I had the same missing package experience 
with the Japanese Post Office, but it was with 
a money order..It took me.....(get your cup and 
fill it up  with sake and empty it first)..

Okay? are you lubricated? okay get this....


It took me a YEAR to be compensated!! That`s 
one whole year, and I live in Japan and I was 
constantly asking about it..I finally got my 
refund (the good news)..So, be patient and be 
persistant...and don`t believe a damn thing 
that  anyone tells you,  (like they are checking 
and we haven`t heard..blah,blah,blah..) 
because it means that they must  blame 
somebody or let it go on, until it is forgotten 
until they give up any cash..It may take longer 
than you think...But you will eventually get paid.
That is the Japanese Post Office..Stingy to the 
bone with refunds...
Good Luck! (I know how you feel ^-^...I couldn`t 
resist...sorry)
E.