Japan Press Weekly

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2019 November 13 - 19 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Visually-impaired submit request to Japan Post

Persons with visual impairment who came to Tokyo from all across the country on November 18 held a day of action in which they submitted their requests to Japan Post and the Transport and Welfare ministries.

At the petitioning at Japan Post, the petitioners submitted a 10-point request which includes, for example, a demand for the continuation of favorable postage rates.

In response to their request, Japan Post officials said that the company will continue providing favorable postage rates on third-class mail (such as the periodically published newsletters of disabled persons’ organizations), fourth-class mail (such as braille documents), and parcels containing braille books.

Regarding a request concerning an improvement in “something for you” missed-delivery cards, the officials said that persons with impaired eyesight can receive notification cards in braille if they register their addresses with a hub post office in their area.

One of the petitioners complained, “I asked my local post office staff to register my address, but the staff did not understand what I was talking about.” Another pointed out, “There are many visually impaired people who do not read braille.” In addition to the braille notice service, a participant proposed, the company should consider taking other measures such as punching a hole or making a dent in those cards.

Japan Post officials said that users can register by calling the customer center if they cannot register at their local post office. Concerning missed-delivery notices, the staff said that they will think about new services in addition to braille cards.