The freely distributed postcard featuring "Posukuma" and "Posukoguma" is seen in this image provided by Japan Post Co.'s Chugoku branch.

HIROSHIMA -- Japan Post Co.'s Chugoku branch in western Japan has launched distribution of free postcards to get kids writing to catch up with their friends, teachers and others whom they can't see while holed up at home due to schools being temporarily shut over coronavirus fears.

The free postcards are decorated with an image of Japan Post's mascot "Posukuma" -- a portmanteau of post and kuma, the word for bear in Japanese -- and their smaller friend "Posukoguma."

In Hiroshima Prefecture, almost all public schools have been closed since March 2. To stop the spread of the new coronavirus, after school club activities have also been suspended, and children are being told to stay at home.

In response, the Chugoku branch in Hiroshima's Naka Ward decided to offer the Posukuma-themed postcards for free at 82 post offices in the five prefectures in the Chugoku region from March 9. Among them are 29 locations in Hiroshima Prefecture, including the Hiroshima Chuo, Fukuyama, Kure and Onomichi offices. Each has around 100 postcards for people to take, and based on uptake each location will look into providing more.

Actually sending the postcards will, however, incur a separate cost of 63 yen for the stamp. Enquiries can be made by telephone to the Chugoku branch at 082-224-5991 (in Japanese).

(Japanese original by Tetsuya Hirakawa, Hiroshima Bureau)