October 22, 2024
Implementation of a Demonstration Project for “Regional Revitalization through Same-Day Delivery Services for Local Products Using Surplus Capacity in Combination with Cooperative Shopping Services” as part of the FY2024 “Project for Promotion of Public Regional Infrastructure Cooperation of Post Offices, etc.”

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will implement the “Regional Revitalization through Same-Day Delivery Services for Local Products Using Surplus Capacity in Combination with Cooperative Shopping Services” Demonstration Project as part of the “Project for Promotion of Public Regional Infrastructure Cooperation of Post Offices, etc.” which has been in effect since FY2022. This project will begin on Friday, November 1, as outlined below.

1. Overview

 Since 2022, the MIC has been working on a “Project for Promotion of Public Regional Infrastructure Cooperation of Post Offices, etc.” The aim is to create model cases nationwide by conducting demonstration projects that utilize digital technology and the network of 24,000 post offices across Japan to solve regional issues through collaboration between post offices and local governments. (Attachment 1)
 As part of this project, the theme for this year is “Regional Revitalization through Same-Day Delivery Services for Local Products Using Surplus Capacity in Combination with Cooperative Shopping Services”. The postal and delivery networks that exist throughout the country, including in mountainous areas, will be utilized to conduct demonstrations with the aim of revitalizing local communities by improving access for residents to purchase food and daily necessities, contributing to the promotion of local industries through support for the distribution of agricultural products.

2. Demonstration overview

 (1) Implementation location
 Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
 (2) Implementation period
 November 1, 2024 (Friday) - January 31, 2025 (Friday) (planned)
 (3) Demonstration project details
 The surplus capacity of Japan Post delivery vehicles and existing delivery networks will be used to help solve regional issues by implementing a mutual aid shopping service (“Otagai Market”) between the Oku-Shizuoka region of Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture and the central city area to help address the shopping difficulties. In addition, a same-day delivery service for local produce will be implemented to expand the sales channels of small-scale farmers utilizing surplus capacity. This is expected to revitalize the region by improving access for residents to purchase food and daily necessities and contributing to the promotion of local industries by supporting the distribution of agricultural products. (Attachment 2)