Japan Post has launched a free "digital address" system assigning a unique 13-digit code to every location in Japan, including individual apartments and building floors. This system aims to simplify deliveries and other location-based services, especially in areas with complex or non-standard addresses. Users can obtain their digital address via a website or app, and businesses can integrate the system into their services. The goal is to improve logistics efficiency and potentially support autonomous delivery robots and drones in the future.
In a momentous stride towards modernizing its addressing infrastructure and facilitating more efficient logistical operations, Japan Post Co. has officially inaugurated a groundbreaking "digital address" system. This innovative system, which commenced operation on May 26, 2025, assigns a unique, alphanumeric code to every location within Japan, supplementing the traditional, often complex and ambiguous Japanese addressing conventions. These digital addresses, consisting of a sequence of twelve characters, pinpoint locations with granular precision, down to a resolution of approximately three meters square, thereby eliminating the ambiguities that can arise from relying solely on traditional address formats. This enhanced precision promises to significantly streamline delivery services, particularly for businesses engaged in e-commerce and logistics, enabling more accurate and timely deliveries even in locations with convoluted or non-standard addressing schemes. Furthermore, the system is expected to be a boon for emergency services, allowing responders to pinpoint incident locations with unprecedented accuracy, thereby potentially saving valuable time in critical situations. Japan Post envisions this digital addressing system playing a crucial role in a variety of other applications as well, including facilitating the utilization of autonomous delivery robots and drones, promoting the growth of the sharing economy, and assisting with the implementation of advanced location-based services. The implementation of this system represents a significant investment in Japan's digital infrastructure, modernizing a fundamental aspect of daily life and paving the way for more efficient and technologically advanced services across multiple sectors. The availability of these precise location identifiers is anticipated to unlock numerous opportunities for innovation and improve the overall functionality of various location-dependent operations within Japan. This forward-thinking initiative by Japan Post underscores the nation's commitment to embracing technological advancements to improve societal efficiency and convenience.
Summary of Comments ( 270 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44117779
HN commenters are largely skeptical of Japan Post's new digital address system. Many see it as a solution in search of a problem, questioning the need for another addressing system when physical addresses and GPS coordinates already exist. Some suspect ulterior motives, suggesting Japan Post is trying to create a proprietary system to maintain relevance or gather data. The complexity of the system, requiring users to generate and manage 12-digit codes, is also criticized. A few commenters mention similar systems in other countries, noting varying degrees of success and adoption. Overall, the sentiment is that this system is unlikely to gain widespread traction due to its perceived redundancy and inconvenience.
The Hacker News post titled "Japan Post launches 'digital address' system" generated a moderate discussion with several insightful comments.
Several commenters questioned the practical value and necessity of the system, especially given Japan's existing robust address system. One commenter pointed out the potential redundancy, suggesting that the existing system, which uses geographic coordinates down to the building level, already provides a highly precise location. They also raised concerns about the system's interoperability with other systems and its reliance on a single, centralized provider. Another user echoed this sentiment, suggesting that using standard latitude and longitude would be a more universally applicable solution.
The potential for misuse and privacy concerns were also raised. One commenter expressed skepticism about the "digital mailbox" feature, questioning its utility and highlighting the risk of spam and unwanted mail.
Another line of discussion focused on the technical implementation of the system. Commenters speculated on the possibility of it being based on 3-words or similar systems, and discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an approach.
Some commenters drew comparisons with other digital address systems, such as those used in India and the UK. They discussed the relative merits of each system and the challenges faced in their implementation.
A few commenters offered a more positive perspective, suggesting that the system could be useful for package delivery and other logistical purposes. One commenter highlighted the potential for improved efficiency in delivery services, particularly in areas with complex or ambiguous addresses.
Finally, several commenters pointed out the historical context of the Japanese addressing system and the cultural factors that may have influenced the development of the new digital system.