Global consumption is shifting from ownership to access, making the sharing economy a future mainstream trend. Spanning transport, housing, and skills, it reflects shifting values and tests existing business and social systems.

CHICAGO, IL (MERXWIRE) – Despite Japan’s traditionally conservative stance toward the concept of “sharing,” its sharing economy market has expanded rapidly in recent years. According to the Sharing Economy Association of Japan, the market size reached 2.4 trillion yen in 2021, exceeded 3 trillion yen in 2024, and experts predict it will reach 14 trillion yen in 2030.

The global wave of the sharing economy has been underway for some time. Research indicates that the international market was valued at approximately USD 1.6 trillion in 2024, with projections to exceed USD 3.8 trillion by 2030. From Airbnb and Uber to Didi, such platforms have quickly penetrated multiple industries. Although Japan’s progress has been comparatively slower, the proliferation of digital payments, regulatory easing, and post-pandemic shifts in consumer behaviour have gradually transformed the market climate. Studies suggest that the sharing economy not only meets consumer demand for cost efficiency and convenience but also promotes resource circulation in line with sustainability goals.

One notable example in Japan is the short-term labour platform Timee. The startup went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in July 2024, marking one of the largest IPOs of the year in Japan. Its share price surged 28% on the first day of trading, pushing its market capitalisation above JPY 120 billion. The platform enables individuals seeking part-time jobs to instantly accept shifts in restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses, paid on an hourly basis. With over 7 million registered users and partnerships across a wide range of industries, Timee not only addresses labour shortages in Japan’s ageing society but also demonstrates how the sharing economy is deeply integrated into the labour market.

In addition, services such as Times Car, Coconala, Anyca, and Airbnb are increasingly embraced by different generations. Their common feature is convenience, enabling the principle of “use without ownership” to take root in everyday life. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, strongly favour the sharing economy. They prioritise experiences over ownership, often opting to rent instead of purchase, which not only saves money but also reduces waste. Shared bicycles, clothing rentals, and parking spaces fulfil practical needs while also aligning with environmental values.

Nevertheless, the sharing economy in Japan still faces challenges. A relatively conservative regulatory environment and consumers’ emphasis on safety and security have constrained its wider adoption. Overall, although still in a formative stage, the sharing economy is steadily permeating Japanese life. Whether for saving money, gaining convenience, or supporting environmental goals, sharing has become a mode of consumption that more people are willing to embrace.