Japan Post set to battle Yamato Transport in court
Japan Post President Masaharu Ikuta criticized Wednesday the move by Yamato Transport Co. filing a lawsuit to halt the state-backed entity’s tie-up with convenience store operator Lawson Inc. in handling parcels, indicating that the entity will contest the issue in court.
“Though consumers are demanding better-service competition, the essence of Yamato’s complaint is aimed at preserving its vested interest in the market,” Ikuta said at a press conference.
On Sept. 28, parcel delivery service provider Yamato Transport filed the lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court against Japan Post, claiming that Japan Post’s parcel delivery business expansion through Lawson’s nationwide network would be “unfair” under the Antimonopoly Law as long as the entity receives preferential treatment in taxation and other areas.
Ikuta argued against the parcel deliverer’s claim, saying, “Yamato is ignoring the difference in its basic position with the public corporation, which is facing restrictions in such areas as the development of a business model,” said Ikuta.
Japan Post is expected to show its position against Yamato Transport at Thursday’s first oral proceedings at the court, where Yamato Transport is likely to criticize Japan Post for hampering private-sector firms’ performances.
