Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, Launches Reuse Partnership with 'Oikura'
Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, has partnered with MarketEnterprise Co., Ltd. to introduce the reuse platform 'Oikura' starting May 28, 2026. Aiming to reduce bulky waste and promote a circular society, the initiative allows residents to use a free bulk assessment and pick-up service for unwanted items.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 15:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 02:09 (82h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 1, 2026 at 22:57 (20h 47m after Collected)
Komono Town, Mie Prefecture (Mayor: Takayuki Morooka) and MarketEnterprise Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Taiji Kobayashi; TSE Standard: 3135; hereinafter 'MarketEnterprise') have concluded an agreement on a reuse project aimed at solving local community issues, with collaboration starting on Thursday, May 28, 2026. By utilizing the reuse platform 'Oikura' operated by MarketEnterprise, the town aims to build a system for reusing unwanted items instead of discarding them, thereby reducing waste and forming a circular society in Komono Town.
In Komono Town, in addition to the increasing burden of waste disposal costs, there are challenges such as an aging population finding it difficult to move bulky waste, and the fact that many items discarded as trash are actually reusable. The town had been considering measures to raise awareness of reuse activities among residents. Meanwhile, MarketEnterprise has been developing internet-based businesses centered on reuse, with a vision of being an 'optimization trading company that realizes a sustainable society.' They have been focusing on SDGs beyond the boundaries of public and private sectors, such as participating in the 'Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform.' Under these circumstances, Komono Town approached MarketEnterprise, and since their mutual needs to 'aim for the formation of a circular society by promoting reuse activities' matched, this initiative using 'Oikura' was realized.
'Oikura' is a reuse platform developed by MarketEnterprise. When someone wanting to sell unwanted items requests an assessment through 'Oikura,' the request is sent to affiliated reuse shops nationwide for a bulk assessment, allowing users to compare purchase prices, dates, methods, and reviews. The convenience of comparing assessment results and selling items with a single request has been well-received, with approximately 1.68 million users as of the end of February 2026.
In Komono Town, bulky waste is collected for a fee through individual collection by prior application, but this is limited to elderly residents and others. 'Oikura' has no restrictions on users and offers on-site purchase services where staff can visit the home and carry out even large or heavy items, making it easier to sell such items. In addition, products 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,' it is possible to sell and hand over unwanted items as early as the same day. There is no cost to the town or residents for using the service.
Information about 'Oikura' will be posted on the Komono Town website at 15:30 on May 28 (Thursday), allowing direct applications for bulk assessments of unwanted items. The partnership between Komono Town and 'Oikura' is expected to lead to the realization of a circular society through the further revitalization of secondary distribution and a reduction in unwanted items across society, as well as a reduction in the town's waste disposal volume and costs. Furthermore, if this easy reuse method of selling becomes known to residents, it will increase the option of 'reusing instead of discarding,' meeting the diversifying needs for unwanted item disposal. This public-private initiative aims to solve both social and economic issues toward the formation of a circular society.
In Komono Town, in addition to the increasing burden of waste disposal costs, there are challenges such as an aging population finding it difficult to move bulky waste, and the fact that many items discarded as trash are actually reusable. The town had been considering measures to raise awareness of reuse activities among residents. Meanwhile, MarketEnterprise has been developing internet-based businesses centered on reuse, with a vision of being an 'optimization trading company that realizes a sustainable society.' They have been focusing on SDGs beyond the boundaries of public and private sectors, such as participating in the 'Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform.' Under these circumstances, Komono Town approached MarketEnterprise, and since their mutual needs to 'aim for the formation of a circular society by promoting reuse activities' matched, this initiative using 'Oikura' was realized.
'Oikura' is a reuse platform developed by MarketEnterprise. When someone wanting to sell unwanted items requests an assessment through 'Oikura,' the request is sent to affiliated reuse shops nationwide for a bulk assessment, allowing users to compare purchase prices, dates, methods, and reviews. The convenience of comparing assessment results and selling items with a single request has been well-received, with approximately 1.68 million users as of the end of February 2026.
In Komono Town, bulky waste is collected for a fee through individual collection by prior application, but this is limited to elderly residents and others. 'Oikura' has no restrictions on users and offers on-site purchase services where staff can visit the home and carry out even large or heavy items, making it easier to sell such items. In addition, products 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,' it is possible to sell and hand over unwanted items as early as the same day. There is no cost to the town or residents for using the service.
Information about 'Oikura' will be posted on the Komono Town website at 15:30 on May 28 (Thursday), allowing direct applications for bulk assessments of unwanted items. The partnership between Komono Town and 'Oikura' is expected to lead to the realization of a circular society through the further revitalization of secondary distribution and a reduction in unwanted items across society, as well as a reduction in the town's waste disposal volume and costs. Furthermore, if this easy reuse method of selling becomes known to residents, it will increase the option of 'reusing instead of discarding,' meeting the diversifying needs for unwanted item disposal. This public-private initiative aims to solve both social and economic issues toward the formation of a circular society.
FAQ
Are there similar initiatives in Taiwan?
Yes, local governments in Taiwan, led by Environmental Protection Bureaus, actively promote the reuse of second-hand goods and build recycling platforms.