‘Yaman sa Basura’ (Full episode) | Reporter’s Notebook

Summary

The video script tells the story of Jennifer Muramatsu, a 31-year-old Filipino woman in Tokyo, who has discovered a lucrative business in collecting discarded items from the trash in Japan. These items, which include kitchenware, clothing, and even valuables like jewelry and pearls, are then sold in the Philippines through her family's store. The business not only provides a significant income but also serves as a creative solution to supplement the needs of many Filipino families, including resellers and individuals seeking affordable goods.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jennifer Muramatsu, a 31-year-old Filipina living in Tokyo, collects discarded items from the trash in Japan and sells them online.
• 🛍️ The items collected range from kitchenware and household goods to valuables like jewelry and pearls, which are often found in the trash.
• 🏙️ The practice of collecting and selling trash items is not only limited to Jennifer but has become a small industry among Filipinos in Japan.
• 📦 Jennifer sends the collected items to her family's store in Caloocan, Metro Manila, where they are sold to customers and resellers.
• 💰 The business is profitable, with Jennifer earning around PHP 40,000 to PHP 50,000 a month from selling trash items, which is comparable to her previous job as a barista.
• 🚚 There is a high demand for second-hand items from Japan, with some resellers even having warehouses filled with such goods.
• 📈 The business has grown to the point where containers filled with second-hand items from Japan are imported every few months.
• 🌐 The market for these items extends beyond Metro Manila, with customers and resellers from various regions of the Philippines involved in the trade.
• 💡 The success of this business model has inspired others to start their own side hustles, selling second-hand items as a way to supplement their income.
• 🔄 The import of second-hand items from Japan serves as a form of recycling and provides affordable goods for those who cannot afford new items, contributing to sustainable consumption.

Q & A

What is the main activity described in the transcript?

The main activity described in the transcript is the collection and selling of used items, particularly kitchenware and other household items, that are discarded as trash in Japan and then shipped to the Philippines for resale.

Who is Jennifer Muramatsu and what is her role in this activity?

Jennifer Muramatsu is a 31-year-old Filipino who has been living in Tokyo, Japan, for a number of years. She is involved in collecting discarded items from Japanese households and preparing them for shipment to the Philippines.

What kind of items does Jennifer collect from the trash in Japan?

Jennifer collects a variety of items from the trash, including kitchenware, clothing, bags, appliances, and even valuables like watches, gold, and pearls.

How does Jennifer transform these discarded items into a business opportunity?

Jennifer turns these discarded items into a business opportunity by cleaning, sorting, and selling them online to customers in the Philippines, often through her family's store in Caloocan, Manila.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Japan Surplus' mentioned in the transcript?

The phrase 'Japan Surplus' refers to the excess or leftover items in Japan that are still in good condition but are discarded or sold at a low price, which are then imported and resold in the Philippines.

How does the business model of selling Japan Surplus items benefit Filipino sellers?

The business model benefits Filipino sellers by providing them with a source of affordable, high-quality goods to sell, which can be a significant income source, especially for those looking for additional income or those in lower-wage jobs.

What are the challenges faced by individuals involved in this business?

Challenges faced by individuals in this business include the physical labor of collecting and sorting items, the initial investment for shipping containers, and the need to market and sell the items effectively to cover expenses and make a profit.

How does the script reflect the economic situation of Filipinos who rely on this business?

The script reflects the economic situation by showing how individuals, such as those who are minimum wage earners or looking for additional income, rely on this business to supplement their income and meet their daily needs.

What is the role of resellers in the Japan Surplus business?

Resellers play a crucial role by purchasing items in bulk from the main sellers, like Mia, and then selling them online or in local markets, expanding the reach of these items and contributing to the overall business.

How does the script highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos?

The script highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos by showcasing how they turn discarded items from Japan into a profitable business, demonstrating resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of economic challenges.

What is the social impact of this business on the communities involved?

The social impact includes providing affordable goods to consumers, creating employment opportunities, and potentially reducing waste by repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded.