One of the most popular shows on television is the antique appraisal show "Nandemo Kanteidan," where people have items they own appraised by experts. On Monday, Feb. 16, TV Tokyo will broadcast a special two-hour edition of "Kanteidan" at 9 p.m.
Usually, people have their items evaluated and then they leave. On this special program, guests will actually auction off their valuables to people who want to buy them. However, the rules are a little different from those at a normal auction.
The seller presents his item for consideration and discusses its history with the hosts. He or she has already set a minimum price for the item, but does not reveal it to the potential buyers or the audience. The appraisers also set a value for the item, and it is kept secret as well. The buyers then bid on the item. After the bids are finished, if the winning bid is above the lower value set by either the appraisers or the seller, the item goes to that bidder. If it is below, then the item goes back to the seller.