My best friend is going to live in Japan for about a year soon, and I want to send him a birthday present while he's there. A lot of the places I've looked say it's common to make 1000 cranes for people as a wedding present, or in preparation for your own wedding so I'm not sure this is an appropriate gift -___- Also, I have no idea how I would ship them to him...
A 1000 cranes set is a lovely thought would be a wonderful present. But you have one problem. How many boxes will it take to ship 1000 origami cranes to Japan? How much will it cost? Remember, airmail is very expensive, USPS doesn't do overseas surface mail anymore. Mailing parcels to Japan with DHL/UPS would cost you at least $80 for 20 pounds or less. You would do better to send your friend cash by wire transfer. Furthermore, since your friend will be in Japan for 12 months, I would guess his living quarters are not spacious. The average home is only 1000 sq feet in size. Apartments can be as tiny as 100 sq.ft. Where will he put 1000 cranes? He will have it for a few months before he has to pack to return home. What will he do then? Toss the cranes or ship them home? I believe he would prefer to have the wire transfer. Cost of living in Japan is high. Cash is going to be so appreciated even if 1000 cranes gift is a sweet sentimentality. Check the sites referenced for cost of shipping.
One idea would be to send one crane that you've made using airmail paper. Write your wish for your friend tell him that you have 999 more cranes waiting for him to return home again.
