My husband might be getting stationed to Atsugi by the end of the year. I just had a few questions.

I have really bad asthma and before they send us there I know we have to go through medical exams and etc. Will my asthma be a problem? Will they hold it against us? or cancel our orders?

Is it MANDATORY to be living on-base housing? Is it possible for us to be living out in town?

I can't answer your questions about asthma, but they usually allow medical problems as long as they have the means to treat it in the area. I think the easiest answer, besides someone with prior experience with it here, is probably a call to your doctor, or even the Overseas Screening office for help.

But no, it's not mandatory. You can live out in town if you want.

Ahhh, I'm from Yokosuka and live on base so I'll let someone step in with that one. You also might want to search the "Reporting to Japan" section, a lot of these questions have been asked before.

From what I understand, you get a place based on your allowance (Which you can look up online, per your pay-grade), and you do not pocket the allowance if there is extra (like you can with BAH). But you can with the Cola. And you will get a move-in housing allowance (MIHA). The OHA also includes money for utilities.

I came from SanDiego to Okinawa. So I think I can telll you dont bring your car. The streets in japan are much more narrow than say the 5 or the 805 or any other street you can think of. In fact the residental streets (most of them) are the size of a one way ally in SanDiego. And they go both ways. Its diificult to describe. You are going to have a hard enuff time freaking out about how small the lanes and roads are. So save yourself some trouble and leave your huge american car at home. And even if you concider it small, its big for japan. I have a mazda 3 in storage and it would be a big car for here. If you do need a big car get one of the narrow vans they have here. They can fit better in parking lots and streets.You really can't fit say a subruban or anything on 90% these roads.

Also you can buy a used car here cheap. Its not like in the states where any decent used car is going to cost you almost as much as a new one.

When we do move to Atsugi, will we be able to bring our vehicle with us?

Please read through the "Reporting to Japan" section.
http://www.japanbases.com/home/foru...f/491.aspx

Several things will help you if you just read through this section.
It takes time, I know, but thats the only way you will get comfortable about your upcoming transition.

Bringing your vehicle: read this post below
http://www.japanbases.com/home/foru.../7368.aspx

All famillies E6 and below with 2 or less dependents are required to live on base as long as there is housing available. If you do qualify to live off base the military pays your rent. It is not like it is here in the states...You will only recieve the amount for your rent and nothing extra to pocket...

I hope that helps a little...My family and I will be in Atsugi by the end of July! Good luck with everything and congrats on your orders!