Innovative Collaboration to Tackle Vacant House Issues in Sakado

In a significant move to address the critical problem of vacant houses, Sakado City in Saitama Prefecture has partnered with Market Enterprise, a leading Tokyo-based reuse company, to launch a new joint initiative aimed at easing the burden on citizens engaged in household sorting. Guided by their vision of creating a sustainable community, this endeavor will employ the expertise of Market Enterprise to enhance local administrative services and establish a streamlined solution for the disposal and resale of unwanted items—a pressing need in the face of rising numbers of vacant properties.

Background of the Initiative

Sakado is grappling with a concerning vacancy rate. Out of approximately 52,000 residential properties in the area, about 14%—or around 7,000 homes—sit empty, surpassing both the Saitama Prefecture and national averages. The city's demographics reveal an increasing number of elderly residents, with households led solely by seniors comprising over 20% of the population. This trend suggests that the number of properties at risk of becoming vacant could continue to rise.

As citizens face the need to organize and dispose of belongings due to life transitions such as selling a home, retiring, or passing away, the demand for effective household sorting solutions is growing. However, the current processes present substantial challenges. Citizens must separately contact licensed antique dealers for resale and authorized waste management companies for disposal, leading to a cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly undertaking. For many, these obstacles often result in stalled efforts, leaving more homes abandoned.

Previously, Sakado and Market Enterprise have collaborated on reuse initiatives, notably a project in which they launched a reuse platform called "Oikura," aimed at facilitating the repurposing of unwanted items. This past success has laid a foundation of trust and cooperation that will drive the new model project forward.

Aims of the New Project

The current pilot program intends to simplify the often overwhelming processes that accompany household sorting related to preparing for future events like death and relocation. With this initiative, the city's goal is to reduce the logistical workload and financial strain for residents while expanding the reuse options for previously discarded items. By rediscovering and recycling potentially reusable goods, the project aims to minimize waste and promote a more circular economy that supports sustainable community living.

This initiative will consolidate the points of contact for residents needing to sell reusable items and dispose of waste, easing the communication burden. When the process is streamlined, citizens stand to save time and resources. By enabling the reuse of serviceable belongings, residents will also generate revenue that offset the costs associated with sorting their homes, making the process more financially viable overall.

Future Directions

The pilot project is set to commence in September and will run through December, during which time visitations will be conducted to collect reusable items and waste. Data from recoveries and feedback from participants will be analyzed to determine the project’s effectiveness. Based on the outcomes of this initiative, Sakado City aims to establish a new waste collection system that is specifically tailored for household sorting and the management of items left behind after deaths or relocations, starting from Fiscal Year 2025.

This system aims to ensure that businesses like Market Enterprise can continue to provide essential services without placing additional financial burdens on the local government. By enhancing administrative efficiency while promoting reuse practices, Sakado is paving the way for both improved citizen convenience and a sustainable community model moving forward.

Overview of Sakado City

Located centrally in Saitama Prefecture, Sakado is characterized by its flat terrain and the flowing Koma River, known for its pristine waters. The city is renowned for its culture, hosting events such as the annual Sakado Yosakoi Festival, notable for its vibrant celebration each October. Nature enthusiasts visit to witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms that flourish in Takasa Plum Orchard Park between early and mid-March, indicating the city’s charm.

Sakado’s population stands at approximately 99,690 as of July 2025, with 49,330 households across 41.02 square kilometers of area. With upcoming developments like the designation of voice actor Yuki Kaji as a "Sakado Hometown Ambassador" scheduled for February 12, 2025, the city's appeal continues to grow.

About Market Enterprise

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Tokyo, Market Enterprise has emerged as a dynamic player in the reuse sector, expanding into areas such as media and mobile communications. With a vision of achieving a sustainable society, the company focuses on optimizing reuse initiatives. Having gone through successful market transitions—from the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers to the Prime Market—the firm continues to grow. Their extensive operations in the online reuse landscape and expert reach in over 80 countries for used agricultural machinery highlight their commitment to a circular economy. Since its inception, the company has served approximately 9.4 million customers, reinforcing its position as a leader in the reuse market.