World Post Day

On 9 October, the international community observes World Post Day, expressing gratitude to postal workers for maintaining connections between people, countries, and continents. The date commemorates the establishment of the Universal Postal Union on 9 October 1874.

The history of delivering messages across Ukrainian lands reaches far into the past. During the period of the Kyivan State, messengers carried official documents, orders, and news between cities and territories. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the postal system of the Hetmanate developed, with postal routes and stations being established. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the network expanded, and postal services in Ukrainian territories became part of the international postal exchange. Today, Ukraine is served by its national postal operator and private delivery companies.

Japan also has a long history of delivering official messages. In ancient times, systems of messengers and relay stations connected the capital with the provinces. Japan’s modern postal service was established in 1871, with its first routes connecting Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka. In 1877, Japan joined the Universal Postal Union and became part of the international postal network.

Since the beginning of russia’s aggression in 2014, and especially following its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian postal workers have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication. Despite attacks, the destruction of post offices, damage to infrastructure, and the loss of postal employees, Ukraine’s postal services continue to operate.

Postal vehicles deliver pensions, medicine, humanitarian aid, parcels, and messages from loved ones to remote communities and settlements close to the front line. Following the liberation of Ukrainian territories, postal workers are often among the first to resume their work, restoring people’s connection with the country and with their families.

Japanese society has repeatedly demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine. The work of postal operators and international logistics networks helps maintain the exchange of mail and the delivery of essential items even under extraordinarily difficult conditions. It reminds us that the desire to connect people can overcome distance, borders, and hardship.

We express our sincere gratitude and profound respect to every postal worker. Thank you for your daily work, dedication, and sense of responsibility.