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Can I send documents and photos to Japan?

Allowed

Yes.

Personal papers and photos are fine.

More rules for Japan

Not allowed

Meat products such as jerky, ham, sausages, bacon, and meat buns without a government inspection certificate from the origin country, even if cooked or vacuum-packed

Allowed with conditions

Medicines: Without extra paperwork: up to 1 month's supply of prescription medicine, up to 2 months' supply of over-the-counter medicine, and up to 24 standard-size units per item of non-prescription creams, eye drops, and other external medicines. Above that, get an import confirmation certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) from the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare first. It replaced the old Yakkan Shoumei in September 2020. Some high-risk medicines need a doctor's prescription whatever the amount. The medicine must be for the receiver's own use, never for others.
Cosmetics: Up to 24 standard-size units per item, for example 24 lipsticks in total whatever the brand or color. More needs an import confirmation certificate.
Dairy, eggs, and other animal products: Items from cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, horses, poultry, dogs, rabbits, and bees, including dairy and eggs sent by parcel, need a government inspection certificate from the origin country. Finished goods such as leather bags and wool sweaters are exempt. Illegal imports can bring up to 3 years in prison or a ¥3 million fine (about $19,300).
Plants, seeds, fruit, and vegetables: Need a phytosanitary certificate from the origin country and a plant quarantine inspection, whatever the purpose or quantity. Some plants can't come in from some countries at all. Declare them clearly on the packing list.
Endangered species products: Ivory, goods made from sea turtle, crocodile, or some snakeskins, tiger or leopard fur, and traditional medicines with musk, tiger, or bear ingredients need CITES documents.

Quantity limits

Medicines: Up to 1 month's supply of prescription medicine and 2 months' supply of over-the-counter medicine, for the receiver's own use. More needs an import confirmation certificate.

Before you ship to Japan

Tax-free limit: Shipments with a total taxable value of ¥10,000 (about $64) or less are free of duty and consumption tax. For goods for your own personal use, the taxable value is 60% of the overseas retail price, so goods worth up to ¥16,666 (about $107) at retail can qualify. Liquor and tobacco taxes still apply. Knitted clothing (including T-shirts and sweaters), leather bags, gloves, footwear, pantyhose, and ski boots don't qualify unless they are a personal gift to someone living in Japan. Boxes split from one invoice are added together.
Receiver ID: No tax or ID number is needed for a personal box. Give the receiver's full name, full address with postal code, and a phone number so the courier can arrange payment and delivery. For unaccompanied baggage, the receiver must be you, the traveler.
Transit: 2-5 business days from North America or Europe; 1-3 from elsewhere in Asia