The Underwater Postbox of Susami Bay, Japan

By Khushboo Sheth on August 21 2019 in World Facts







Got mail? Divers may have to check for you if you live in Susami Bay.

Description

Ever found yourself wondering about getting an underwater Post Office box? If so, we have a place for you to drop your mail if you happen to visit Japan. Yes, in Susami Bay you can post your mail in a postbox which is placed 10 meters deep off of the coast. When we talk about Susami, we see a populated fishing town which is located in the Wakayama Prefecture in the district of Nishimuro. This town of Susami, where off the coastline is a somewhat well-known underwater postbox, covers an approximate area of 174.71 square kilometers, and it has a population of about five thousand people, as recorded of late. The mail box that is placed underwater usually receives around 1,000 to 1,500 pieces of mails each day, many posted by family members for their loved ones, and this little piece of infrastructure carries a special significance.

Where is it located?

The world’s deepest underwater Postbox is located in Susami Bay in Japan, and is said to lie at a depth of 10 meters underwater. People usually travel from different cities to mail their letters to their family members located in other different cities. This postbox mainly lures those people who purchase the water-proof cards on which the message is written with the help of the oil-based paint markers, because of which the message can remain intact on the card despite the underwater immersion. People then dive into the sea to post their mail, and it is said to be a thrilling experience for many people who engage in this activity. The underwater postbox actually came into being during a fair in the year 1999, as part of an effort to give special attention to Susami Bay. This idea was proposed by a then-postmaster who was 70 years old named Toshihiko Matsumoto.

Exploring the World Records

In the year 2002, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized this 10-meters-deep, underwater, red postbox in Susami Bay, Japan, within which approximately 32,000 pieces of mail have been posted to date. There are many other submarine postboxes in various countries as well, several of which have entered the World Records Book for varied reasons. But the one in Japan is considered being unique, as the cards posted here, which are available nowadays to be purchased from the local general stores, are often edible, and some are flavored mails that have been developed by the local business of Susami Bay.

Making It Onto the World News

How did Susami Bay and its underwater mail hit the world news section? Well, it has been seen that this small town in Japan actually made it to the media channels around the world because of its buzz due to its one-of-a-kind postbox placed underwater. It is even said to be unique since, after every 6 months, the mailbox is maintained, including having it repainted. Moreover, after every year, the Postbox is replaced with another old fashioned type of mailbox which has become unwanted in the Post Offices in the area, so as to regularly give it a unique and fresh look that makes it more attractive amongst the people using it. The mail here is also preserved by carrying it in waterproof bags, and special underwater stamps are also used on it to ensure these reach the proper addresses.