I keep noticing eBay listings from Japan at about twice the usual prices. Search "Gibson bass" on eBay and sort by price + shipping high to low and you'll see what I mean. Example: '71 EB-3L for about $3500 shipped. Not just vintage stuff either.
Not just Gibsons, either. I just searched Rickenbacker the same way, there are recent 4003 listings from Japan in the mid-$2000s. Example: $2594 for a 2013 4003 with minor scratches and dents. You can buy a new one for more than $1000 less if you know which dealers discount 30% off list.