Shipping from Japan is a complicated subject and I am going to start my blog with this subject. The shipping costs depends on the type of shipping choice you make and the amount of $$$ you are willing to spend. There are many shipping options available from Japan. Here are some details that will help you in making up your mind:
1. Small Packet SAL: max box weight limit is 2kg and the Length, Width and Height of the box must not go over 90 centimeters….This means that Length plus Width plus Height all combined must be less than 90 centimeters. By far, its one of the cheapest options. If you would like to add insurance to this option, add 410yen.
2. Small Packet Air:………….Pretty much same as the above and to be honest, not worth the added cost, so I am not going to go into the details of that.
3. Small Packet Printed Matter: Box weight is limited to 5 kg and box size is the same as for the above #1. This is the best and cheapest option for air shipments of heavy books and magazines. Though it will be more expensive than ocean/surface shipment but still a lot cheaper than EMS and SAL and Air shipments.