Japan Post is promoting “Digital Address” and “Postal Code/Digital Address API” as new services of “Address DX” that can transmit addresses in 7-digit alphanumeric characters over the Internet.
Sachiko Saigo, manager of the company’s DX strategy department, explains, “It’s a very simple service. It converts a series of address information, such as addresses including postal codes, building information, and room numbers, into 7-digit alphanumeric characters. It’s similar to an abbreviated URL. You can continue to use the same number even if you move.”
Only the address can be converted. Personal information such as name and phone number cannot be obtained from the digital address. It is also possible to delete and re-acquire the digital address.
To obtain a digital address, first obtain the company’s “Yu ID”. After that, the registered address is converted into 7-digit alphanumeric characters. The digital address is thought of as being linked to an individual. Therefore, even if you change the address linked to your Yu ID after moving, you can continue to use your digital address without changing it.
Saigo says, “We want to solve the inconveniences of addresses with digital addresses and provide four values.” Namely, 1) “Easy to write even long addresses,” 2) “Easy to input on a PC or smartphone,” 3) “Easy to send/receive,” and 4) “Easy to change addresses even if you move.”

1) Even if the address is long or has difficult kanji, you only need to write the seven-digit digital address. 2) Just like the postal code, the entire address can be automatically input in the digital address. Inputting information into taxis and car navigation systems will also be easier. 3) By improving the accuracy of address information, it will be possible to deliver to the latest and correct address. In addition, there will be more options for receiving mail, such as drones and unmanned delivery. 4) Reduces the hassle of changing addresses when moving.

Saigo says, “We will start with digital addresses for individuals, but eventually we would like to provide digital addresses for businesses as well.”

Large companies have many branches and departments, so by assigning digital addresses to each department, it will be easier to manage departments. Sorting mail will also be easier.

Currently, digital addresses are a service that falls outside the scope of the Postal Law, so even if a digital address is written on a letter or parcel, it cannot be mailed.

The “digital address” and “postal code/digital address API” are free of charge. Anyone can use it by registering a Yu-ID.

“If digital addresses become widespread in society and API transactions increase or the costs of maintaining the system become too high, we may consider making it a paid service. However, for now we will continue to provide it free of charge so that it can be used widely,” says Saigo.

The plan is to first release it with the minimum functionality, and then listen to user feedback while expanding the functions as necessary.

“We would like to work with a variety of companies to create new services based on digital addresses. Our 10-year vision is to have digital addresses permeate society as a new social infrastructure,” says Saigo.

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