At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 11th, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Yoshimasa Hayashi revealed that he had reprimanded officials, including those in charge at the former Postal Administration Department, for inappropriate posts in work-related chats concerning a freedom-of-information request to the ministry regarding Japan Post's misconduct. It appears they wrote content intended to delay information disclosure, and seven officials were questioned, but it was determined that this did not violate laws or regulations and did not warrant disciplinary action. Hayashi said, "There are points on which those involved at the time should reflect regarding their understanding of the management of official documents and the significance and importance of information disclosure." The ministry explained that the chats had already been deleted and the specific content of the posts could not be confirmed. Last year, Japan Post was found to have withheld some cases in which mail was not properly delivered, and the Asahi Shimbun had requested the disclosure of documents related to the ministry's response.
JAPAN POST HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.Ministry officials reprimanded over chats about delaying disclosure of documents on Japan Post's withheld mail delivery misconduct.
