Some people get confused, but they are owned by different companies. The founders know each other, has some relationship in business, and the company behind Hard Off owns shares of the company behind Book Off.

Yep, it's a chain with a bunch of different brands.

Biggest ones are Book Off (books, comics...), Hard Off (electronics, computers, musical instruments...) and Hobby Off (toys, collectibles, video games...).

They even have a Liquor Off ! (not second hand, just discount/overstock)

couple more: Off House (household goods) Garage Off (car stuff)

Also: mode off (fashion).

See https://www.hardoff.co.jp/shop/brand/offhouse/

They should open one for spicy Jamaican chicken

Glad that they have not diversified into selling Hoisting Jacks.

Elton John wrote a song about that!

well played!

Yeah, same company. "Off" likely meaning discounted.

Or like a bake-off?

They are part of the same brand.