#Japan #Yokohama #Kakuyasu #jimoty #Reuse Initiative

Introduction

The city of Yokohama is leveraging a new partnership to promote sustainable practices through a pioneering reuse initiative. Starting from April 28, 2026, Kakuyasu, a subsidiary of Hitomairu, in collaboration with Jimoty, will initiate a pilot project that enables residents to leave unwanted household items at two local stores. This effort aims to provide a solution for effective waste reduction while utilizing the efficiencies of existing distribution networks.

Background of the Collaboration

As demonstrated by data from Japan's Ministry of the Environment, the financial burden of waste disposal is significantly rising. The annual cost of garbage disposal amounts to approximately 2.4 trillion yen, reflecting concerning trends towards increased municipal waste fees. Approximately 67% of municipalities across the country have adopted charges for household garbage, underscoring the urgency to decrease waste and promote sustainable consumption and resource management.

Given these pressing issues, Hitomairu Group has identified “advancing a circular economy” as a core sustainability goal. The collaboration taps into Kakuyasu’s specialized logistics, which boasts over 200 retail locations and a unique distribution network capable of delivering items such as beer within hours at no additional cost. This dual-functionality resource not only supports deliveries but is also pivotal in establishing collection points for reusable containers and items, thus embodying the “2-way logistics” model.

Through this pilot project, Hitomairu and Jimoty aim to solidify local residents' capability to make environmentally friendly decisions by integrating a seamless process within their daily routines. By aligning with Jimoty, which boasts around 10 million monthly users, the project seeks to render the “not throwing away” choice more accessible.

Overview of the Pilot Project

Kakuyasu will establish collection points called