Group 1 - The price of gold in Japan has reached a historical high of 17,678 yen per gram (approximately 830 RMB), marking a threefold increase compared to ten years ago [2] - The area of Toi in West Izu, known for its hot springs and beaches, has a historical significance as Japan's largest gold mine, producing around 40 tons of gold since the Edo period [4] - A notable exhibit in Toi is the world's largest gold bar, certified by Guinness in 2006, originally weighing 200 kg and later re-cast to 250 kg after being surpassed by Taiwan [6] Group 2 - The value of the 250 kg gold bar has surged from 400 million yen (approximately 18.8 million RMB) in 2005 to 4.4 billion yen (approximately 207 million RMB), an increase of 11 times [7] - The exhibit of the gold bar will end on July 31 due to rising management costs, including insurance and labor, making maintenance increasingly difficult [8] - Japan has seen a rise in gold thefts, including a case involving a former employee of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank who stole gold worth 280 million yen (approximately 13.16 million RMB) [10]

Group 1 - Gold prices have recently surged, with international gold prices nearing $3,500 per ounce and domestic gold prices fluctuating around 1,000 yuan per gram, leading to increased public interest and discussions about gold investment [1][3][4] - The narrative of "buying gold to get rich" has gained traction, with stories of individuals making significant profits from gold purchases, such as a woman in Jiangsu who reportedly earned over 300,000 yuan from gold bought ten years ago [1][3] - Many new investors are entering the gold market, some borrowing money to buy gold or frequently trading, which has led to significant losses for some, including reports of individuals losing 470,000 yuan overnight due to price drops [1][3][4] Group 2 - Historical context shows that those who bought gold a decade ago often exited the market before realizing substantial gains, with many unable to withstand prolonged periods of low prices [10][11] - The gold market has seen fluctuations influenced by various factors, including central bank purchases and economic signals, with a reported increase of over 30% in gold prices since the beginning of the year [3][4] - Long-term holders of gold often possess a strong mindset and financial stability, allowing them to endure market volatility without panic selling [15][16][21] Group 3 - The preference for physical gold over financial products is evident among seasoned investors, who believe that holding tangible assets provides a sense of security and stability [20][21] - The gold market has evolved, with traditional retail facing challenges from new sales channels like e-commerce and live streaming, impacting profit margins for physical gold sellers [28][30] - The narrative surrounding gold as a reliable asset persists, with many viewing it as a long-term store of value rather than a quick path to wealth [31][32]