#Japan #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Settsu City #Settsu

Settsu City and Market Enterprise Join Forces for a Sustainable Future

In an exciting development for sustainable living, Settsu City in Osaka, under the leadership of Mayor Koichiro Shimano, has announced a partnership with Market Enterprise, a prominent company based in Tokyo. This collaboration focuses on fostering a reuse economy within the local community, aiming to tackle waste management challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. Starting on May 27, 2025, the project will leverage Market Enterprise's 'Oikura' platform to facilitate the reuse of unwanted goods, encouraging residents to opt for recycling instead of disposal.

Background of the Initiative

Settsu City has long been committed to promoting reuse and recycling. Initiatives in the past included the repair and redistribution of collected bicycles. However, the city identified a significant issue: many disposed items still had potential for reuse, leading to increased waste management costs. In response, local officials sought new strategies to raise public awareness and enhance community engagement towards recycling efforts.

On the other hand, Market Enterprise has been a leader in the reuse sector, carrying out various initiatives aimed at establishing a sustainable society. Their vision encompasses collaboration in the public and private sectors, as evidenced by their participation in the “SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform for Regional Revitalization” and the “Instrument Donation Furusato Tax” project. When Market Enterprise approached Settsu City with a proposal to promote reuse activities, both parties found a shared interest in forming a circular economy, leading to the launch of the Oikura initiative.

What is 'Oikura'?

'Oikura' is a revolutionary platform developed by Market Enterprise, offering users a convenient way to sell unwanted items. Users can easily request an evaluation through the platform, which then connects them to member reuse shops across the country. This one-stop service allows residents to compare prices and opt for the best offer, making it simpler than ever to sell used goods. As of June 2024, over 1.3 million people have benefited from this service, highlighting its growing popularity.

Addressing Settsu City’s Waste Challenges

One of the primary challenges faced by residents is the transportation of large or heavy waste items, which must be moved outside their homes for collection. The city has received numerous requests for assistance in handling these larger items. In response, 'Oikura' offers a home visit service that aids in evaluating and collecting these goods, making the selling process easier. Additionally, items like refrigerators and washing machines, which fall under strict recycling regulations, can still be sold if they are in usable condition, providing further incentives for residents to engage in the program.

With 'Oikura', residents can initiate the selling process and, in many cases, complete transactions on the same day, converting unwanted items into cash. This initiative not only eliminates the financial burden on the city for waste collection but also empowers citizens to engage in environmentally responsible practices without incurring additional costs.

Looking Ahead

On May 27, 2025, at 15:30, detailed information about 'Oikura' will be available on the Settsu City official website, allowing residents to start submitting requests for evaluations directly. The collaboration between Settsu City and 'Oikura' is set to further invigorate the secondary distribution market and contribute to the realization of a circular economy while decreasing waste disposal costs for the municipality.

This project is not merely about waste management; it aims to shift public perception towards reuse, highlighting it as a primary option rather than disposal. As residents increasingly recognize the benefits of reusing items, they will be better equipped to meet diverse disposal needs while contributing to the formation of a sustainable community.

As Settsu City embarks on this joint initiative, it is essential to resolve both the societal and economic challenges associated with waste management, all while fostering a robust circular economy that benefits both the community and the environment.

About Settsu City

Nestled in the northern part of Osaka Plain, Settsu City boasts rich natural resources along the Yodo River and has historically played a pivotal role in agricultural practices as well as facilitating transport between Osaka and Kyoto. It is strategically located with connections to nearby cities, making it an essential urban hub within the Osaka metropolitan area.

City Statistics:

• - Population: 86,300 (as of March 31, 2025)
• - Households: 43,512 (as of March 31, 2025)
• - Area: 14.87 square kilometers (as of March 31, 2025)

For more information, visit the Settsu City website.

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006, Market Enterprise has been a frontrunner in the online reuse sector, also engaging in media and telecommunications services. With a vision of realizing a sustainable society, the company has continued to grow, achieving listings on various stock exchanges, including the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market in April 2022. As of present, the platform has served over 9.4 million users, establishing 'Oikura' as a widely utilized tool for sustainable living. Settsu City's collaboration with Market Enterprise stands testament to the growing trend of community and environmental engagement in Japan.

For further details, please visit Market Enterprise's official website.