August 8 Reuse Day aims to inspire youths toward circularity

Over 20 companies will host a two-day event in Tokyo to mark “Reuse Day” on August 8, aiming to foster a greater understanding of the circular economy among the public, particularly the younger generation.

The event, titled “August 8th Reuse Day Connecting Smiles to Power the Future.”, will take place on August 8 and 9, 2025, at Akiba Square. It is organised by an executive committee of six major reuse companies, including Mercari Inc. and Hard Off Corporation, and supported by the Ministry of the Environment.

While Japan’s reuse market is valued at approximately ¥3 trillion, a 2024 Ministry of the Environment survey revealed that 71.2% of consumers had not purchased any second-hand goods in the past year. The event seeks to normalise reuse, aligning with the Japanese government’s goal of promoting a circular economy as outlined in its “Basic Policies 2025“.

The date, August 8, was designated “Reuse Day” in 2023 by the Japan Reuse Industry Association because the numeral “8” resembles the infinity symbol (∞), representing the continuous circulation of goods.

At the venue, a box-style collection system called “R-LOOP” will be installed to provide a hands-on experience. Attendees can bring unwanted items such as clothing, toys, and household goods. These items will be inspected and subsequently sold at Bookoff’s overseas reuse shops or, if unsuitable for sale, recycled into raw materials by partner companies. The R-LOOP system, co-operated with BPLab Inc., is designed to offer consumers a simple “choice not to throw away.”

The event is free and targeted at primary school children and their parents. An opening ceremony will feature representatives from the Ministry of the Environment and the heads of four participating reuse companies, who will speak on how reuse can contribute to a circular society.