Probably inevitable, but keep in mind that the buyer of that guitar is also likely to visit the forum for information so it may ultimately result in a more sincere interaction than just being about the cash.
Can you find a damaged or modified LS-50 and take the headstock veneer off that to put on your LS-120? It won't devalue a broken LS-50 that much. Certainly less than round trip shipping to Japan.
I really don't like that crack between the fingerboard and neck near the nut. I wonder what the other side looks like. Sometimes that happens when the guitar falls face down off a stand. The binding and seam separations on the body would need some work too.
So JPY 486,000 + 10% VAT + fees + Japan shipping + international shipping. Call it USD $4500? Probably a reasonable deal for a very beautiful flametop.
Who knows how much higher you would have to bid to outbid the winner - seemed like a few determined people were in there at the end. I was not...
I am surprised these aren't more popular, I never even knew they existed until I saw this thread. The quality looks very impressive and I love the matching headstocks. Maybe just too rare?
Look up dimensional weight. There should be some calculators to help you understand how carriers bill for their shipments. For almost every guitar, the dimensional weight will exceed the actual weight.
With a flat top guitar like an Explorer, that's pretty much the only option ;)
No idea on dating this guitar, it's a beautiful mix of styles. The pickup route is a bit odd showing some unfinished raw wood. I can't remember ever seeing that on a Greco.