Editing Mail (section)

=== Japan===
The modern Japanese system was developed in the mid-19th century, closely copying European models. Japan was highly innovative in developing the world's largest and most successful postal savings system and later a postal life insurance system as well. Postmasters play a key role in linking the Japanese political system to local politics. The postmasters are high prestige, and are often hereditary.<ref>Patricia L. Maclachlan, ''The people's post office: The history and politics of the Japanese postal system, 1871–2010'' (Brill, 2012).</ref> To a large extent, the postal system generated the enormous funding necessary to rapidly industrialize Japan in the late 19th century.<ref>Sheldon Garon, ''Beyond Our Means: Why America Spends While the World Saves'' (2012) pp 143–67.</ref>