#Japan #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Ishikari #Ishikari City

Ishikari City Takes a Step Towards Sustainability with New Reuse Initiative

Ishikari City, located in Hokkaido, has entered into a partnership with Market Enterprise, a leading reuse service provider based in Tokyo, to launch a new initiative aimed at promoting the reuse of unwanted items. Starting from January 15, 2026, this collaboration seeks to address local waste management challenges and encourage community participation in sustainability efforts through the Oikura reuse platform.

Background and Motivation

The impetus behind this alliance stems from the increasing costs associated with waste management and the recognition that many items thrown away are candidates for reuse. Ishikari City has previously implemented recycling measures, including the display and sale of recyclable items at its Recycling Plaza, but city officials felt that more could be done to inform and engage residents about recycling opportunities. Hence, they began exploring new reuse strategies.

Meanwhile, Market Enterprise has long been committed to developing sustainable practices in commerce and has continually advocated for initiatives that push toward a more sustainable society, such as participating in public-private partnerships for regional revitalization. The mutual interests between Ishikari and Market Enterprise in promoting a circular economy naturally led to the establishment of this new reuse endeavor using the Oikura platform.

What is Oikura?

Oikura is a comprehensive reuse platform operated by Market Enterprise that facilitates the sale of unwanted items. Individuals looking to sell their items can request appraisals through Oikura, which then solicits offers from affiliated reuse shops nationwide. Users benefit from a streamlined process, receiving multiple appraisals in one go and having the ability to compare prices, sale methods, and reviews. With around 1.55 million users by mid-2025, Oikura has gained popularity for its convenience in evaluating and selling unwanted goods.

Addressing Ishikari City's Waste Management Challenges

In Ishikari, residents can utilize a paid, pre-scheduled collection service for large items about twice a month. However, homeowners are usually responsible for transporting these items outside their homes, making it a cumbersome process—especially for larger or heavier items. Oikura, on the other hand, offers a home pickup service, enhancing accessibility for residents. Furthermore, items like refrigerators and washing machines that are still functional may have resale value, potentially allowing for an alternative solution to simply discarding them. Oikura promises quick turnaround, with some users able to arrange same-day pickups for their unwanted items.

Future Steps

On January 15, 2026, at 3:30 PM, Ishikari City will publish further information about Oikura on its website, facilitating immediate access to service for residents looking to resell their goods. This partnership is set to enhance the secondary market by making it easier for individuals to partake in reuse practices, further reducing overall waste in the community and minimizing the city's waste disposal costs. As residents become more aware of easy reuse alternatives, it's hoped that options for reuse over disposal will expand, ultimately contributing to a cultural shift towards sustainability.

The collaboration between the public sector and Market Enterprise aims to tackle both environmental and economic issues surrounding waste, pushing Ishikari City towards a robust circular economy.

About Ishikari City

Ishikari City, situated just north of Sapporo, benefits from a rich natural environment adjacent to Ishikari Bay. Historically, it has always been a critical location for trade and logistics, especially noted since the Edo era when it became a vital trade area. With its breathtaking natural landscapes and abundant agricultural and fishery resources, Ishikari is renowned for its local culinary specialty, Ishikari Nabe. Since 1965, it has evolved into a suburban area for Sapporo, developing rapidly due to the construction of the New Ishikari Bay Port and various industrial zones. As a designated international trade hub, it is poised for further growth in global logistics.

Population: Approximately 56,844 (as of December 31, 2025)

Households: 28,793 (as of December 31, 2025)

Area: 722.33 square kilometers (as of December 31, 2025)

Website: Ishikari City Official Website

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise has become a prominent player in the net-based reuse industry, expanding into mobile communications and information media. The company's vision centers on creating a sustainable society through optimized business practices. With a track record of steady growth, it became publicly listed on the TSE Mothers Exchange in 2015 and moved to TSE First Section in 2021 and then to the Prime Market in 2022. The firm’s reuse services, including 'Takaku Ureru Dot Com' and the Oikura platform, have attracted over 9.4 million users. Following the launch of Oikura in Ishikari City, the service is now available in 297 municipalities nationwide.

Oikura for Municipalities Website: Oikura LG

Market Enterprise Website: Market Enterprise