Question - when shopping in Japan (say for vintage watches/items in a store) is it o.k. to negotiate/discuss the price? For example, would it be o.k. to ask the seller whether "this is his best price" ? Thanks!
Answer to question 1: yes, all prices are negotiable, and you should discuss the price Question 2: I would not ask "is this your best price?" Because then he/she will say "yes, it is my best price." Offer your best price and be ready to leave.
For vintage and recycle shops you definitely can bargain. Oftentimes if you're close to their bottom line, they'll counter offer.
I bought from a Japanese reputable dealer before... did not expect a big discount... no harm just ask
Now, I've been discouraged from attempting to bargain with Japanese vintage sellers by other OPs who travel to Japan frequently. Those of you who say it's OK, have you been successful in your pursuits at say, Jack Road, or one of the other well-stocked vintage places? I have tried making an offer to big online vintage guys that were recommended on OF and those were rejected summarily.