Is there any reason you can't check in this bin or 1-2 suitcases on your flight? I bought something even bigger than that and it was free. Some airlines will charge you $100 if it's oversized or over your 2 suitcase limit. You're basically robbing the airline when you do this.

I mailed several boxes of personal items to Japan before I moved here. The boxes were similar in size to the one you are describing, and they cost about $100 each to send by priority mail.

Flying with an oversize or additional bag can be costly. I checked-in a bicycle case in addition to my 2 checked bags, the bike case cost an extra $150, and had they known there was a bicycle in it (I lied and said it contained camera equipment), it would have been an additional $150. One of my suitcases was deemed to be overweight, so I had to pay a further $75.

Wow, I've always wanted to move to Japan, but I haven't looked into it yet. I wanted to move to an urban area, like Tokyo. The only problem is that I have a professional job here and I'm not sure how much extra licensing it would take to be able to practice the same thing in Japan.

What have you done so far to prepare for the move?

What have I done? Well, I just landed in the country yesterday. I'll post my results later on. Thanks again for the advice everyone.

Update: Immigration granted me a cert of eligibility to stay in Japan for a year. Also, the base accepted me to the school with no problem, and I got my veterans' benefits in my bank account. I'm not going to live rich, but I think my expenses will be okay if my girlfriend has a job (she does) and I can find work doing odd jobs and etc. This was such a crazy plan (and I'm not sure if anyone else would have the same success), but I'm glad it worked out.

!!!!!!!!!!!

I am glad things are working out.