Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, Partners with "Oikura" for Used Goods Reuse Business to Align with Moving Peak Season
Key facts
- Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, Partners with "Oikura" for Used Goods Reuse Business to Align with Moving Peak Season
- Niyodogawa Town in Kochi Prefecture has partnered with Market Enterprise's reuse platform, "Oikura," to implement a used goods reuse initiative. This collaboration aims to reduce waste and foster a circular economy, particularly during peak moving seasons, by providing residents with an easy way to sell unwanted items, including large and heavy goods, with optional home pick-up services. The service is free for both residents and the town.
- Date: March 30, 2026
Direct answer
Niyodogawa Town in Kochi Prefecture has partnered with Market Enterprise's reuse platform, "Oikura," to implement a used goods reuse initiative. This collaboration aims to reduce waste and foster a circular economy, particularly during peak moving seasons, by providing residents with an easy way to sell unwanted items, including large and heavy goods, with optional home pick-up services. The service is free for both residents and the town.
- Citation
- Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, Partners with "Oikura" for Used Goods Reuse Business to Align with Moving Peak Season (March 30, 2026)
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- March 30, 2026
Niyodogawa Town in Kochi Prefecture has partnered with Market Enterprise's reuse platform, "Oikura," to implement a used goods reuse initiative. This collaboration aims to reduce waste and foster a circular economy, particularly during peak moving seasons, by providing residents with an easy way to sell unwanted items, including large and heavy goods, with optional home pick-up services. The service is free for both residents and the town.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 06:10
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 21:27 (1383h 16m after Published)
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 (...)
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the partnership between Niyodogawa Town and "Oikura"?
The main purpose is to establish a reuse business to address local challenges, reduce waste, and foster a circular society by reusing unwanted items instead of discarding them.
When will the cooperation between Niyodogawa Town and Market Enterprise officially begin?
The cooperation between Niyodogawa Town and Market Enterprise is scheduled to commence on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
What specific challenges in Niyodogawa Town led to this initiative?
The town faced challenges such as difficulties in transporting household waste due to an aging population and the presence of many discarded items containing reusable materials.
How does "Oikura" facilitate the reuse of unwanted items?
"Oikura" is a reuse platform where individuals can request appraisals for unwanted items, which are then sent to affiliated reuse shops nationwide, allowing users to compare offers and sell their items.
What are Market Enterprise's broader initiatives related to this partnership?
Market Enterprise focuses on SDGs initiatives, including participation in the "Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform" and membership in the executive committee for "Musical Instrument Donation Hometown Tax."