#Japan #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Izumisano

Izumisano City Partners with Market Enterprise for Reuse Project

Izumisano City, located in Osaka Prefecture, has announced a strategic collaboration with Market Enterprise, a Tokyo-based company, to tackle waste reduction challenges through a new reuse project. Starting November 19, 2025, the two entities will launch their initiative aimed at promoting the reuse of items within the community, thereby striving for a more sustainable circular economy.

Background and Objectives

In recent years, Izumisano City has been proactive in addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by disseminating information regarding the transfer of unwanted items. However, the city recognized a pressing issue: an increase in waste disposal costs, alongside the fact that many items discarded as waste are still reusable. To address this, the city has sought innovative strategies to raise awareness among its residents about reuse activities. Meanwhile, Market Enterprise has established itself as a leader in the online reuse sector. With a vision of promoting a sustainable society and engaging in public-private partnerships to foster local development, they have been actively participating in initiatives like the ‘SDGs Platform for Local Revitalization’.

This collaboration emerged from a mutual desire to enhance reuse activities in Izumisano, utilizing Market Enterprise’s reuse platform, Oikura.

What is Oikura?

Oikura is a platform developed by Market Enterprise, designed to facilitate the reuse of items. Users looking to sell unwanted items can request appraisals through Oikura, which subsequently sends these requests to affiliated reuse shops nationwide. This allows sellers to compare offers based on price, collection methods, and customer reviews, all from a single request. The platform has gained significant popularity, serving approximately 1.55 million users as of June 2025. For more detailed information, visit Oikura's website.

Challenges in Izumisano and Oikura’s Solutions

In Izumisano, residents currently face the challenge of handling large or heavy items that require them to transport these things out of their homes for disposal. With Oikura, residents have the option to request pickup services, which can include home visits, making it easier to sell larger items. Furthermore, certain appliances, like refrigerators and washing machines—typically subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law but still functional—may also be eligible for sale through Oikura. When residents utilize Oikura, they can potentially complete a sale on the same day as making their request, all without incurring costs to the city.

Looking Forward

On November 19 at 3:30 PM (subject to change), information regarding Oikura will be available on the Izumisano City website, allowing residents to apply for thorough appraisals of their unwanted items online. The partnership between Izumisano and Oikura aims to activate the secondary market, contributing to waste reduction and cutting municipal waste management expenses simultaneously.

As citizens become more aware of their ability to reuse items easily through sales, the project encourages a cultural shift from disposal towards reuse, responding effectively to a diversifying set of waste disposal needs. This joint public-private endeavor aspires to solve both economic and social challenges while promoting a circular economy.

About Izumisano City

Nestled between Osaka and Wakayama, Izumisano City boasts a stunning natural environment, enriched by the Izumi Mountains, contributing to a vibrant agricultural, commercial, and industrial scene. The city has experienced growth owing to its proximity to Kansai International Airport, stimulating commerce and services. Historically, the name derives from the medieval village name ‘Sano,’ combined with the region's historical name ‘Izumi.’ Established as a city in 1948, Izumisano continues to develop as an international urban center fitting for the 21st century with a focus on connecting Japan and the world. The city’s population stands at 99,585, with 51,418 households as of September 2025. To learn more about the city, visit Izumisano City's website.

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise has established itself at the forefront of the online reuse industry, also engaging in mobile communications and media operations. With a vision to promote a sustainable society, the company continues to experience significant growth. Market Enterprise succeeded in going public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, transitioning to the Prime market in April 2022. Their services have reached a broad audience, recording over 9.4 million users engaging with their reuse platform and expanding to export used agricultural machinery to over 80 countries. Izumisano City marks the 286th municipality to adopt the Oikura service. For more insights about Market Enterprise, visit Market Enterprise's website.