#Japan #Oikura #Market Enterprise #Kan'ei Town

A New Era of Reuse in Kan'ei Town

Kan'ei Town, located in Aichi Prefecture, has recently taken a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable community. On February 26, 2026, the town officially commenced a collaboration with Market Enterprise, through its reuse platform 'Oikura'. This partnership aims to combat the growing waste issues in the town by providing citizens with an accessible means to reuse their unwanted items instead of discarding them.

Background of the Initiative

Historically, Kan'ei Town has faced challenges related to the disposal of bulky waste. Comparatively, the town generates a higher amount of bulky waste, containing many items that are still usable, such as furniture and household goods. While previous initiatives to improve recycling facilities have shown some success, the promotion of reuse had not yet reached its full potential. The need for a user-friendly approach to encourage community members to participate in recycling and reuse has been apparent.

Market Enterprise, a company specializing in reuse initiatives, aims to establish a sustainable society and promote SDGs through their active engagement with local communities. Their vision aligns seamlessly with the goals of Kan'ei Town, creating an opportunity to utilize the ‘Oikura’ platform to establish a more effective reuse system.

What is Oikura?

Oikura, the platform by Market Enterprise, serves as a bridge for individuals looking to sell their unwanted items. When a seller submits a request for assessment through Oikura, they receive multiple quotations from affiliated reuse shops across the country. This one-stop service allows users to compare pricing, collection methods, and customer reviews easily. To date, approximately 1.55 million people have benefited from Oikura's convenient and accessible services.

For more information: Oikura

Addressing the Waste Challenges in Kan'ei Town

Presently, residents of Kan'ei Town can request paid collection of their bulky waste only after a prior application. However, this often requires them to transport large and heavy items outside their homes. Oikura's service offers home pickup, making it easier for residents to sell even large items without the logistical hassle. Additionally, appliances covered by the home appliance recycling law can be sold to Oikura, expanding the possibilities for reuse.

By streamlining the process of item sales and providing same-day assessments and pickups, the Oikura platform addresses common concerns among residents, such as uncertainty about what can be reused and the complexities involved in the disposal process. Importantly, this initiative incurs no costs for the town or its residents.

Looking to the Future

On February 26, 2026, Kan'ei Town will update its official website to provide comprehensive information about Oikura, allowing residents to directly request assessments of their unwanted items. The collaboration between Kan'ei Town and Oikura anticipates a significant boost to the secondary distribution market and a corresponding reduction in waste both at the municipal level and across the wider community.

Increased recognition of reusable items and simplified selling processes is expected to shift public perception away from disposal towards reuse. This initiative not only aims to enhance community engagement but also to cultivate a culture of sustainability and responsibility among residents.

About Kan'ei Town

Located in the western part of Aichi Prefecture and neighboring Nagoya City, Kan'ei Town is well-regarded for its convenience and livability. Approximately one-fifth of the town's area is covered by rivers, including the Kan'ei River and Nikko River, supporting the lush natural landscape. Known for traditions such as the 'Sunari Festival', recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2016, the town blends historical richness with modern amenities, making it a unique destination.

As of January 1, 2026, Kan'ei Town is home to 36,736 residents across 17,624 households, covering a total area of 11.1 square kilometers. For more details, visit the official town website: Kan'ei Town.

About Market Enterprise

Market Enterprise has established itself as a leader in online reuse initiatives and diversified business operations including mobile communications and media services, under the vision of creating a sustainable society since its founding in 2006. Following its public listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2015, the company moved to Prime Market in 2022. With a robust platform like Oikura and expanded services reaching over 9.4 million users, Market Enterprise continues to foster community-centric initiatives nationwide.

Explore more at Market Enterprise.