I just moved to Japan and have been playing with Yahoo auctions here. It's a bit frustrating to say the least. Yes most Japanese know some English but 90% of your english emails will be ignored. They seem to be annoyed dealing with non-Japanese buyers as it slows things down. Like the previous poster said, most won't ship overseas. Almost all items are shipped domestically COD. Real simple for the seller.
I might be persuaded to purchase some items and re-ship them overseas. I need to figure out how to calculate shipping etc. I have been collecting some TZ250 parts lately and am going to start buying some race bikes. I keep looking at all the SP and HRC stuff for the NSR's that is for sale. I just hate to risk buying stuff and getting caught with some expensive items that don't pay to buy when you figure in overseas shipping.
The thing to remember is that SP stuff and mint condition stuff is still pretty expensive here. I see JHA stuff, HRC igntion boxes, wiring harnesses, forks, shocks, etc all the time. I see engines alot as well. If you need something bad, I can get it. If you think you'll find a bargain, it probably won't be there. By the time you figure auction costs, bank fees, shipping domestically and internationally ....