#Japan #Yokohama #SmaGO #Force Tech #Ikeda Piano

Ikeda Piano Transport and Force Tech Join Forces for Sustainability

On January 21, 2026, Ikeda Piano Transport Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, represented by President Teruo Ikeda) and Force Tech Inc. (located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, led by President Yohei Takemura) formalized a capital and business partnership aimed at addressing environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable society.

This partnership strengthens the collaboration already in place, allowing Ikeda Piano Transport to subscribe to third-party allotments of Force Tech's capital, enhancing ties between the two companies both financially and operationally. The partnership will focus on expanding the transport, installation, maintenance, and after-sales services for the smart trash bin, SmaGO (Smart Garbage), which has already garnered attention in the market. Together, they will also expand rental services to meet rising demand at events.

Background of the Partnership

In urban and tourist areas, a range of waste management issues, such as a shortage of rubbish bins, littering, and a lack of manpower for waste collection, have become increasingly problematic. In response, Force Tech has developed SmaGO, which operates using solar energy, automatically compresses waste to one-fifth of its original volume, and utilizes communication technology to manage waste collection efficiently. This innovation not only maintains the aesthetic appeal of cities but also enhances the effectiveness of collection practices.

Ikeda Piano Transport contributes its expertise in the transportation and installation of delicate items like pianos, precision equipment, and artworks to manage the logistics of SmaGO's transport, installation, and maintenance. This partnership aims to further solidify operational capabilities, turning sustainability into a business principle. Collectively, they target several goals, including improving urban aesthetics, creating pleasant living environments, easing manpower shortages, reducing the carbon footprint from garbage truck operations, and recycling waste into resources.

Concrete Initiatives

Strengthening the SmaGO Logistics Network

Utilizing Ikeda Piano Transport's nationwide network and specialized logistics skills, the companies will establish a robust deployment system that ensures safe and reliable installation and operation of SmaGO across various environments, including municipalities, tourist spots, commercial facilities, and event venues.

Expanding the Rental Business

As demand surges during short-term events, the aim is to boost the rental options for SmaGO, facilitating ease of entry for future installations while providing flexible waste management solutions.

About SmaGO

SmaGO is an IoT smart trash bin developed by Force Tech, designed with environmental consciousness. It operates on solar power, automatically compressing waste, and incorporates a communication system to notify when it is full, substantially improving the efficiency of waste management and preventing overflow. Additionally, its exterior can be customized for branding purposes or to promote waste sorting initiatives, further reducing operational costs. SmaGO aligns with six of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Impact Examples

• - Omotesando-Harajuku Area, Tokyo: Reduced collection frequency by approximately 75%.
• - Dotonbori Area, Osaka: Decreased littering by about 90% (excluding cigarette butts).

Statements from Company Representatives

Teruo Ikeda, President of Ikeda Piano Transport:
“We are thrilled to finalize our capital and business partnership with Force Tech to accelerate the social implementation of SmaGO. Our expertise in safely delivering and installing delicate items, combined with SmaGO's potential, will be instrumental in addressing urban waste challenges, which are now critical issues related to aesthetics, health, and sustainability.”
“With our nationwide network, we will support the introduction and operation of SmaGO in various locations, contributing to sustainable urban development.”

Yohei Takemura, President of Force Tech:
“We feel reinforced by our capital and business partnership with Ikeda Piano Transport, who have long managed the logistics of SmaGO. Establishing a dependable operational framework is vital for widespread adoption. Together, we will strengthen our national operational capacity and offer flexible solutions, including rental services, to tackle societal challenges.”

Future Directions

Through this capital and business partnership, Force Tech and Ikeda Piano Transport will merge their technological advancements and operational strengths to address waste management issues and pursue sustainable urban development.

Company Profiles

Ikeda Piano Transport Co., Ltd.

• - Founded: June 1971
• - Location: 3-38-3 Kamishirane, Asahi-ku, Yokohama 241-0002
• - CEO: Teruo Ikeda
• - Business Activities: Transportation and installation of pianos and large precision machinery, storage, SmaGO rental services, educational services, and operation of NAYUTAS voice training school.
• - Official Website: Ikeda Piano

Force Tech Inc.

• - Founded: April 15, 2019
• - Location: Otemachi One Tower 6F, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004
• - CEO: Yohei Takemura
• - Business Activities: Proposing environmental activities through the installation of smart trash bins, SmaGO, nationwide.
• - Official Website: Force Tech

For inquiries about this partnership, please contact:
Ikeda Piano Transport
Phone: 045-954-1134
Force Tech
Phone: 03-3453-7140
Contact Form: SmaGO Contact