Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, Partners with "Oikura" for Used Goods Reuse Business to Align with Moving Peak Season

Niyodogawa Town (Mayor: Nobuhiro Kataoka) in Kochi Prefecture and Market Enterprise Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Taiji Kobayashi; TSE Standard-code 3135; hereinafter referred to as "Market Enterprise") will sign an agreement on a reuse business to solve challenges in the local community, and will start cooperation from Thursday, March 26, 2026. By utilizing the reuse platform "Oikura" operated by Market Enterprise, a system will be built to reuse unwanted items instead of discarding them, aiming to reduce waste and form a circular society in Niyodogawa Town.

Background and Progress

Niyodogawa Town has recognized challenges such as the difficulty for town residents in transporting household waste due to the aging population, and the fact that many discarded items contain reusable materials. Therefore, the town was considering introducing reuse measures to promote reuse activities among residents. On the other hand, Market Enterprise operates a network-based business centered on reuse, and has been focusing on SDGs initiatives that transcend public and private sectors, such as participating in the "Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform" and being a member of the executive committee for "Musical Instrument Donation Hometown Tax." In this context, Niyodogawa Town approached Market Enterprise, and their mutual needs, "desiring to aim for the formation of a circular society by promoting reuse activities," matched, leading to this initiative using "Oikura"※1.

※1 What is "Oikura"

"Oikura" is a reuse platform developed by Market Enterprise. When individuals who want to sell unwanted items request an appraisal through "Oikura," a consolidated appraisal request is sent to affiliated reuse shops nationwide, allowing users to compare appraisal results, dates, purchase methods, and reviews. Its ease of use, allowing for comparison and sale of unwanted items after a single request, is highly praised, and it has been used by approximately 1.55 million people (as of the end of June 2025).

Website: https://oikura.jp/

Niyodogawa Town's Challenges and Solutions with "Oikura"

Niyodogawa Town conducts bulky waste collection at designated collection points once every two months, but residents must carry large and heavy items outside their homes. "Oikura" offers on-site purchase services that can visit inside the home upon request, including carrying out items, making it easier to sell large or heavy goods. Additionally, home appliances subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law, such as refrigerators and washing machines, may be purchased if they are still usable. By requesting a purchase through "Oikura," unwanted items can be sold and handed over as early as the same day. Furthermore, not only can town residents use the service, but there is also no cost to the town.

Future Outlook

At 3:30 PM on Thursday, March 26 (public viewing times may vary), an announcement will be made on the Niyodogawa Town website (...)