Toyama’s ROKA STYLE aims for zero waste with restored retro finds

Araki Shokai Co., Ltd. is addressing Toyama Prefecture’s waste issues and environmental burden with the opening of ROKA STYLE, a retro warehouse in Takaoka City. This place aims to give discarded items a second life by restoring and reselling them, aligning with the company’s long-time vision of achieving a zero-waste society.

For nearly two decades, Araki Shokai has been involved in recycling, striving to reduce household waste and reclaim reusable materials. As part of its ongoing efforts, the company processes around 600 clean-up projects annually, handling items that range from broken furniture to vintage artifacts. Despite advancements in recycling, much of Japan’s waste, approximately 40.34 million tons in 2022, still leaves a significant environmental footprint. The current recycling system, dominated by energy recovery through incineration, does not entirely solve the problem of environmental harm. Instead, Araki Shokai is turning to a simpler solution: reusing items in their original form.

This is where ROKA STYLE steps in. The newly launched company rescues unwanted items, including damaged and old items not typically considered for reuse, and breathes new life into them. ROKA, which means “to filter,” is a fitting name for this endeavor—it reflects the process of filtering out value from what others consider waste. For example, a worn-out vintage chest of drawers was rescued, thoroughly cleaned, and restored, transforming it into a beautiful piece that now serves as a centerpiece for a modern living room.

The Takaoka warehouse features a two-story layout that takes visitors on a journey of rediscovery. The first floor displays items exactly as they were found—dusty, raw, and untouched—offering an immersive experience akin to a treasure hunt. The second floor presents selected items that are cleaned, restored, and displayed in a ready-to-use condition. ROKA STYLE also collaborates with artists for exhibitions and workshops in a dedicated gallery space, encouraging exploration of what gives value to objects.

Through ROKA STYLE, Araki Shokai hopes to provide a space for the community to engage in discussions about the value of material things.