IV. Postal Services:  New Developments in the Post Office Network





A. Postal Operations:  Fortifying the Base



Advanced mail-handling equipment.

The post office is in the

process of installing advanced mail-handling equipment to more

efficiently deal with the ever-increasing number of items handled in

major metropolitan areas. This will ensure high-quality, uninterrupted

mail services.



Ensuring sufficient personnel.

The postal service will be

hiring, on a trial basis, specific part-time employees (employees who

work four hours daily and are given virtually the same benefits as

full-time employees) to ensure that it has a stable supply of

personnel strategically assigned, as well as to provide women and the

elderly with employment opportunities.



New post offices in Osaka.

To ensure a continued high level

of service in the greater Osaka area, the Shin-Osaka Post Office and

Osaka Parcel Post Office will open in August 1994. These offices will

occupy a strategic position in the post office network. In September,

the Osaka International Post Office will also commence operations,

upgrading the international mail network.





B. Services That Enhance Lifestyles

G4 facsimile machines are to be

installed in 20 post offices around the country. Connected by ISDN

circuits, these machines will be used on a trial basis for

high-quality Letax service. Additionally, to meet increasingly diverse

and sophisticated user needs, Letax service using personal-computer

communications will also be made available.



C. The Post Office Network: A Foundation of Society



Furusato parcels.

To increase demand for Furusato parcels and

thus contribute to the revitalization of regional economies, the MPT

is planning to establish a Furusato Parcel Promotion Council, which

will comprise producers, post offices, local governments, and

consumers. Post offices provide needed guidance, as well as feedback

to producers that includes information and expertise on utilization of

the post office network, trends in consumer demand, and quality

control.



New-material postcards from local industries.

As a means of

encouraging regional revitalization through the use of local industry

as well as to preserve the environment, the MPT will begin

investigating the possibility of using nonwood paper for postcards.



Voluntary Deposit for International Aid.

Instituted in

January 1991, the Voluntary Deposit for International Aid program had

13.79 million account holders as of the end of fiscal 1993. Funds

contributed are directed mainly to countries in Asia and Africa, for

medical treatment, instruction in hygiene, and food for poor people

and those who have suffered natural disasters.



Investment of postal savings and postal life insurance funds.

Postal savings and postal life insurance funds are invested in various

ways to help society at large, including the development of

infrastructure, enhancing people's quality of life, and promotion of

regional development. The funds are also used to purchase bonds issued

by foreign governments and international organizations, which

contributes to the stability and development of the international

economy.



Contributing to the well being of the community using postal savings and postal life insurance funds





New-media equipment for regional info-communications.

In major regional cities throughout Japan, post offices will be

installing in their lobbies such equipment as Hi-Vision (HDTV)

reception systems and communications satellite and broadcasting

satellite reception equipment and will subscribe to cable TV. These

measures serve to upgrade post offices as regional information

centers, as well as to make post office lobbies more enjoyable places

to visit.