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; President and 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 faced challenges regarding the increasing burden of waste disposal costs and the growing number of elderly citizens who find it difficult to transport bulky waste. Furthermore, the city recognized the need for greater public awareness regarding reuse activities and had been considering the introduction of reuse measures. Meanwhile, MarketEnterprise, which operates an online business centered on reuse, has focused on SDGs through public-private partnerships, such as participating in the 'Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform' and acting as a member of the 'Musical Instrument Donation Hometown Tax' executive committee, under its vision of being an 'Optimization Trading Company for a Sustainable Society.' These shared needs—the desire to promote a circular society through reuse—led to the realization of this initiative using 'Oikura' (Note 1). Note 1: About 'Oikura' Oikura is a reuse platform developed by MarketEnterprise. When users wishing to sell unwanted items submit an appraisal request through Oikura, the request is sent to affiliated reuse shops nationwide for a bulk appraisal, allowing users to compare purchase prices, dates, methods, and reviews. Its convenience, which allows 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 via 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出張買取 (on-site purchase) 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,' citizens can potentially sell and hand over unwanted items as early as the same day. There is no cost to the city for this service, and it is free for citizens to use. ■ Future Outlook The service will be available on the Hokota City website starting Friday, March 27, at 1:00 PM (release time may vary).