Hokota City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Partners with 'Oikura' for Reuse Initiative to Align with Peak Moving Season

Hokota City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Mayor: Shigeki Igawa) and MarketEnterprise Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Taiji Kobayashi; TSE Standard: 3135; hereinafter 'MarketEnterprise') have concluded an agreement on a reuse project aimed at solving local community issues, with the partnership commencing on Friday, March 27, 2026. By utilizing 'Oikura,' a reuse platform operated by MarketEnterprise, the city aims to build a system for reusing unwanted items instead of discarding them, thereby reducing waste and fostering a circular economy in Hokota City.

Background and Context Hokota City has been facing challenges regarding rising waste disposal costs and an increasing number of citizens finding it difficult to transport bulky waste due to an aging population. Furthermore, the city recognized the need for greater awareness and promotion of reuse activities among its residents and had been considering the introduction of reuse measures. Meanwhile, MarketEnterprise, which operates an online-focused reuse business, has been dedicated to SDGs that transcend the public-private divide, guided by its vision as an 'Optimization Trading Company Realizing a Sustainable Society.' This includes participating in the 'Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform' and serving as a member of the 'Musical Instrument Donation Hometown Tax' executive committee. In this context, MarketEnterprise approached Hokota City, and as their mutual needs to 'promote reuse activities to form a circular society' aligned, this initiative using 'Oikura' (*1) was realized. *1 About 'Oikura' 'Oikura' is a reuse platform operated by MarketEnterprise. When users who want to sell unwanted items request an appraisal through 'Oikura,' they can receive bulk appraisal requests from affiliated reuse shops nationwide, allowing them to compare purchase prices, dates, methods, and reviews. Its convenience—enabling users to compare appraisal results and sell items with a single request—has been well-received, with approximately 1.55 million users as of the end of June 2025. Website: https://oikura.jp/ ■ Hokota City's Challenges and the 'Oikura' Solution Hokota City currently collects bulky waste through self-transportation to the Hokota Clean Center or the Oarai, Hokota, and Mito Clean Center, requiring citizens to carry large or heavy items out of their homes themselves. 'Oikura' offers on-site purchasing services where staff can visit the home and handle the removal of items, making it easier to sell large or heavy goods. Additionally, products subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law, such as refrigerators and washing machines, may be eligible for purchase if they are still functional. By requesting a purchase through 'Oikura,' it is possible to sell and hand over unwanted items as early as the same day. There is no cost to the city or the citizens for using this service. ■ Future Outlook The service will be available on the Hokota City website starting Friday, March 27, at 1:00 PM (publication time may vary).