This article is written by a Japanese local.
Japan’s logistics and postal systems boast world-class accuracy, but for business professionals working in an office during the day, receiving packages at home on weekdays is often difficult. If you are not home during a delivery attempt, the postal worker will always leave a small slip of paper called an “Absence Notice” (Fuzai Renraku-hyo) in your mailbox.
Mistaking this slip for junk mail and ignoring it will directly lead to critical documents or parcels being returned to the sender. This article explains the rules of Japan’s redelivery system and provides a smart approach for expats to easily claim their packages using a smartphone.
1. The “Absence Notice” and the Strict 7-Day Retention Rule
[Summary] Packages accompanied by an absence notice are held at the post office for only “7 days.” If this period expires, the item is automatically returned to the sender.
As a general rule, Japan Post delivery staff will not leave packages outside your door (drop-off delivery) if you are not home. Instead, they will leave an “Absence Notice” in your mailbox, detailing the date and time of the attempt and the post office handling your item.
The most crucial rule here is the “Retention Period” (Hokan Kigen). The post office will hold your package for exactly 7 days, starting from the day after the initial delivery attempt. If you are on a business trip, fail to check your mail, and exceed this limit, the package will be unceremoniously returned to the sender (such as a bank, government office, or online shop). Since resending often incurs extra fees and hassle, responding immediately upon finding the notice is essential.
2. The Smart Process: Scheduling Redelivery via Smartphone
[Summary] Simply scan the QR code printed on the absence notice with your smartphone to schedule a redelivery 24/7 without needing to make a phone call in Japanese.
Even if you are not confident speaking Japanese over the phone, the current system allows you to complete the entire process via your smartphone. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Scan the “QR Code” printed on the front of the absence notice using your smartphone camera.
- Step 2: The Japan Post redelivery website will open automatically. (Required information, such as the tracking number, will already be pre-filled).
- Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts to input your “postal code” and “contact phone number.”
- Step 4: Select your “desired delivery date” and “time slot” (e.g., 19:00 – 21:00) when you are certain you will be home, and submit your request.
3. Utilizing Evening/Weekend Delivery and Delivery Boxes
[Summary] Japan’s redelivery system allows you to request weekends or evening slots (up to 9 PM). If conditions are met, you can also redirect the delivery to a parcel locker.
The greatest advantage of the Japanese redelivery system is its timing flexibility. If daytime receipt is impossible, you can reschedule for Saturday or Sunday, or select an evening time slot such as “19:00 – 21:00” for when you return from work.
Additionally, if your apartment building is equipped with a “Delivery Box” (Taku-hai Box), you may have the option on the smartphone screen to select “Deliver to the delivery box next time.” (*Note: Registered mail and highly secure documents from banks or immigration require face-to-face handover and cannot be left in a box).
4. Q&A (Picking Up Directly at the Post Office)
[Summary] If receiving the item at home is too difficult, you can pick it up directly at the designated post office by bringing the absence notice and a valid ID.
Q. Can I go directly to the post office to pick up my package at my own convenience?
A. Yes. You can visit the counter (often called the “Yu-Yu Window”) of the specific post office listed on the absence notice. When doing so, you must bring the original “Absence Notice” and an “Identification Document” verifying your address (such as your Residence Card or driver’s license). Make sure to check their operating hours in advance, and avoid going while the delivery person might still be out on their route with your package.
Q. Can I have the package redirected to my office or another address?
A. For standard parcels, it is often possible to redirect the delivery to your workplace. However, for highly important documents like bank cards, credit cards, or visa-related notices, security rules (such as “Restricted Delivery” or “Do Not Forward”) dictate that they can only be received at your registered home address.
Conclusion: Do Not Ignore It; Process It Instantly
Under Japanese delivery rules, the “Absence Notice” is your essential ticket for retrieving your items. Ignoring it because of a language barrier guarantees that your parcel will be lost after 7 days. Cultivate the habit of scanning the QR code the moment you find a notice, quickly setting up a redelivery that fits your professional schedule.