Daily Life Lessons · Post
Be able to use a missed-delivery notice to request redelivery or pick up mail and parcels at the counter within the deadline, and to recognize fake delivery notices.
If registered mail or a parcel arrives while you are out, a missed-delivery notice (ご不在連絡票) is left in your mailbox. Using the number on the notice, you can request redelivery online, by phone, or through LINE, for example. You can also pick it up at the post office counter; in that case, bring an ID document, your personal seal (a signature is also fine) and the notice.
At Japan Post, mail and Yu-Pack parcels that could not be delivered are, as a rule, kept for 7 days (the sender may have set a shorter period). After that they are returned to the sender, so act early. Procedures differ between delivery companies.
There are fake text messages (SMS) and emails asking you to "arrange redelivery" or "pay a fee." Do not open the links; check with the notice in your mailbox or the official website.
家に いない ときに 荷物（にもつ）が 来ると、ポストに「ご不在連絡票（ごふざいれんらくひょう）」が 入ります。
- 紙の 番号で、インターネット・電話・LINEから もう一度 届けて もらえます（再配達・さいはいたつ）。 - 郵便局の 窓口でも 受け取れます。本人確認書類（ほんにんかくにんしょるい）、はんこ か サイン、連絡票を 持って いきます。
郵便局で 待つのは ふつう 7日間です（もっと 短い ことも あります）。すぎると 送った 人に もどります。
「お金を 払って」「ここを 押して」という うその メッセージ（SMS）が あります。リンクを 押さないで ください。
If a parcel arrives while you are out, what is left in your mailbox?
Use the number and other details on the missed-delivery notice (ご不在連絡票) to request redelivery.
At Japan Post, how long is undelivered mail kept (as a rule)?
As a rule, it is kept for 7 days (the sender may have set a shorter period). After that it is returned to the sender.
What should you bring when picking up at the post office counter?
Bring an ID document and your personal seal (a signature is also fine), and if you were out, the missed-delivery notice.
What should you do if you get an SMS with a link saying "Please pay the redelivery fee"?
There are fake SMS and emails pretending to be from Japan Post. Don't open the link; delete it, and if unsure, check with the official contact.
What happens to mail after the holding period ends?
If you don't pick it up within the holding period, it is returned to the sender.
Q. I lost the missed-delivery notice.
A. The post office needs to check the mail it took back, so contact the post office that made the delivery.
Q. What if I will be away from home for a long time, for example on a trip?
A. If you submit an absence notice (不在届) to the post office, mail that arrives during your absence (up to 30 days) will be delivered after the period ends.
Q. What if I opened a link in a fake SMS?
A. If you entered personal information or your card number, contact your card company or others right away. If you are worried, you can consult your nearest police station or the police consultation line "#9110".
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original