Circular Economy Japan

An ancient Japanese value meaning 'what a waste' or 'too precious to waste.' Wangari Maathai introduced it to the world, making it an internationally recognized environmental slogan. The concept encompasses Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, plus the spirit of Respect.

A secondhand bookstore and media reuse shop chain founded by Takashi Sakamoto in Kanagawa in 1990. Buying and selling used books, CDs, DVDs, and games across over 800 stores nationwide, Book Off has driven Japan's reuse culture and made sustainable consumption accessible to the mainstream, establishing a unique retail category.

A marketplace app founded by Shintaro Yamada in 2013. Enabling easy person-to-person buying and selling via smartphone, Mercari grew rapidly to dominate Japan's flea market app sector with over 20 million monthly users. Its expansion into Merpay mobile payments has transformed Japan's C2C economy, representing a major Japanese tech success story.

A resource-circulation regional development initiative jointly launched by METI and the Ministry of Environment in 1997. With 26 regions designated nationwide including Kitakyushu and Kawasaki, it forms zero-emission industrial clusters. This Japanese circular economy model achieves both industrial waste recycling and regional economic revitalization simultaneously.

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.

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.

One of the most sophisticated waste separation and recycling systems in the world. It is characterized by detailed sorting rules set by each municipality and high compliance rates among citizens. As a Japanese model for achieving a circular economy, it attracts study visits and research from countries worldwide.

Japanese companies' implementation and promotion of circular economy systems. Achieved through thorough waste separation, increased product recycling rates, and expanding repair/regeneration businesses. From major corporations like Panasonic and Toyota to SMEs, grown to multi-trillion yen industry. Noted as emerging market model, targeted for international pilot projects toward SDG achievement.

A modern reinterpretation of the traditional 'mottainai' spirit in contemporary sustainability context. Functions as practical environmental stewardship through used clothing recycling, food waste reduction, and plastic reduction in fashion industry. Recognized by UN Environment Program, contributing to global sustainability goals through practical action.

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.