Parcel company aids tourists

A major Japanese parcel delivery firm has created a unique service by instructing some of its staff to double-up as tourist guides.

The new operation began in the upscale Tokyo shopping district of Ginza on Wednesday. It was created in response to the many tourists who ask delivery staff for directions.

On the first day of the service, 42 female workers embarked from their newly opened office pushing delivery carts displaying stickers offering guidance in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. The staff also handed out leaflets saying they were available to help.

The response was almost immediate. One delivery woman was stopped by a visitor about 15 minutes into her job. A Frenchman on a business trip said he was grateful for her assistance, as he had been rushing to a meeting point.