Japan’s Digital Address Revolution Reshapes Logistics

On May 26, 2025, Japan Post introduced a significant advancement in its digital transformation efforts: the launch of its new “Digital Address” service. This initiative could have far-reaching implications for the global logistics and office supply industries.

The Digital Address replaces conventional full-length Japanese addresses—including building and apartment numbers—with a simplified, randomized 7-character alphanumeric code. For instance, instead of entering “1-2-3 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Apt. 123,” users can now input something like “ABC1234.”

As the founder of QRIE Ltd., a company specializing in printer supplies and toner solutions, I’ve long observed how Japan’s analog-heavy logistics systems have historically sustained demand for printed materials. Countless shipping labels, correction slips, and address forms have been required due to manual address entry errors or formatting inconsistencies. These needs formed a critical part of Japan’s printing supply chain. But with the Digital Address, we are entering a new era—one that reduces the reliance on paper and printed labels.

Japan Post’s new system is free to use, integrated with the company’s Yu-ID online platform, and currently supported via the Japan Post app when creating shipping labels for Yu-Pack and Yu-Packet. It significantly streamlines address entry, especially for foreign residents, elderly users, or anyone navigating the complexities of Japanese address formats.

In addition to simplifying postal logistics, Japan Post envisions even broader applications. The company plans to offer open API access to third-party developers, enabling integration into e-commerce, ride-hailing, and even drone delivery platforms. Companies such as Rakuten and subsidiaries of GMO Internet Group are already exploring adoption. Imagine entering a short code at a taxi terminal that directs the driver to your precise destination—no complicated address input or language barriers.

To address privacy concerns, Japan Post has ensured that the Digital Address system does not support reverse lookups. The randomized codes are not connected to names or contact information unless accessed through the user’s secure Yu-ID account. Security measures are also in place to block unauthorized or brute-force attempts to guess address codes.

From a logistical standpoint, the system has the potential to reduce delivery errors, cut down on manual correction tasks, and eliminate the need for multiple printed documents for each shipment. If adopted more broadly—by local governments, logistics providers, and utilities—the reduction in printed address media could be dramatic. This aligns with Tokyo’s broader digital governance agenda, marking a fundamental shift in how physical goods are connected with digital identity.

For the office supply industry, particularly firms focused on shipping labels, toner cartridges, and address-form printing, this development signals a wave of digital disruption. As Japan, long known for its paper-heavy bureaucracy, transitions to more efficient, paperless logistics systems, traditional print-related demand is bound to shrink.

Rtmworld readers around the world should take note: Japan Post’s Digital Address system may soon become a global benchmark for combining smart logistics, digital identity, and environmental efficiency. It’s not just a new way to send mail—it’s a powerful signal of transformation.

About the Author

Koichi Yoshizuka is the founder and CEO of QRIE Ltd., established in 2005. QRIE specializes in importing and wholesaling compatible inks and toners for printers. The company has successfully expanded into online sales through its e-commerce site and major platforms like Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping, serving a diverse clientele ranging from corporate clients to individual consumers. Renowned for quality and affordability, QRIE has won Rakuten’s Shop of the Year award in the Electronics category three times.

In addition, QRIE is actively developing new digital businesses and products driven by employee innovation. Today, QRIE boasts annual sales revenue of approximately USD 14 million and employs 45 dedicated staff members. Under Koichi Yoshizuka’s leadership, QRIE continues to thrive and innovate in the competitive printer supplies market.

Koichi Yoshizuka was also a featured speaker at the RemaxWorld Summit 2024 , held in October during the RemaxWorld Expo in Zhuhai, China. In his address, he highlighted the unique characteristics of the Japanese printing and copying market.

For communication, you can contact Koichi Yoshizuka on LinkedIn.

Other posts from Koichi:

• Farewell to a Legend: David Gibbons and His Enduring Legacy
• Japan’s Journey to Paperless: Digitization and the Decline of Office Printing
• The Inevitable Decline of Postal Services in a Paperless World
• How Tokyo’s Digital Reform Threatens Japan’s Office Supply Industry
• Japan’s Digital Address Revolution Reshapes Logistics

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