Yurihonjo City Collaborates with Market Enterprise to Boost Reuse Initiatives
Yurihonjo City, located in Akita Prefecture, has announced its collaboration with Market Enterprise, a leading company in the reuse sector, to launch a platform aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Scheduled to commence on December 9, 2025, this initiative will utilize Market Enterprise's Oikura platform, which facilitates the resale of unwanted items, thereby contributing to a circular economy.
The administration of Yurihonjo City, led by Mayor Takashige Minato, has recognized an increase in waste disposal amounts and the associated rising costs. In response, the city has been considering programs that encourage residents to engage in reuse activities. On the other hand, Market Enterprise has been focusing on enhancing reuse-based business operations while committing to the vision of creating a sustainable society through collaborative efforts in the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The company's background in operating various reuse platforms and its experience with local and national synergies made it a fitting partner for Yurihonjo City's objectives.
Oikura, the platform operated by Market Enterprise, allows people to sell their unwanted items easily. Sellers can request an appraisal through the platform, which sends their items for evaluation to various affiliated reuse shops nationwide. Users appreciate the convenience of receiving multiple appraisals simultaneously, allowing them to compare purchasing prices and methods without unnecessary hassle. To date, approximately 1.55 million people have used Oikura, underscoring its popularity and effectiveness in fostering reuse.
Yurihonjo City has multiple designated sites for bulky waste collection several times a year; however, residents must still transport large items, which can be a barrier for many. Oikura addresses this issue by offering a unique service where customers can opt for in-home pickup, easing the burden of transporting heavyweight or large items. Additionally, even appliances that aren't collected by the city’s program may be accepted for resale if they are still operational. The entire sales process can be completed quickly, with same-day pick-up possible through the Oikura platform, enabling residents to dispose of their unwanted items without financial strain.
On December 9, 2025, information about Oikura will be made available on the Yurihonjo City website, allowing residents to directly request appraisals for their unwanted items more conveniently than ever before. This initiative is anticipated to stimulate secondary market trade, reducing waste generation and municipal solid waste costs. The collaboration aims to increase public awareness about the benefits of reuse, helping shift residents' mindsets from disposal to reuse. This change is pivotal in addressing the diverse needs related to waste disposal, ensuring that the city promotes a culture of environmental consciousness.
Founded in 2005 through the merger of Honjo City and several towns, Yurihonjo City is situated in the southwestern part of Akita Prefecture. With a varied geography including the majestic Chokai Mountain and fertile coastal plains, it spans an area of approximately 1,209.59 square kilometers. The city boasts a population of around 69,213 residents, fostering a vibrant community amid its unique natural surroundings. The climate in this region varies significantly, with coastal areas enjoying milder weather, while the mountainous internal regions experience heavy snowfall.
Established in 2006, Market Enterprise has grown into a prominent player in the online reuse business, expanding its operations beyond mere resale to include mobile communications and information media. The firm has a proven track record in promoting sustainable practices while consistently increasing its operational footprint. Since its inception, it has attracted approximately 9.4 million users to its services, demonstrating a strong market presence and commitment to innovation in resource management. With the introduction of Oikura in Yurihonjo City, the number of municipalities utilizing this service has reached a remarkable 289, signifying its growing impact throughout Japan.
This collaboration between Yurihonjo City and Market Enterprise marks a significant milestone in the push towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious community. By enabling easier access to reuse options, they are not only making waste management more efficient but also promoting environmental responsibility among residents. Through these types of initiatives, the vision for a circular economy can become a reality, showcasing how local governments and businesses can come together for a common cause.
Background and Context
The administration of Yurihonjo City, led by Mayor Takashige Minato, has recognized an increase in waste disposal amounts and the associated rising costs. In response, the city has been considering programs that encourage residents to engage in reuse activities. On the other hand, Market Enterprise has been focusing on enhancing reuse-based business operations while committing to the vision of creating a sustainable society through collaborative efforts in the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The company's background in operating various reuse platforms and its experience with local and national synergies made it a fitting partner for Yurihonjo City's objectives.
Oikura: A New Way to Reuse
Oikura, the platform operated by Market Enterprise, allows people to sell their unwanted items easily. Sellers can request an appraisal through the platform, which sends their items for evaluation to various affiliated reuse shops nationwide. Users appreciate the convenience of receiving multiple appraisals simultaneously, allowing them to compare purchasing prices and methods without unnecessary hassle. To date, approximately 1.55 million people have used Oikura, underscoring its popularity and effectiveness in fostering reuse.
Addressing Local Challenges
Yurihonjo City has multiple designated sites for bulky waste collection several times a year; however, residents must still transport large items, which can be a barrier for many. Oikura addresses this issue by offering a unique service where customers can opt for in-home pickup, easing the burden of transporting heavyweight or large items. Additionally, even appliances that aren't collected by the city’s program may be accepted for resale if they are still operational. The entire sales process can be completed quickly, with same-day pick-up possible through the Oikura platform, enabling residents to dispose of their unwanted items without financial strain.
Future Plans
On December 9, 2025, information about Oikura will be made available on the Yurihonjo City website, allowing residents to directly request appraisals for their unwanted items more conveniently than ever before. This initiative is anticipated to stimulate secondary market trade, reducing waste generation and municipal solid waste costs. The collaboration aims to increase public awareness about the benefits of reuse, helping shift residents' mindsets from disposal to reuse. This change is pivotal in addressing the diverse needs related to waste disposal, ensuring that the city promotes a culture of environmental consciousness.
Yurihonjo City Overview
Founded in 2005 through the merger of Honjo City and several towns, Yurihonjo City is situated in the southwestern part of Akita Prefecture. With a varied geography including the majestic Chokai Mountain and fertile coastal plains, it spans an area of approximately 1,209.59 square kilometers. The city boasts a population of around 69,213 residents, fostering a vibrant community amid its unique natural surroundings. The climate in this region varies significantly, with coastal areas enjoying milder weather, while the mountainous internal regions experience heavy snowfall.
About Market Enterprise
Established in 2006, Market Enterprise has grown into a prominent player in the online reuse business, expanding its operations beyond mere resale to include mobile communications and information media. The firm has a proven track record in promoting sustainable practices while consistently increasing its operational footprint. Since its inception, it has attracted approximately 9.4 million users to its services, demonstrating a strong market presence and commitment to innovation in resource management. With the introduction of Oikura in Yurihonjo City, the number of municipalities utilizing this service has reached a remarkable 289, signifying its growing impact throughout Japan.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Yurihonjo City and Market Enterprise marks a significant milestone in the push towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious community. By enabling easier access to reuse options, they are not only making waste management more efficient but also promoting environmental responsibility among residents. Through these types of initiatives, the vision for a circular economy can become a reality, showcasing how local governments and businesses can come together for a common cause.
Topics Environment）
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