New nationwide ReCase service collects and repairs unwanted suitcases

Suitcase specialist firm Nihon Hozai has launched “ReCase,” a new nationwide service in Japan designed to tackle the mounting problem of unwanted and abandoned luggage. It provides a circular solution for suitcases left behind by tourists or discarded by owners.

The problem of suitcase disposal has become increasingly serious in recent years. Individuals often struggle to dispose of old luggage after purchasing a new one, while the rise in inbound tourism has led to a surge in suitcases being abandoned at hotels and airports, creating a burden for businesses and local communities.

Nihon Hozai, a company with over 15 years of experience in suitcase rental, sales, and repair, developed ReCase based on its direct experience. The company noted a sharp increase in requests from hotels to handle abandoned luggage. ReCase formalises this into a public service, aiming to create a social infrastructure for suitcase circulation.

The service offers a simple process for users. Individuals can book a collection online for a fixed nationwide fee of 2,200 yen, including tax, without needing to follow municipal large-item disposal procedures. A courier collects the suitcase, even if it is broken. The service is also available for corporate clients like hotels, with a dedicated system provided free of charge to manage bulk collections.

Instead of simple disposal, ReCase operates on a circular model intended to give each suitcase a “next role.” After collection, items are assessed by specialists. Depending on their condition, they are repaired, cleaned, and sanitised for reuse or donation. Those beyond repair are dismantled for resource recycling.