jwb@csse.monash.edu.au wrote:

>> Worth exploring. I'd check by email or phone first - I may have been
>> hallucinating, and things might have changed in the last 5 years.

I replied:

> Sure. I e-mailed them from their website, but if I don't get an answer
> over the next day or two I'll give them a buzz.

Here's what they told me:

"We regret to advise that we do not offer the remittance service as we 
do not provide the full range of personal banking services here in 
Japan. If you wish to make a telegraphic transfer, please ask local 
Japanese banks for further detail."

So, just in case anyone's wondering, HSBC isn't the place to go. My wife 
checked out the Post Office, and they will send money with a minimum of 
fuss, but the exchange rate doesn't look so good; they were offering 215 
point something yen to the pound, while Lloyds were offering 213 point 
something.

Looks as if Lloyds is the best bet, after all.

Thanks to all who replied.

John
http://rarebooksinjapan.com