Lawson stores to handle mail service in Japan

The Postal Services Agency announced Thursday that it will install postal boxes at Lawson convenience stores across Japan where domestic and international mail will be accepted for delivery.

The service, which will initially start at Lawson stores in urban localities, will begin Jan. 1, 2003. There are approximately 7,600 Lawson stores nationwide.

While various convenience stores currently handle privately operated package delivery services, this is the first time that a convenience store will handle mail as well.