Japan Post will revise its domestic postal service regulations from February 1, 2026, regarding the conditions for paying postage for postage-paid mail (postage-paid mail) with postage stamps.
<Stamp sample (from Japan Post official website)>
Postage paid in advance is a system where, when sending a large volume of mail or packages, postage is paid in a lump sum without the need to affix stamps. Specifically, it is a service for shops and businesses that send out invitations for sales, exhibitions, bargains, etc.
With this change, it will no longer be possible to pay for mail with separate postage exceeding 50,000 yen per shipment using postage stamps.
Please note that for mail that is not subject to postage discounts and is subject to the basic postage rate, payment can still be made in cash or by postage stamps.
■ Changes to the amount
| Amount of separate payment fee (per time) |
Payment Method (Change before) |
Payment Method (After change) |
| Over 5 million yen | Postage stamps (up to 100 million yen) Cash, etc. |
(Payment by postage stamps is not accepted.) Cash, etc. |
| Below 5 yen | Postage stamp Cash, etc. |
Postage stamp Cash, etc. |
Furthermore, when paying for separate-payment mail with postage stamps, the submission method will be specified. Specifically, this may include the use of a designated form, the type of postage stamps that can be affixed based on the total number of stamps, and the format of the mail.
These procedures also apply to packages (and the total value of packages if mail and packages are sent at the same time).
