Koga City Collaborates with Market Enterprise to Promote Reuse Business Initiatives

Koga City and Market Enterprise Team Up for Circular Economy

Koga City, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, has announced an exciting collaboration with Market Enterprise, a renowned company specializing in reuse initiatives. This partnership aims to tackle local challenges by launching a reuse project set to commence on August 26, 2026. Utilizing Market Enterprise's reuse platform, Oikura, the city intends to create a system that promotes reuse, reduces waste, and contributes towards establishing a circular economy.

Background of the Initiative

Koga City has long been engaged in various initiatives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including leveraging private sector reuse businesses. However, the rising costs of waste disposal, coupled with an increasing number of senior citizens struggling with waste removal, highlighted the need for more awareness and engagement in reuse activities among the community. Concurrently, Market Enterprise has been making significant strides in the reuse sector, advocating for a sustainable society through participation in government and private sector collaborations such as the regional revitalization SDGs partnership and instrument donation campaigns.

This synergy between Koga City and Market Enterprise was easier to achieve thanks to aligned goals. By employing Oikura as a tool for promoting reuse activities, both entities are set to advance their vision of fostering a circular economy.

What is Oikura?

Oikura is a streamlined reuse platform operated by Market Enterprise. Individuals wishing to sell unused items can submit requests for appraisals through Oikura, which then sends these requests to its network of participating reuse shops nationwide. Users can compare prices, collection methods, and reviews, making it easy to sell unwanted items with a single request. The platform has gained popularity, with approximately 1.68 million users as of February 2026.

Addressing Koga City's Challenges through Oikura

In Koga City, bulky waste collection is conducted via pre-scheduled home pick-ups and designated drop-off points. Unfortunately, this requires residents to transport large and heavy items out of their homes, leading to a significant demand for in-home removals. Oikura offers a solution by providing at-home pick-up services, making it convenient for residents to sell larger items. Additionally, appliances covered by recycling laws, such as refrigerators and washing machines, can also be appraised and potentially purchased if functional. The timeline is quick; for those who choose to use Oikura, sales and transfers can occur on the same day, all without additional costs to the city’s budget or residents.

Future of the Initiative

On August 26 at 1:00 PM, detailed information about Oikura will be published on Koga City's official website, allowing residents to request collective appraisals for their unwanted items directly. The collaboration between Koga City and Oikura is expected to further invigorate the secondary market, ultimately achieving a reduction in overall waste within the community and lowering municipal waste management costs. As residents become familiar with the ease of selling unwanted items, the concept of reuse, as opposed to disposal, is likely to flourish.

Moreover, this initiative aims to reshape public perception regarding reuse and spearhead a shift towards a circular economy. By addressing both social and economic challenges, the partnership between public and private sectors in Koga City will stand as a model for promoting sustainable practices in communities across Japan.

About Koga City

Koga City was formed in September 2005 through the merger of the former Koga City, Sumoto Town, and Sanwa Town. Located at the westernmost tip of Ibaraki Prefecture in the Kanto region, Koga City boasts a flat terrain and is enriched with natural beauty. The city lies conveniently near Tokyo, just about 60 kilometers away, and is well-connected through various transportation avenues, facilitating robust interactions across neighboring prefectures.

About Market Enterprise

Company Name: Market Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-3F Ginza First Building, 1-10-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo.
CEO: Toshi Kobayashi
Established: July 7, 2006
Market: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market (Code: 3135)
Business Focus: Online reuse business, mobile communications, and more.
Oikura Partnered Municipalities: 341
Website: Market Enterprise.