Mailing stuff home:

Surface mail is cheapest, but slow, and can't be tracked.
SAL (Surface Air Lifted) is a little cheaper than EMS.
EMS is fastest.
Make sure that each parcel is within the applicable size limit.

Useful pages on the Japan Post website:

Comparing Shipping Types

International Parcel Post (check allowable dimensions and weight)

Check Rates and Delivery Days (interactive calculation of cost and time)

Express Mail Service (EMS)
Parcels:
Longest length within 1.5m,
Longest length + Circumference within 3m,
Weight within 30kg

EMS Delivery Flow

How to Fill EMS label

Above pages have Track and Trace window for EMS. See also here.

Surface Air Lifted (SAL)

Small Packages (up to 2 kg) – check this page for dimensions & rates

Letters

Post Cards

Printed matter

 

Student Support Pages