In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government is set to double the use of non-face-to-face or contactless parcel delivery, aiming to reach 50% of the total deliveries. The government believes this measure will limit the spread of the virus while ensuring goods and services continue to flow in communities. The timeline for the proposed scale-up is yet to be disclosed.

In Japanese society, customer service is particularly valued, which traditionally includes face-to-face interactions. This move may initially face resistance, but is seen as a necessary step amidst the current global health crisis. Laws surrounding worker safety and public health are expected to strongly support this initiative, and it fits within Japan's broader efforts to digitize services and modernize its economy.

In the US and EU, contactless and delivery services have seen a significant increase since the onset of the pandemic, with policies supporting and promoting this shift. However, the approach is often market-driven, with businesses leading change, compared to Japan where the government takes a proactive role.