Japan Post Corruption Scandal: Internal Checks Failed Amid Alleged Bribery

The corruption scandal surrounding the awarding of contracts for collecting mail from post boxes has revealed that Japan Post's internal checks failed to function, despite multiple managers being in positions to approve the contracts. Japan Post has long been criticized for its dealings with subcontractors under unfair power dynamics. It is believed that collusion with some contractors had become normalized, revealing a reality where the company's self-purification mechanisms were insufficient.

In the case, former employee Nobuyuki Yoneda (37), arrested on suspicion of aggravated bribery under the Japan Post Co., Ltd. Violation of Law (Aggravated Bribery), is alleged to have set abnormally low planned prices for bids to ensure no one would win. The method is believed to be leaking this price to the transport company "Haruki Express" before the bid, allowing them to bid with a price closest to the planned price, thereby enabling a negotiated contract after the bid failed. The contract amounts for four cases totaled 184 million yen, with prices raised up to double the planned price. According to Japan Post, Yoneda stated during an internal investigation before his arrest that he was "aware it was illegal."

Normally, planned bid prices and contract amounts are reported from the person in charge to their superior, and a system is in place to obtain approval from multiple managers. Although internal confirmation procedures were followed for this series of bids and contracts, the unnatural pricing for work involving hundreds of millions of yen in委託費 (commission fees) was overlooked within the company. Japan Post stated, "We cannot deny that we were negligent in our checks" (Public Relations Representative).

Ultimately, Japan Post's investigation only began in May 2025, triggered by a tip received from an external source. In April 2026, based on the investigation results, Yoneda was dismissed. However, the contract with Haruki, identified as the collusion partner in this incident, is still ongoing, and Japan Post is reportedly considering its response. Japan Post told reporters, "We were not aware of Haruki Express until May 20 (the date of the arrest)" (Public Relations Representative).

According to investigative sources, Yoneda and his predecessor had also received entertainment from contractors other than Haruki Express. Furthermore, the leakage of minimum bid prices to some contractors may have been occurring since the time of Yoneda's predecessor's predecessor.

The unfair power dynamics between Japan Post and its subcontractors have been a long-standing issue. The collusion in awarding subcontracted work is believed to have continued steadily behind the scenes. [Minori Nagaya]