{
  "id": 6376839,
  "title": "As reuse market thrives, Japan works to combat malicious businesses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/as-reuse-market-thrives-japan-works-to-combat-malicious-businesses",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-09T02:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/09/09/reuse-market-malicious-businesses/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan's reuse market has experienced significant growth recently, prompting the government to collaborate with industry groups to address potential issues caused by unscrupulous businesses. A seminar held in early July in Tokyo offered guidance on managing vacant homes left behind by aging residents. Participants were advised to verify owners' wishes, sort through possessions, and dispose of unnecessary items. One 50-year-old attendee expressed concern about hoarding problems, stating they lacked the means to select a cleaning company. The reuse market, encompassing businesses that collect unwanted items, has surged amid inflation and rising demand for services among smaller households. The market's value hit a record ¥3.3 trillion in 2024, nearly triple its level in 2009. Akira Hatabe, head of the Japan Reuse Organization, attributes this growth to the increased need for service providers clearing out goods from family homes due to the aging population and the trend toward nuclear families. However, the expanding market has also attracted unscrupulous businesses. The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan reported a 2,680 increase in consultations related to unwanted household effect collection issues in fiscal 2025, compared to 2016. Consumers have complained about improper item collection despite paying fees, and the discarding of sentimental items without consent. The Environment Ministry aims to release guidelines for evaluating unwanted-items collectors by the end of fiscal 2027 in collaboration with the Japan Reuse Organization. Certified quality service providers will receive additional aid. Hatabe emphasized the need to create a consumer-friendly environment.",
  "summary": "The reuse market, including companies that collect unwanted items, is expanding amid growing demand for such services in households with few members.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}