Tokyo firm R&R rolls out Right to Repair platform for consumers

Tokyo-based firm R&R launches “monomane,” a digital application designed to facilitate the “Right to Repair” and accelerate Japan’s transition to a circular economy today. It provides a service that allow consumers to manage household possessions and request repairs through a centralised digital interface.

There is a significant gap in current consumption patterns, where fewer than half of consumers opt for repairs when products fail. This trend contributes to excessive waste and overproduction. R&R identifies repair as the most environmentally friendly choice for consumers, as extending the lifespan of existing products directly reduces the demand for new resources.

The monomane app enables users to register a wide range of items, including smartphones, home appliances, watches, and vehicles. Users can store digital copies of warranties and receipts, receive notifications for warranty expirations or battery replacements, and assess failure risks. The app integrates with “REPAIR BASE,” a business-to-business platform also developed by R&R, which allows users to request repairs, receive quotes, and complete payments within the application.

REPAIR BASE serves as a digital transformation tool for repairers, manufacturers, and warranty providers. It streamlines customer acquisition, workflow management, and billing. The company is currently developing an AI-driven algorithm for REPAIR BASE, scheduled for release by the end of 2026, which will automate preliminary estimates and recommend specific repair parts to reduce lead times.

The development of these platforms hopes to increase awarenes  for the “Right to Repair” legislation recently passed in the European Union. R&R designed its systems to meet EU requirements for repair platforms, ensuring a transparent and accessible ecosystem for Japanese consumers.

Looking ahead, R&R Co., Ltd. plans to expand the scope of its services beyond repairs. The company intends to incorporate features for maintenance, resale, recycling, and data recovery to support the entire lifecycle of a product. It is currently seeking partnerships with manufacturers and service providers to broaden the range of supported categories and strengthen the domestic repair infrastructure.