Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture (Mayor: Nobuhiro Kataoka) and Market Enterprise Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Yasushi Kobayashi, TSE Standard, Securities Code 3135, hereinafter "Market Enterprise") have concluded an agreement regarding a reuse project aimed at solving community issues, and will start their collaboration on Thursday, March 26, 2026. By utilizing "Oikura," a reuse platform operated by Market Enterprise, they aim to build a system for reusing unwanted items instead of discarding them, thereby reducing waste in Niyodogawa Town and fostering a circular society.

Background and History

Niyodogawa Town has been facing challenges such as the difficulty for residents to dispose of household waste due to the aging population, and the fact that many reusable items are included in the unwanted items discharged as garbage. Therefore, the town has been considering the introduction of reuse measures that would lead to the dissemination and enlightenment of reuse activities among residents. On the other hand, Market Enterprise has been developing network-based businesses centered on reuse, and has consistently focused on SDGs initiatives that transcend the boundaries of government and private sectors, such as participating in the "Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform" and continuing to act as a member of the "Musical Instrument Donation Furusato Nozei" executive committee, with the vision of becoming an "optimization trading company that realizes a sustainable society." In this context, Niyodogawa Town approached Market Enterprise, and their mutual needs to "aim for the formation of a circular society by promoting reuse activities" coincided, leading to the realization of this initiative using "Oikura" *1.

*1 What is "Oikura"?

Oikura is a reuse platform developed by Market Enterprise. When people who want to sell unwanted items request an appraisal through "Oikura," a collective appraisal request is sent to affiliated reuse shops nationwide, allowing them to compare purchase prices, dates, purchase methods, and reviews. The ease of comparing appraisal results for unwanted items and selling them with a single request has been well-received, and approximately 1.55 million people (as of the end of June 2025) have used the service so far.

Website: https://oikura.jp/

Niyodogawa Town's Challenges and Solutions Provided by "Oikura"

In Niyodogawa Town, bulky waste is collected at designated collection points once every two months, but even for large or heavy items, residents are required to carry them out of their homes. "Oikura" offers on-site purchase, where, if desired, they will visit the home and even handle the transportation, making it easier to sell large or heavy items. In addition, items covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Law, such as refrigerators and washing machines, may also be purchased if they are still usable. By requesting a purchase through "Oikura," it is possible to sell and hand over unwanted items as early as the same day. Furthermore, there is no cost burden on the town or its residents for using this service.

Future Plans

On Thursday, March 26th, at 3:30 PM (publication time may vary), on the Niyodogawa Town homepage (https://www.town.niyodogawa.lg.jp/life/...

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News