#Japan #Tottori #Oikura #Market Enterprise

Introduction

In June, Tottori's regional administrative association, along with Market Enterprise, entered a collaborative agreement to promote a reuse project during Environment Month. This initiative seeks to tackle local issues through effective reuse practices, starting from June 29, 2026.

Goals of the Partnership

The agreement centers around establishing a reusable goods system using Market Enterprise’s platform, 'Oikura', aiming to minimize waste in municipalities such as Yonago, Sakaiminato, and Hōki, while fostering a circular economy within the region. The goal is to keep usable items out of landfills and encourage community involvement in sustainability efforts.

Background

Tottori’s administrative association has been actively pursuing sustainability by developing programs that encourage residents to engage in reuse activities. This includes initiatives that allow unwanted items dropped off at recycling centers to be redistributed to those in need through a lottery system. However, the increasing costs associated with waste management and the difficulties faced by elderly residents in disposing of non-burnable waste have highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy promoting reuse.

Meanwhile, Market Enterprise focuses on optimizing reuse efforts and has actively participated in various SDGs initiatives, striving to create a sustainable society. The synergy between the administrative association's goals and Market Enterprise's reuse-centric approach led to the formation of this vital partnership.

Details of the Oikura Platform

'Oikura' serves as a platform for seamless reuse transactions. Users looking to sell unwanted items can request valuations, which are then aggregated and sent to participating reuse shops across the country for comparison. This facilitates an easy and efficient selling process, which has seen around 1.68 million users engage with the service by February 2026.

Objectives of the Agreement

The collaborative effort includes several key areas:

• - Promoting activities that contribute to a circular economy
• - Raising awareness about environmental conservation measures
• - Jointly advancing initiatives focused on sustainable practices
• - Fostering any further projects that align with the cooperative agreement's objectives

Future Prospects

On June 29, a dedicated section on Tottori’s administrative association website will launch, providing access to 'Oikura' information and allowing residents to submit multiple item evaluations. 'Oikura' will also offer pick-up services from residents' homes for larger items, ensuring ease of participation. This includes the potential for recyclable home appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, to be assessed and sold through the platform, with transactions potentially occurring on the same day of the evaluation.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to significantly reduce waste while making the reuse process convenient and widely recognized among residents. This increase in awareness is expected to promote a cultural shift towards selecting reuse over disposal.

Additionally, Market Enterprise plans to continue expanding partnerships with various regional administrative bodies. This coordination aims at widespread waste reduction while contributing to local revitalization through established circular economy practices.

Conclusion

This partnership sets a precedent for future collaborations aimed at addressing both social and economic challenges tied to waste management and sustainability. With both entities focusing on collective action toward a shared goal, the community stands to gain substantially from these efforts.

For more information about Oikura, you can visit the following link: Oikura's Official Site

About Tottori's Administrative Association

This special local public entity is organized by the municipalities in Western Tottori, focusing on administrative efficiency by handling broader projects that are unsuitable for individual municipalities.
Website: Tottori Administrative Association

About Market Enterprise

Market Enterprise expands its business with a focus on restructuring reuse operations alongside various other initiatives. Established in 2006 and publicly listed in 2015, it continues to grow, aiming to drive sustainable societal changes through optimization endeavors in reuse activities.
Website: Market Enterprise