unsellable' when they try to part with it. Having value but being unable to move it—this is not just an individual misfortune but an asset succession issue that society as a whole must confront. We begin by listening to those who are struggling."

Hisashi Komiya, Representative Director, Japan Money Exchangers Association

Organization Overview

Name:

Japan Money Exchangers Association (JMEA)

Location:

KT Building 3F, 4-7-6 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0013

Established:

August 23, 2024

Representative Director:

Hisashi Komiya

Affiliated Organization:

Precious Metals Certification Authority (PMCA)

Secondhand Dealer's License:

Tokyo Public Safety Commission No. 303312615420

Technology Provided by:

SpicyCompany Inc.

Contact:

contact@spcg.jp

Media Inquiries

Public Relations Department

Japan Money Exchangers Association

KT Building 3F, 4-7-6 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Email: contact@spcg.jp

Tel: 0120-110-081

Website: https://ryougae.org