#Japan #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Tarui Town

Overview of the Collaboration

In a significant move towards promoting sustainability, Tarui Town in Gifu Prefecture has partnered with Market Enterprise, a Tokyo-based company, to initiate a reuse program utilizing the 'Oikura' platform. This collaboration aims to address community challenges by establishing a framework for reusing unwanted items, thereby contributing to waste reduction and the formation of a circular economy. The agreement was formally established on June 26, 2025, under the leadership of Tarui Town's Mayor, Hirofumi Hayano, and Market Enterprise's President, Yasushi Kobayashi.

Background and Context

In efforts to encourage reuse within the community, Tarui Town has implemented initiatives such as the installation of a reuse corner at the Eco Dome, a waste resource collection facility. However, the increasing costs associated with waste disposal highlighted a pressing issue—the presence of reusable items among discarded goods. Tarui Town recognized the need for new strategies to enhance reuse efforts. Meanwhile, Market Enterprise has been actively engaged in the reuse business, positioning itself as a 'sustainability optimization company.' Its commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs) has led to collaborations with various public-private partnerships and active participation in community initiatives.

The collaborative desire to foster a circular economy through reuse efforts brought the two parties together, leading to the formation of this initiative.

About the 'Oikura' Platform

'Oikura' is a reuse platform operated by Market Enterprise. This innovative service allows individuals looking to sell unwanted items to request assessments through 'Oikura,' which simultaneously obtains evaluations from multiple affiliated reuse shops nationwide. Users can conveniently compare prices through a single inquiry. This ease of access has attracted approximately 1.3 million users to the platform by June 2024.

Website: Oikura

Challenges in Tarui Town and Solutions Offered by 'Oikura'

Currently, Tarui Town provides paid bulky waste collection services four times a year at designated locations and through door-to-door collection. However, residents face the challenge of transporting large and heavy items out of their homes. The 'Oikura' service offers a convenient solution by providing home visit and pickup services for all items, including large appliances that are not typically collected by the town, such as refrigerators and washing machines. If residents wish, they can have their items assessed and collected on the same day they submit their request. Moreover, the implementation of this service does not incur any costs for the town or its residents.

Future Prospects

Starting from June 26, 2025, at 3:30 PM (exact time may vary), information on 'Oikura' will be available on Tarui Town's official website, allowing residents to easily submit their requests for bulk item assessments. This partnership is expected to enhance secondary distribution systems and contribute to the overall reduction of waste in the community, leading to decreased waste processing volumes and costs for the local government. Furthermore, as residents become more aware of the potential for reuse instead of disposal, the program aims to meet diverse disposal needs while fostering a cultural shift towards recycling. Through the collaborative efforts of both sectors, the initiative seeks to address challenges from both economic and social perspectives, enhancing the community’s engagement in forming a circular economy.

About Tarui Town

Situated in the southwestern part of Gifu Prefecture, Tarui Town shares borders with Ogaki City to the east, Sekigahara Town to the west, and Yoro Town to the south. Approximately 60% of the town is covered by forests, while 40% consists of flat land, with the Aikawa River flowing through its center. The area is well-maintained for leisurely activities such as walking and cycling. Public transportation is convenient, with JR Tokaido Line's Tarui Station providing easy access to both Osaka and Nagoya.

Population: 25,632 (as of April 1, 2025)
Number of households: 10,777 (as of April 1, 2025)
Area: 57.09 square kilometers (as of April 1, 2025)

Website: Tarui Town

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise has grown into a key player in the online reuse market, diversifying its operations into media and mobile communication. With a vision of fostering a sustainable society, it went public in 2015 and has continually expanded its services, including the 'Oikura' platform. The company's services have reached approximately 9.4 million users, demonstrating its significant presence in the reuse sector. The introduction of the 'Oikura' service in Tarui Town marks the 263rd municipality to adopt this initiative.

Website: Market Enterprise

Conclusion

The collaboration between Tarui Town and Market Enterprise through the 'Oikura' platform promises to usher in a new era of sustainable waste management and community engagement, fostering a culture of reuse and significantly contributing to the goal of a circular economy.