#Japan #Komae #Oikura #Market Enterprise

Komae City Collaborates with Market Enterprise for a Sustainable Future

As the moving season approaches, Komae City in Tokyo has taken a significant step towards sustainability by collaborating with Market Enterprise to launch a reuse project utilizing the reuse platform "Oikura." This initiative is aimed at encouraging residents to repurpose unwanted items rather than discarding them, ultimately contributing to waste reduction and the creation of a circular economy in the city.

Background and Context

Komae City, led by Mayor Toshio Matsubara, has been actively promoting environmental initiatives through various platforms, including its eco-friendly publication "Komaeco Tsushin." However, the city faces pressing challenges such as rising waste disposal costs and the increasing difficulty for residents—particularly the elderly—in managing household waste. Many items that could be reused are still being thrown away, highlighting the need for enhanced awareness and community engagement around reuse activities.

Market Enterprise, known for its network-based reuse business, has been actively advocating the vision of creating a sustainable society. Their participation in initiatives like the "Regional Revitalization SDGs Collaboration Platform" and involvement in charitable activities further underscores their commitment to sustainability. This partnership began when both parties recognized a common goal: to foster a circular society through enhanced reuse activities.

What is "Oikura"?

Oikura is a reuse platform operated by Market Enterprise. It allows anyone looking to sell unwanted items to request appraisals from multiple registered reuse shops across Japan with a single inquiry. This streamlined process enables users to quickly compare prices and terms, making it a convenient option for people wanting to sell their items. To date, approximately 1.55 million individuals have utilized this service.

Website: Oikura

The Challenges in Komae and How "Oikura" Provides Solutions

Komae City typically employs a paid collection system for large waste items, but residents have frequently expressed concerns about the difficulty of moving bulky or heavy items outside their homes for disposal. Oikura offers a solution through its door-to-door pickup service, capable of handling large items, thus significantly easing the process of selling them.

Furthermore, legally recyclable appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines can also be sold if they are still in working condition. Through Oikura, residents have the opportunity to arrange for same-day pickups and sales of unwanted items without incurring costs for the city’s waste management.

Future Outlook

As of February 27, 2026, Komae City’s website will host information about Oikura, allowing residents to request appraisals for their unwanted items directly. The collaboration is set to further invigorate the secondary market, encourage waste reduction citywide, and lower municipal waste management costs. This initiative not only makes reuse an attractive option for citizens but also promotes a shift in mindset towards sustainable disposal methods.

With increasing public awareness of the options available for reuse, residents will be encouraged to choose reusing over disposing of their items, thus catering to the diverse needs for waste management. The collaboration aims to address both social and economic challenges in the formation of a circular economy through a united public-private effort.

About Komae City

Komae City, known as one of the smallest cities in Japan, is surrounded by Setagaya, Chofu, and Kawasaki. Despite its proximity to the busy Tokyo metropolitan area, it boasts beautiful parks and a rich natural environment along the Tama River. Easily accessible by train, Komae serves as a charming residential area rich with urban agriculture, producing local specialties such as edamame.

• - Population: 82,258 (as of January 1, 2026)
• - Households: 43,622
• - Area: 6.39 square kilometers

Website: Komae City

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise has expanded its net-based reuse business and diversified into mobile telecommunications and information media. With a vision of creating a sustainable society, it became publicly traded in June 2015 and is now listed on the Standard market. Their extensive reach includes services targeting reuse and exported used agricultural machinery to over 80 countries, reaching a total of 9.4 million users across their platform.

• - Website: Market Enterprise

With the introduction of Oikura in Komae City, the number of municipalities adopting the service has risen to 308 nationwide, further establishing Market Enterprise as a key player in promoting sustainable practices across Japan.