#Japan #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Inami #Inami Town

Inami Town Partners with Market Enterprise for Waste Reduction

In a progressive effort towards sustainability, Inami Town in Hyogo Prefecture has initiated a collaborative agreement with Market Enterprise, a leading reuse business based in Tokyo. As it approaches the end-of-year season, a time historically marked by an increase in the demand for junk disposal, this partnership aims to significantly reduce waste while promoting the reuse of items through the efficient Oikura platform.

Background of the Initiative

The increase in waste disposal has prompted Inami Town to address the issue of reusable items often discarded as trash. The local government has recognized the need for initiatives to enhance community awareness about reuse. Meanwhile, Market Enterprise, which operates a variety of businesses focusing on a sustainable future, has actively participated in national initiatives aimed at promoting the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Seeing potential collaboration, Market Enterprise approached Inami Town with the goal of forming a circular economy through enhanced reuse activities. The two parties quickly identified common goals, leading to the planned integration of the Oikura service.

What is Oikura?

Oikura is an innovative reuse platform created by Market Enterprise, allowing users to easily sell unwanted items. By submitting a valuation request through Oikura, users can receive assessments from multiple affiliated reuse shops across the nation. This centralized method allows for a quick comparison of buyback prices, dates, and methods. Oikura has garnered positive feedback for its user-friendly approach, with around 1.55 million users benefiting from the service as of June 2025.

Addressing Local Challenges through Oikura

Inami Town typically conducts bulky waste collection three times a year, requiring residents to haul large or heavy items out of their homes. The Oikura service simplifies this time-consuming task by offering on-site visits for collection, making it much easier for residents to dispose of large items. Notably, Oikura can also facilitate the purchase of appliances covered under the Home Appliance Recycling Law, provided they are still functional. In fact, under optimal conditions, the sale and pickup of items can typically be executed on the same day that residents request a valuation.

Crucial to this partnership is that both the community members and the local government are not burdened financially. Costs are absorbed by Market Enterprise, promoting greater accessibility and engagement among residents.

Future Steps

On December 11, 2025, at 1 PM (exact timing may vary), information regarding the Oikura service will be available on the Inami Town website, enabling residents to submit bulk valuation requests directly. This collaboration between Inami Town and Oikura is expected to lead to a significant boost in secondary markets, contributing to the establishment of a circular economy and significant waste reduction across the community. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this initiative will lower municipal waste management costs, as well as enhance public awareness regarding reuse options.

Residents will be encouraged to choose reuse over disposal, consequently expanding the array of choices available for managing unwanted items. This aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of reusable practices within the community and aids in shifting mindsets toward sustainability. Ultimately, the collaborative effort between local government and private sector aims to overcome both social and economic challenges related to waste reduction.

About Inami Town and Its Characteristics

Inami Town is situated in the eastern Harima region and bordered by four cities: Kobe to the east, Akashi to the south, Kakogawa to the west, and Miki to the north. With 88 reservoirs constructed for agricultural development, the town is renowned for its water features. Two significant ponds, Tenman-oi Pond and Kakogoe Pond, hold substantial cultural and historical importance, having been designated as critical cultural landscapes by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

The town has a rich historical legacy, with several ancient shrines and recently discovered modernization efforts in wine production. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with about 86% of the area designated for agricultural promotion. Inami Town’s distinctive characteristics make it a vital player in local agriculture, with exciting potential for sustainability initiatives such as this one.

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise has evolved into a leading player in the online reuse space, dedicating itself to creating a sustainable society. Aiming for continuous growth, the company has diversified operations, contributing to significant achievements in various business segments. The introduction of Oikura in Inami Town adds to the expanding list of municipalities benefiting from this reusable service, now comprising 291 local governments nationwide, paving the way for a greener future.

Website: Oikura Municipal Site
Market Enterprise Website: Market Enterprise