Miki City Partners with Market Enterprise for Reuse Initiative to Tackle Waste During Moving Peak

Miki City and Market Enterprise Collaborate for Waste Reduction

Miki City, located in Hyogo Prefecture, has partnered with Market Enterprise to address waste management during the peak moving season by initiating a reuse project. The collaboration is centered around the 'Oikura' platform, which allows citizens to sell unwanted items instead of discarding them, promoting waste reduction and the establishment of a circular economy.

Background and Rationale

Miki City's commitment to creating an environmentally friendly circular society is outlined in its Basic Plan for General Waste Management, which emphasizes reducing waste and recycling resources. However, many items discarded from households can be reused. To further boost reuse efforts, the city sought new initiatives.

On the other side, Market Enterprise, headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has been actively engaging in the reuse sector with a vision of achieving a sustainable society. Their involvement includes participation in various SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) initiatives and public-private partnerships aimed at community revitalization. Recognizing each other's goals, the partnership between Miki City and Market Enterprise to use the 'Oikura' system was established to promote reuse activities.

What is 'Oikura'?

'Oikura' is a reuse platform operated by Market Enterprise that enables users to easily assess the value of unwanted items. By submitting an assessment request through 'Oikura', sellers can receive valuations from multiple affiliated reuse shops nationwide in one go. This service is highly appreciated for its convenience, allowing around 1.55 million users to participate as of June 2025.

You can visit the Oikura website here: Oikura Official Site

Benefits of the Collaboration

The 'Oikura' service offers on-site purchasing options, potentially allowing assessors to visit homes and handle the collection of large or heavy items. Additionally, appliances subject to recycling laws, such as refrigerators and washing machines, may also be purchased if they're still usable. Requests for item assessment through 'Oikura' can lead to same-day selling, with no financial burden on the local government for residents using the service.

From March 10, 2026, citizens will be able to access 'Oikura' information directly on the Miki City website, making it easier to submit bulk assessment requests for their unwanted items. The partnership is expected to invigorate secondary markets and support waste reduction, helping to lower municipal waste processing volumes and costs. This initiative not only facilitates easy reuse options for residents but also increases awareness regarding waste management alternatives, leading to broader choices for disposal of unwanted items and fostering a cultural shift towards reuse.

Future Outlook

This collaborative effort between Miki City and Market Enterprise aims to create a system that addresses both social and economic challenges associated with forming a circular economy. By promoting active citizen participation in the reuse process, the initiative targets a significant reduction in waste and supports the broader goals of sustainable development.

About Miki City

Miki City is rich in history and natural beauty, recognized as a key area since ancient times. The city has evolved through various stages, from being the seat of the Bessho clan during the Sengoku period to becoming a hub for the metalworking industry today. Miki is renowned for its 'Yamada Nishiki' rice, essential for sake production, and boasts popular attractions such as golf courses, museums, and hot springs.

- Population: 72,171 (as of January 31, 2026)
- Households: 35,036
- Area: 176.51 square kilometers
- For more information, visit the city’s official website: Miki City Official Site

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise operates a diverse range of services focused on online reuse, mobile telecommunications, and media. Achieving a strong growth trajectory, the company is dedicated to fostering a sustainable society through innovations, having been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 2015. Their reuse services have seen participation from over 9.4 million users, and following the partnership with Miki City, a total of 310 municipalities across Japan have adopted the 'Oikura' platform.