Japan Post to Raise International Postal Rates by Average 37% From February 1

Summary

Japan Post will raise international postal rates by an average of 37% from February 1. EMS prices will increase by about 37%, international parcels by 39% and standard international mail by 35%. The company says inflation, the weaker yen and rising delivery costs are behind the changes. EMS pricing for shipments of up to 6 kilograms will also move to 1-kilogram weight increments. A 5.5-kilogram parcel from Japan to the United States will rise from 16,300 yen to 21,400 yen. The increases could affect foreign residents, students, families and businesses sending goods overseas from Japan. Japan Post will also raise the price of domestic cash-mailing envelopes from 21 yen to 30 yen in April. Read the full article for the key price changes and practical points for international senders.

Japan Post to Raise International Postal Rates by Average 37% From February 1

Japan Post announces broad international rate increases

Japan Post will raise its international postal rates from February 1, citing sharply higher delivery costs driven by inflation and the weaker yen. The average increase will be approximately 37%, marking the company’s first international postal price revision since October 2023.

The changes will affect a wide range of services used by residents, businesses, tourists, students and foreign nationals living in Japan. International Express Mail Service, commonly known as EMS, will rise by an average of about 37%. International parcels will increase by approximately 39%, while standard international mail, including postcards, will become around 35% more expensive.

EMS pricing structure to change

Japan Post is also revising the way it calculates prices for EMS shipments weighing up to 6 kilograms. Instead of setting prices in increments ranging from 100 grams to 500 grams, the company will use 1-kilogram increments. The change is intended to simplify the pricing structure, although some customers may see a larger price difference depending on the weight of their shipment.

For example, sending a 5.5-kilogram parcel from Japan to the United States currently costs 16,300 yen. After the revision, the same shipment will cost 21,400 yen. That represents an increase of 5,100 yen, or slightly more than 31%.

Higher costs for international senders

Japan Post said the adjustments are necessary to maintain a stable international postal service. The company is facing higher transportation, fuel, labor and handling expenses, while the yen’s depreciation has increased the cost of overseas delivery and international logistics. These pressures have affected postal operators and shipping companies in many countries, but they are particularly important for Japan, where international mail remains a practical option for sending documents, gifts and personal belongings abroad.

For foreign residents and international students in Japan, the new rates may affect the cost of sending seasonal gifts, food products and household items to family members overseas. Businesses that rely on EMS or international parcels for small-scale exports may also need to review shipping budgets, delivery options and product pricing. Customers are likely to benefit from comparing EMS with private courier services, although the best option will depend on destination, delivery speed, package size and customs requirements.

Domestic cash-mailing envelopes also affected

Japan Post will make a separate price increase for two domestic products used to send cash by registered mail. The “cash envelope” and “large cash envelope” will both rise from 21 yen to 30 yen on April 1. These envelope charges are separate from postage and other registered-mail fees.

Japan Post’s announcement highlights the continuing impact of inflation and currency movements on everyday services in Japan. While the increases may be challenging for households and companies that send items abroad, the postal operator says they are intended to support the reliable continuation of international mail services. Customers planning to send parcels before the February revision should check the latest destination-specific rates, size restrictions and customs documentation requirements directly with Japan Post.