or many car enthusiasts, Japanese auto auctions are a dream marketplace. Every week, over 100,000 vehicles—from compact city cars to luxury sedans and rugged SUVs—are sold at wholesale auctions across Japan. These auctions are famous for their strict grading systems, transparent inspection sheets, and access to vehicles rarely seen outside Japan. Yet one question comes up time and again: can a private buyer join these auctions directly, or must you go through a licensed agent?