The Japanese government has passed the Revised Postal Law, paving the way for easier increases in postal rates. As a result of this new law, the criteria for raising the price of sending letters and parcels domestically and internationally will be less stringent. While the exact timeline for rate hikes has not yet been disclosed, consumers expect to see an uptick in the foreseeable future. The move has been met with mixed reactions from Japan's public.
In Japan, the Postal Services is considered a vital national infrastructure, deeply ingrained in everyday life. The law revision comes amid increased financial pressure on the organization due to declining mail volumes and growing competition from private courier services. The price increment is a substantial issue for the public, especially the elderly who rely heavily on postal services for communication and bill payments.
Unlike Japan, in the United States, the Postal Service is an independent agency and does not depend on taxpayers for its operations but is subject to Congressional control. Changes to postal rates are determined by the Postal Regulatory Commission and often meet heavy resistance. In the EU, postal services are liberalized, and rates vary across different member states depending on market conditions.