Japan Post is moving forward with significant restructuring plans that will see nearly 20 percent of its postal and logistics distribution centers consolidated by fiscal year 2028, according to NHK. While this represents a major operational shift for the state-linked postal service, the company has emphasized that local post office branches will remain open, maintaining accessibility for residents across Japan. The restructuring comes as Japan Post grapples with a long-term decline in mail volume, a trend dramatically illustrated by this year's New Year's card delivery season. According to NHK, the number of nengajo (New Year's greeting cards) delivered in 2026 reached an all-time low, reflecting the broader shift toward digital communication platforms and social media that has fundamentally changed how Japanese residents communicate. For foreign residents in Japan, the consolidation of distribution centers is unlikely to directly impact everyday postal services. Japan Post has specifically stated that the number of post office branches—where customers conduct transactions, purchase stamps, and access financial services—will be maintained. This means expats should continue to have access to their local post offices for sending packages, purchasing postal products, and utilizing Japan Post Bank services. However, the changes may have indirect effects on delivery times and logistics operations. Distribution centers, known as shushu kyoten in Japanese, serve as regional hubs where mail and packages are sorted before being routed to local post offices for final delivery. Consolidating approximately 20 percent of these facilities by 2028 could potentially affect processing times, particularly for domestic mail traveling between regions that lose their local distribution centers. The restructuring reflects broader demographic and technological challenges facing Japan's postal system. As Japan's population ages and shrinks, and as digital communication continues to replace traditional mail, postal services worldwide are adapting their infrastructure. Japan Post's approach—streamlining backend operations while preserving customer-facing services—represents an attempt to balance efficiency with accessibility. The decline in New Year's card volume serves as a particularly telling indicator of changing communication habits in Japan. New Year's cards have been a cherished tradition for generations, with millions of Japanese residents sending greetings to friends, family, and business contacts each year. The fact that 2026 saw the lowest volume ever recorded underscores how deeply digital platforms have penetrated Japanese society, even affecting cultural traditions that once seemed immutable. For businesses and expats who rely on Japan Post for shipping and logistics, the key question will be whether the consolidation affects service quality and delivery speeds. Japan Post has not announced specific details about which distribution centers will be consolidated or how the company plans to maintain service levels with fewer facilities. The restructuring will be implemented gradually through 2028, giving the company time to adjust operations and address any service disruptions. Expats should also be aware that Japan Post offers multiple service tiers, from standard mail to express delivery options. If the consolidation does affect standard delivery times, premium services like express mail (sokutasu) may become more attractive for time-sensitive shipments. Additionally, Japan Post continues to face competition from private courier services like Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express, which may offer alternative options if postal service quality declines. The restructuring announcement comes at a time when Japan Post is also modernizing other aspects of its operations, including expanding digital services and improving package tracking capabilities. These technological improvements may help offset any potential service impacts from the physical consolidation of distribution facilities. For now, foreign residents can expect their local post offices to remain open and operational. However, it would be prudent to monitor any announcements about changes to delivery times or service standards as the restructuring progresses through 2028. Those who regularly send international packages or depend on reliable domestic shipping for business purposes should stay informed about how the consolidation affects their specific regions.