In a troubling revelation, Japan Post Group has uncovered significant legal violations across its operations, raising questions about the integrity and safety protocols within one of the country's largest organizations. This latest scandal involves serious lapses in the monitoring of delivery vehicle drivers, with reports indicating that approximately 2,400 locations—representing 75% of post offices responsible for collection and delivery—failed to conduct proper roll calls for their drivers.
The Road Transportation Act for cargo vehicles mandates that businesses perform roll calls before and after duty to ensure the health status and sobriety of drivers. However, Japan Post has admitted to numerous instances where roll calls were either improperly conducted or falsified, with some locations creating false records to feign compliance. This negligence not only endangers the safety of the public but also undermines the trust placed in postal services.
In response to these alarming findings, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has initiated a special audit of Japan Post. Should irregularities be confirmed, penalties could include the suspension of vehicle use for the involved post offices. This move signals the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with safety regulations, especially in light of recent events.
On April 27, 2025, a delivery person from the Shinjuku Post Office was found driving under the influence of alcohol. This incident came to light when a manager, noticing that an alcohol check had not been performed, conducted an investigation that confirmed the presence of alcohol in the employee's system. Just a week prior, Japan Post had publicly apologized for the improper roll calls at over 70% of its post offices nationwide. This incident is not isolated; a similar case occurred in May 2024 when a delivery person in Yokohama was discovered delivering mail while intoxicated.
The ongoing scandals at Japan Post have drawn attention to the company’s governance issues. Critics argue that the organization has not adequately moved past its roots as a government entity, which has fostered a culture of complacency and a lack of accountability. Since its privatization in 2007, Japan Post has faced a series of controversies, including a significant scandal in 2019 involving inappropriate contracts at Kanpo Life Insurance, a subsidiary of Japan Post.
Moreover, in March 2025, the unauthorized use of customer information for approximately one million individuals at post offices nationwide was revealed, further damaging the organization’s reputation. Experts suggest that the company’s effective monopoly over the mail delivery business has contributed to a lack of competition, leading to a diminished sense of urgency and responsibility among its employees.
As Japan Post grapples with these issues, the new management team faces the daunting task of identifying and rectifying the root causes of these scandals. The company must not only implement stricter compliance measures but also foster a culture of transparency and accountability to restore public trust.
In light of these events, the question remains: how will Japan Post transform its corporate culture to prevent future violations and ensure the safety of its delivery services? The path forward will require significant changes in both policy and practice, as well as a commitment to upholding the highest standards of service.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are watching closely to see how Japan Post will respond to the challenges at hand. The implications of these scandals extend beyond the company itself, affecting the broader postal service landscape in Japan and potentially influencing public perception of privatized services.
Ultimately, the future of Japan Post hangs in the balance as it confronts these pressing issues. The organization must act decisively to address the systemic flaws that have led to repeated scandals, ensuring that it can fulfill its role as a reliable and safe postal service for all citizens.
