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Partnership Between Buzen City and Market Enterprise

Buzen City, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, has embarked on an innovative reuse initiative by entering into a partnership with Market Enterprise, a leading player in the reuse sector. This collaboration, set to begin on October 27, 2025, aims to tackle local challenges related to waste management and promote a circular economy. By utilizing Market Enterprise’s reuse platform, "Oikura," the city strives to reduce waste and encourage the reuse of items that would otherwise be discarded.

Background and Evolution

Over the years, Buzen City has taken steps toward sustainable development goals (SDGs) by implementing resource recovery initiatives, including establishing a "Giving Corner" in local recycling centers. However, rising waste disposal costs have raised awareness of the amount of reusable items being thrown away. In response to this challenge, the city sought to introduce new reuse initiatives. On the other hand, Market Enterprise has been tirelessly working towards creating a sustainable society through its various reuse-focused ventures. They aim to optimize resource utilization while participating in public-private partnerships to promote SDGs. Recognizing the mutual interest in forming a circular economy, the partnership with Buzen came to fruition.

Understanding Oikura

Oikura is Market Enterprise's innovative reuse platform designed to facilitate the selling of unwanted items. Users can submit requests for appraisals, which are sent to multiple participating reuse shops across the country, allowing them to compare prices effortlessly. This streamlined process caters to the needs of about 1.55 million users as of June 2025, making it a coveted service for those looking to handle their unused items efficiently.

Addressing Buzen City's Challenges

Buzen City conducts regular collections of bulky, non-burnable waste once a month, and combustible waste twice a week at designated sites. However, residents must still transport large items outside their homes. With Oikura's services, residents can opt for home visits for the collection and appraisal of these items, thus simplifying the selling process for heavy or oversized goods. Moreover, Oikura can facilitate the appraisal of home appliances like refrigerators and washing machines—items not routinely collected by the city—if they are deemed usable. This means residents can potentially finalize the sale of their unwanted items on the very day they make their appraisal request.

The Future of Waste Management in Buzen

On October 27, 2025, at 1 PM, Buzen City will officially publish information about the Oikura service on its website, allowing residents to apply for bulk appraisals directly. The partnership is set to enhance the secondary market and contribute significantly to waste reduction in the community. This initiative is not only beneficial for the citizens but will also help decrease the city's waste management costs.

By encouraging residents to consider reuse instead of disposal, the project aims to reshape attitudes towards waste, ultimately promoting a more mindful approach to consumption. As the community becomes more aware of reuse options, it is expected that the partnership will foster a cultural shift towards sustainability, leading to a significant decrease in waste output and a more circular economy.

About Buzen City

Nestled in the eastern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, Buzen City is known for its beautiful landscapes, including Mt. Kubo, a site of historical significance in the Shugendo tradition, and Inunaka, home to the natural monument Tsukushi Shakunage. The city, formed in April 1955 through the merger of nine towns and villages, has a current population of approximately 22,987, spread across 11,664 households. The region enjoys favorable transportation access via the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway and the Nippo Main Line, and its unique climate features a mix of Seto Inland Sea and Japan Sea characteristics.

About Market Enterprise

Since its inception in 2006, Market Enterprise has focused on online reuse businesses while expanding into mobile communication and information media. The company prides itself on being a key player in fostering a sustainable society and has seen notable growth since being listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The launch of Oikura in Buzen adds to their expansion, as they now support 282 municipalities across Japan. Learn more about Market Enterprise here and Oikura here.