Ironically, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has been quietly rooting for the Americans as well.

ECONOMIST: Japanese telecoms

We have an excellent relationship with China -- with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, China Telecom and various provincial and municipal bodies and telecommunications authorities.

CNN: Getting Ready for 1997

Sanrio's licensing offensive has so far netted such high-profile brands as pen-maker Parker, cosmetics manufacturers Shiseido and Kanebo, and even the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

CNN: PRETTY IN PINK SLUMP

Instead of making life difficult for anybody in Japan wanting to offer Internet access to the public, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has lately been issuing licences to all and sundry.

ECONOMIST: Kanji and kana on the Internet