#Japan #Oikura #MarketEnterprise #Sasaguri

Sasaguri Town's New Reuse Initiative: Partnering with MarketEnterprise

Sasaguri Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, under the leadership of Mayor Masashi Miura, has solidified a partnership with MarketEnterprise, a Tokyo-based company, to enhance its reuse efforts within the community. This collaboration, which officially begins on August 31, 2026, aims to address local challenges through the innovative reuse platform named 'Oikura'. The objective is to develop a system that promotes the redistribution of unwanted items instead of simply disposing of them, thereby contributing to a reduction in waste and fostering a circular economy in Sasaguri.

Background and Context

Sasaguri Town has been grappling with rising waste management costs, identified as a pressing issue, especially considering that many items discarded by residents may still be usable and could be reused. In seeking solutions, they began exploring initiatives aimed at raising awareness of reuse activities among local citizens. Simultaneously, MarketEnterprise has established itself as a leader in the reuse sector, driven by a vision to create a sustainable society through optimized commercial practices. Their commitment to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) has seen them actively participate in various platforms that facilitate collaboration between public and private sectors. Notably, their outreach to Sasaguri Town revealed a mutual interest in promoting reuse activities to establish a more sustainable society, leading to the creation of this partnership involving the 'Oikura' platform.

What is 'Oikura'?

'Oikura' is MarketEnterprise's flagship reuse platform aimed at simplifying the process of selling unwanted items. Users can request appraisals through the website, which simultaneously forwards the requests to affiliated reuse shops across the nation. Here, they can easily compare buyback prices, collection dates, methods, and customer reviews. The convenience of this one-stop service has attracted nearly 1.68 million users as of February 2026.

Addressing Sasaguri's Challenges with 'Oikura'

Currently, Sasaguri's residents must transport bulky waste to collection facilities, a task that often proves difficult, particularly with larger or heavier items. With 'Oikura', residents can opt for home visits for item collection, making the selling process for large items much more manageable. Additionally, the platform allows for the potential buyback of appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, even if they are governed by the Home Appliance Recycling Law, as long as they are still functional. Utilizing 'Oikura' enables residents to sell their unwanted items on the same day, without incurring any financial burden on the local government or on the citizens themselves.

Looking Ahead

On August 31, 2026, at around 3:30 PM (subject to change), the information regarding 'Oikura' will be available on the Sasaguri Town website, allowing residents to apply for one-stop appraisal of their unwanted items directly. This partnership is set to invigorate secondary distribution channels, significantly reducing the volume of waste while decreasing the municipality’s waste processing costs. By promoting this easy option of selling unwanted items, locals will become increasingly aware of the choices available, shifting the mindset from disposal to reuse. With this initiative, the project not only aims for heightened awareness of reuse among citizens but also contributes to a greater sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices. This joint venture marks a promising step towards resolving both social and economic challenges associated with waste management and contributing to a thriving circular economy.

About Sasaguri Town

Located in the northwestern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, about 12 kilometers east of Fukuoka City, Sasaguri Town is characterized by its lush mountainous terrain, where approximately 70% of its area is designated as forest. Rivers like the Tatara River flow through the town, promoting a natural environment recognized for its beauty, including areas jointly managed with Kyushu University. Known as a pilgrimage city since 1835, it hosts 88 sacred sites, making it one of Japan’s three major Shikoku pilgrimage sites. The town enjoys excellent transport links, with the JR Sasaguri Line providing access to downtown Fukuoka in roughly 15 minutes, contributing to its appeal as a commuter town while promoting sustainable community living through its rich cultural and natural heritage.

About MarketEnterprise Co., Ltd.

Founded on July 7, 2006, and headquartered in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, MarketEnterprise is dedicated to online reuse business ventures and mobile communications services. The company operates on the principle of creating sustainable practices within the community, now collaborating with over 345 municipalities through the 'Oikura' platform. MarketEnterprise’s commitment to SDGs and its innovative approaches have positioned it as a pivotal player in Japan's reuse market.