A customer in Germany purchased our Inari Fox, and we shipped it from Japan via UPS. It was also shipped the same day. For international delivery, our priorities are simple: protect the protruding parts, prevent movement inside the box, and avoid bottom failure or box deformation.
This Inari Fox is made of granite and has several areas that can take concentrated stress during shipping, including the ears, nose, and tail. For that reason, we first checked the condition of the piece, added cardboard guards to the exposed parts, wrapped the statue with bubble wrap, and packed it so it would not shift inside the carton.
Shipping details
| Carrier | UPS |
|---|---|
| Destination | Germany |
| Shipped from | Japan |
| Number of parcels | 1 parcel |
| Dispatch timing | Shipped on the same day |
| Packing focus | Protection for the ears, nose, and tail / No movement inside the box / Side and bottom reinforcement / Stronger outer packaging |
Packing materials used
| Japanese newspapers | Used as the first protective layer to help protect the surface and provide initial cushioning. |
|---|---|
| Bubble wrap | Used as the main cushioning material around the stone statue. |
| Stretch film | Used to keep the protective materials in place and hold the wrapped bundle together. |
| Cardboard guards | Used to protect exposed areas such as the ears, legs, and nose. |
| Corrugated cardboard wrap | Used around the outside to reinforce the package and help it keep its shape. |
| Carton box | We used a box with enough internal space to create a protective buffer around the statue. |
| Inner cushioning | Used to fill space on the bottom and sides to reduce settling and side-to-side movement. |
| OPP packing tape | Used for sealing and reinforcement. H-taping was used to strengthen the carton. |
| Stretch film for the outer box | Wrapped around the carton to improve outer stability and prevent looseness. |
| PP straps | Used to tighten the outer carton and reduce the risk of opening or twisting during transport. |
| Shipping document pouch | Used to attach documents such as the invoice to the outside of the package. |
| FRAGILE labels | Used to clearly indicate careful handling during international transport. |
Packing steps
1) Check the condition of the statue before packing
Before packing, we check the overall shape and condition of the Inari Fox. By looking first at areas where stress can concentrate during transport, such as the ears, nose, and tip of the tail, it becomes easier to decide which parts need the most protection.
2) Add cardboard guards to the exposed parts
Photo: Cardboard guards were attached to vulnerable areas such as the ears and around the front legs. Stone statues are hard, but they still need protection from localized impact, so we first focus on guarding the exposed parts.
3) Wrap the entire statue with bubble wrap
Photo: After the cardboard guards are attached, the statue is wrapped fully in bubble wrap. This layer helps protect the surface and also absorbs light rubbing and small shocks during handling.
4) Prepare the box and secure protection on the bottom and sides
Before placing the statue into the carton, we prepare a protective space on the bottom and around the sides. For a heavy stone statue, bottom support and side clearance are both very important.
5) Place the statue in the box and keep it from moving
Photo: This is the statue after it has been placed inside the carton. The key point is making sure it does not move left and right or up and down inside the box. We adjust the space carefully so it is not too loose during transport.
6) Reinforce the outer box with tape, stretch film, and PP straps
Photo: The package is packed horizontally so it is less likely to tip during transport. The carton is reinforced with stretch film, and then yellow PP straps are added for extra strength.
7) Add cloth tape over the PP straps
Photo: Cloth tape is added over the PP straps so they are less likely to catch during handling. After that final reinforcement, the package was shipped to Germany via UPS on the same day.
Why we use UPS
For international shipping, not only delivery speed but also tracking visibility and stable handling matter. UPS has strong experience with international shipments, including large and heavy items, so it is one of the carriers we can use with confidence for shipments to Germany.
Tracking and peace of mind
After dispatch, the tracking number allows the customer to follow the shipment as it moves. Our goal is simple: to deliver the exact item ordered safely and without damage.
Inari Statue (Left) — Gray Granite Stone Fox | Shipping from Japan | Japan
Written on: 2026-03-09 (JST)