Shipping a katana-dansu (i.e. bulky item) from Japan to US -- how?

[Chojugiga]

Hello, everyone. Does anyone have any experience with or guidance for shipping a tansu from Japan to the United States? I found a tansu artisan in Japan, but he was unsure how to have one shipped to the United States. I investigated Yamato, EMS, and FedEx without success, though I may not be savvy enough to find what I'm looking for. I have also heard of large items being transported by ship, but am unsure where to look for that. (Also, naïvely, I checked if it could be checked as luggage on JAL -- a little too big.) Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

If relevant, the tansu measures 129cm x 44cm x 78cm (51" x 18" x 31") and weighs 40kg (89 lbs).

 

Thank you in advance, as always.

[Ken-Hawaii]

My katanadanso came via ship from Japan to Hawaii. That has been many years ago, & I recall that it came via DHL. I don't recommend them because of another incident, but mine did arrive in good shape.

[Bugyotsuji]

Years ago I sold an apartment in Kobe and moved to the UK. Everything was protected with specially-made plywood boxes and shipped. I suspect you will need to investigate 'global logistics' companies, people who will come to your house and collect an item for you.

[Toryu2020]

(Kuroneko) Yamato Takyubin - they will help you pack and ship - safe and relatively inexpensive...

[Bugyotsuji]

Actually that's interesting for me too, Tom. Thanks. We have a Kuroneko just down the road, and there's a tansu here that a friend left behind which still needs sending. I'll take it down to see what they say.

 

(Although KN Yamato wanted 10,000+ JPY to ship a short length of dowelling rod to Sweden... after the Post Office had refused as they said wood objects are prohibited by Swedish law. Eventually it was checked in for the return flight with no fuss.)

[Chojugiga]

Those are some great leads. Thank you, everyone! I'll follow up if I'm able to make it happen.