#Japan #Chuo #Chūō City #Oikura #Market Enterprise

Chuo City and Market Enterprise Collaborate for Waste Reduction

On August 5, 2025, Chuo City and Market Enterprise, led by President Yasushi Kobayashi, formalized their collaboration through an agreement focused on building a circular economy and solving community issues. This partnership primarily utilizes the reuse platform Oikura, aiming to foster the reuse of unwanted items rather than disposing of them, thereby contributing to waste reduction in Chuo City. This agreement marks Chuo City as the 19th municipality in Tokyo to adopt the Oikura platform.

Background and Context

Chuo City has been actively promoting reuse initiatives through various projects such as the Kazaguruma Recycling House and Riyupot, which focuses on reuse and exchanges. However, a significant challenge has been identifying reusable items that have been thrown away as trash. To address this, the city sought to introduce new reuse measures that would raise awareness among residents.

On the other side, Market Enterprise has been focusing on online reuse services and has advocated for a sustainable society through participation in initiatives such as the Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform and the Instrument Donation Hometown Tax committee. With its headquarters in Chuo City, the company has consistently supported local environmental initiatives, making this partnership a timely response to both entities’ mutual interests.

Understanding Oikura

Oikura is Market Enterprise's innovative reuse platform that allows individuals to request evaluations for unwanted items. Users can submit a single request, which is sent to affiliated recycling shops nationwide for comparison of purchase prices. This streamlined process has garnered popularity, as approximately 1.3 million people have already utilized Oikura services as of June 2024. More information can be found on their website.

Addressing Chuo City's waste issues through Oikura

In Chuo City, bulky items are typically collected through a paid pre-application process, requiring residents to carry these items outside for pickup. However, Oikura offers an on-site purchasing option, where assessors can visit homes to facilitate the sale of large or heavy items. This feature extends to appliances covered under Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Law, ensuring that valuable but unwanted items can still be sold. In fact, residents can potentially complete the sale and pickup on the same day they initiate their request through Oikura, significantly easing disposal costs and logistical burdens as well as reducing the city’s expenses associated with collection and disposal.

Future Outlook

Oikura information will be available on the Chuo City official website beginning August 5, 2025. This will allow residents to apply for bulk evaluations of unwanted items directly. The collaboration between Chuo City and Oikura is expected to enhance secondary market activity, supporting a circular economy and reducing overall waste in the community. Moreover, this effort will help in lowering municipal waste processing volumes and associated costs. By empowering residents to consider reuse over disposal, a broader spectrum of options for waste management will emerge, meeting diverse disposal needs. This initiative promotes a significant shift in the local perception of reuse, contributing favorably towards developing a circular society.

About Chuo City

Established over 400 years ago, Chuo City boasts a rich history as a cultural and commercial hub in Japan. Encompassing vibrant districts such as Ginza and Tsukiji, the city features a blend of high-rises and traditional charm. The urban area covers approximately 10 square kilometers, with the municipal vision of the Chuo Central Park Plan that promotes sustainable economic growth and a healthy living environment for future generations.

Population: 189,156 (as of August 1, 2025)
Households: 107,772 (as of August 1, 2025)
Area: 10.115 square kilometers
For more details, visit Chuo City’s official site.

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise focuses on online reuse services, expanding its offerings through various channels including media and mobile communications. The company aims to optimize a sustainable society and has grown significantly since going public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2015. Currently, it significantly contributes to the online reuse sector and has expanded its services to include exports of used agricultural machinery to over 80 countries. With the integration of the Oikura platform in Chuo City, the total number of municipalities benefiting from Oikura has reached 270 nationwide. For more information about Market Enterprise, visit their website.