#Japan #Tokyo #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Toshima City

Enhancing Waste Reduction Efforts in Toshima City

In a groundbreaking initiative, Toshima City, under the leadership of Mayor Miyuki Takagi, has announced a collaboration with Market Enterprise (headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo) to launch the Oikura reuse platform. This agreement aims to tackle significant challenges regarding waste in the local community by promoting reuse and reducing environmental impacts. Effective from March 4, 2026, this partnership marks an important step toward establishing a sustainable, circular economy in Toshima.

Background of the Collaboration

Toshima City has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through various programs, such as the free provision of reused furniture at the Toshima Recycling Center and the support of clothing donation events. Although these previous efforts proved successful for resource recycling, the city recognized the need to enhance awareness and facilitate a smoother process for residents regarding reuse.

Market Enterprise, renowned for its digital-first approach to reuse solutions, has been advancing similar sustainable initiatives aimed at bridging private and public efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The alignment of objectives between Toshima City and Market Enterprise solidified the decision to implement the Oikura platform, thus reinforcing their joint goal of fostering a circular economy.

About Oikura

Oikura is a distinctive reuse platform developed by Market Enterprise, which allows individuals to provide estimations for unwanted goods they wish to sell. When a user submits a request through Oikura, it concurrently sends out inquiries to multiple certified reuse shops across Japan. Customers can easily compare offers based on price, collection methods, and reviews, making the process user-friendly and efficient. This feature has attracted approximately 1.55 million users by mid-2025, showcasing Oikura's effectiveness in streamlining reselling unwanted items.

Addressing Local Challenges

Toshima City currently faces challenges with bulky waste collection as residents need to transport large items to collection points, which often leads to dilemmas. Community feedback indicates that many still possess usable items yet feel compelled to discard them due to the burdensome logistics of transporting them to reuse shops. Thanks to the Oikura platform, residents will now have convenient options for home collection services, alleviating the hassle associated with bulky item disposals.

Furthermore, even household appliances eligible under the Home Appliance Recycling Law may also be considered for purchase if they are still functional. With Oikura's efficient retrieval services, residents can indeed sell unwanted items and receive payment as quickly as on the same day, all without any financial burden placed on the municipality.

Looking Ahead

On March 4, 2026, detailed information regarding the Oikura service will be made available on the Toshima City website, allowing residents to access and request multiple appraisals for their unwanted goods easily. This collaboration is anticipated to significantly boost secondary market engagement and directly support the city's waste management goals while minimizing disposal costs faced by local authorities.

As residents become more aware of the benefits of reuse practices rather than disposal, the initiative is expected to promote a cultural shift towards sustainability, meeting the evolving needs of various community members. Employment of such collaborative efforts between public institutions and private enterprises aims to address both social and economic challenges, propelling Toshima City toward its vision of a progressive, sustainable urban environment.

Overview of Toshima City

Toshima City is located in the north-western region of Tokyo, bordered by six districts, including Shinjuku and Bunkyo. Its central hub, Ikebukuro Station, ranks among the world's busiest transit points, making it a vital area for commerce and connectivity. The city seamlessly blends modern commercial developments with historical landmarks and green spaces, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant urban locale. Demographically, as of January 1, 2026, Toshima City shelters over 294,000 residents scattered across 188,094 households within its compact 13.01 square kilometers.

With a strong commitment to sustainable governance and notable historical and cultural resources, such as the birthplace of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom and important cultural assets, Toshima City exemplifies a forward-thinking urban environment striving for excellence in ecological stewardship.

About Market Enterprise

Market Enterprise has swiftly emerged as a leader in the online reuse sector since its establishment in 2006, diversifying its operations across mobile communication and media management. Notably listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 2015, Market Enterprise continues to expand its reach in the reuse market, boosting its service base to approximately 9.4 million users. With the recent inclusion of Toshima's Oikura service, the total implementations across Japan now total 309, validating Market Enterprise's commitment to sustainable development.