The Privitization of 郵便局 (〒)

Random story. One of my colleagues just came back from the post office, looking rushed. She explained that she had run an errand quickly over lunch but the place was a zoo, being the first day of the new system.

"The new system?" I inquired.

Then she explained that today is the day that Japan Post offically goes private.

The privitization of Japan Post, a project brought forth by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is one of the most controversial points of political debate in Japan... but, surprisingly, one I knew pretty much nothing about. I was surprised that neither CNN nor BBC News (my main news sources) were covering the story on their websites today, and I have also yet to learn how this will affect shipping rates and my business with them (if at all).

Anyways, here is some more information on the topic for now: http://search.ft.com/search?queryText=japan%2C+post%2C+koizumi&aje=true&dse=&dsz=&x=12&y=4

Enjoy the articles! I'll keep you posted (ok, bad pun) if there is anything big in the news about the change.