#Toyama City #Oikura #Market Enterprise

Toyama City's Groundbreaking Collaboration with Oikura

In a pioneering effort, Toyama City, located in Toyama Prefecture, has formed a partnership with Market Enterprise to kick off a reuse initiative tailored to address local waste challenges. This collaboration, which employs the Oikura reuse platform, is set to commence on March 23, 2026. The partnership aims to reduce waste and foster a circular economy by ensuring that unwanted items are reused rather than discarded.

Background and Motivation

Toyama City has actively conducted outreach programs in parks and schools focusing on the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) as part of its effort to encourage responsible waste disposal. These initiatives have included efforts such as bulk plastic collections and other waste segregation protocols. However, with rising waste management costs and an aging population facing challenges in managing household waste, the city has acknowledged the need for innovative solutions to tackle these issues. Additionally, there has been a recognized need for increased public awareness surrounding reuse activities.

Market Enterprise, whose vision is to create a sustainable society through optimized solutions, has been a key player in promoting reuse initiatives across Japan. Their participation in public-private partnerships for achieving SDGs illustrates their commitment to this cause. This mutual alignment on the necessity for enhanced reuse practices led to the collaboration with Toyama City using the Oikura platform.

What is Oikura?

Oikura is a reuse platform developed by Market Enterprise that allows individuals to evaluate their unwanted items through a single assessment request. Users can compare quotes from registered reuse shops nationwide, streamlining the process of selling second-hand goods. The platform has garnered attention for its user-friendly service, having catered to approximately 1.55 million users by mid-2025.

Addressing Toyama City's Waste Challenges through Oikura

In Toyama City, there are existing protocols for collecting bulky items, which necessitate citizens to transport these goods externally for disposal. Oikura addresses this problem by offering home pickup services, facilitating the sale of large and heavy items. Under the Oikura framework, even appliances eligible under the home appliance recycling law can be acquired if they are still functional. Within a swift timeframe, citizens can have their items evaluated and sold, often on the same day. Importantly, this service incurs no costs for residents or the city itself.

Future Prospects

On the official launch date, information about Oikura will be accessible via Toyama City’s website, allowing residents to submit bulk evaluation requests directly. This partnership is expected to stimulate further activity in the secondary market, promoting waste reduction both at the municipal level and within the broader community. As citizens become more familiar with the simple reuse options provided by Oikura, they will increasingly recognize the benefits of reusing items instead of discarding them.

Moreover, this initiative aims to shift public perspectives on reuse, paving the way for a more robust circular economy. The collaboration between Toyama City and Oikura represents a critical step in addressing both societal and economic challenges associated with waste management, ultimately fostering a more sustainable community.

About Toyama City

Situated in the southeastern area of Toyama Prefecture, Toyama City features a remarkable landscape with a variation in altitude from 1,000 meters deep in Toyama Bay to the towering peaks of the Tateyama mountain range. Flowing through the city are rivers like the Jinzū River and the Jōganji River, which have historically contributed to a vibrant cultural landscape. Toyama's scenic beauty is internationally recognized, and its economic history is built around the pharmaceutical industry, earning it a reputation as