Kamikatsu Zero Waste 45-Category Sorting System

A movement centered in Kyoto that repositions the traditional furoshiki cloth as modern sustainable packaging. Fashion brands and cafés increasingly adopt furoshiki, reducing single-use plastic waste. This initiative leverages Edo-era wisdom to address contemporary environmental challenges, gaining attention both domestically and internationally.

Japan's pioneering zero-waste initiative led by Kamikatsu, a small town in Tokushima Prefecture. In 2003, the town declared its goal to achieve zero waste by 2020 and established an advanced segregation system. Now resourceing and recycling over 80% of waste, it serves as a global benchmark for sustainable waste management and attracts international visitors and researchers.

Japan's commitment to a circular economy promoting resource cycling. Systems promoting product reuse, recycling, and upcycling are embedded in society. Unique developments include the success of secondhand platforms like Mercari and resource recovery from urban mines.

Japan's secondhand goods market driven by Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, Book Off, and 2nd Street. The market reached approximately 3 trillion yen in 2023 and continues to expand annually. The high quality of Japanese products combined with careful usage and storage culture enhances secondhand value, attracting growing demand from overseas buyers.

Sorting and recycling systems for containers, packaging, appliances, and vehicles. Generational environmental education has created high public recycling awareness. Plastic bottle recovery rates exceed 90%, among the world's highest. Recognized as an example of corporate circular economy practice.

Expansion of secondhand goods market. Accelerated by mobile app platforms like Mercari. Spans clothing, books, and merchandise. Circular economy practice example. Primarily used by younger demographics. Achieves environmental responsibility and cost efficiency. Manifestation of sustainability culture.

Japan's secondhand market ranks among the world's largest. Through C2C platforms like Mercari and chain buyback stores like Second Street, transactions reach trillions in scale annually. From luxury goods to apparel, diverse products circulate. Established in a recycling-conscious society, the secondhand market realizes waste reduction and circular resource use, becoming a sustainable model.