surplus
i have one bike (a pink colored - Speed Lady w/ 3spd Nexus) with impound tags and no sign of a lock. It was bought unusable, with the rear wheel warped and torn tire. I bought it for $56 and spent $6 to true the wheel and change to a new tire. runs great.
my 2 bridgestones, both 27" came with a lock and key. It seems they were traded in to some recycler who probably sold it to the exporter. I was told that in Japan, one has to pay a recycler in order to get rid of durables like cars, bikes, pots & pans, etc.
There are Japan businessmen and Filipino retailers who sell this stuff here. How they divide the proceeds i do not know - yet.
Filipinos buy and appreciate Japan-used city buses, used automotive parts and - even clothes from Japan and the first world. If you look hard enough, there are some bargains and value.
for myself, the quality of Japan made goods is the attraction.
cheers.