Woo-hoo! Very excited as my husband's orders just came in and we will be there by Summer '11. There's so much to do (overseas screening for myself and our son) plus all the paper work for the two dogs but I'm eagerly anticipating this move. So far I think I'm so overwhelmed I don't know what questions to ask but I'll keep reading the forums and if anything comes up I know you guys well be quick with an answer. Thank you to all who post on here and help us out and thanks to Adam for starting the sight and sticking with it. I am so-oo-oo happy to have it back online! Currently my husband has to report by April'11 and my son and I are planning on following after school lets out in June, does anyone see any problems with this scenario? We've always traveled together before so if you've sent your spouse ahead of you I'd appreciate the pluses and the minuses with doing things that way. (well it didn't take long for me to come up with a question...lol) Thanks, Sharri

Grats!

I can't speak from personal experience, but your husband coming out may work in your favor with the dogs. Town houses usually have a looooong waiting list on the main base, so he should have time to give you guys a head start on the wait or find a great house off base for you guys. Be sure to check out the Pet Forums for advice on traveling with pets and getting them ready for the move.

Good luck and I know others will have more advice and help more specific to your questions.

Congrat's!! Where are you oming from in the states??

I can't tell you much about kids, just pets. We are in the final 25 days of our stateside stay and will be there soon enough so I am in deep on the move. What I can tell you is that make sure you read up on the pet stuff, there are a lot of deadlines you must meet.
This is a great place for info, everyone here is VERY helpful!

Congratulations!

No kids here either, but I did make the trip with a cat and a Great Dane. Let me know if you have pet questions that aren't answered on the site.

Been here about 8 months so far and TOTALLY love it!

Good luck!

Congrats. I love Japan. Upon moving to Japan, we had 4 kids in tow ...a Senior to be, a 4th grader and twins that were 3. The Senior graduated from High School here, the 4th grader decided when she went into to 5th grade she wanted to go to Japanese schools ( she did not read, write or speak Japanese) . The school was (in her mind) very different from our small hometown in Washington. In my opinion the schools are a little behind the schools in the US. Our son who had to study while in the US, never opened a book while he was a Senior  here and passed with all A'ss that year...I don't think it is because he is a genius. Our twins currently attend Japanese schools too. We had a dog which seemed to be more work than the actual move. So DO FOLLOW all the guidelines....PAY very close attention. Start now!!
I absolutely love Japan and we are extending. The cars on base are CHEAP compared to buying a used car in the US. (1500-3000) They are in better condition than what you would get in the US too. Japanese are usually quite meticulous when it comes to taking care of their furniture and vehicles(unlike most Americans...I'm guilty)  To buy furniture brand new is extremely expensive unless you hit the bazaar in April and October. I think you will have lots of fun and settle in very well. There is an IKEA store and COSTCO here. It sounds like you are excited to be moving here and that can make all the difference in the World. The houses on base are around 1400 SQ FT. They are small but you have to remember it is temporary. Make the most of it....its FREE. Many people are able to catch up on bills and go back with money in the bank. A nice nest egg. There are lots of excursions that you can go on espacially with kids here and very close to history!!

My spouse travelled first and it did work to our advantage, we were able to get on the housing list and by the time I arrived our HHG had arrived as well as we had been assigned to our house. If you plan to live on base then look carefully at what you have weight wise and go ahead and bring your things with you up to the 75% you are allowed. If you leave a lot in storage, then you will be purchasing replacement things here that you probably had already. Most of the houses will accommodate your furniture unless you have over sized pieces. If you can find area rugs that you like really well you may want to purchase them there and ship them with your things. The rugs here are expensive to purchase, especially if you want a certain style or shape.

They will provide you with a washer and dryer in all the units, so you can leave that in storage if you own your own.

The Ikego housing area is a nice place to live, especially depending on the age of your children. It is about 7 miles from the main base and it might be easier to get housing there more quickly than the main base. They have a mini mart, nice swimming pool, small club, hair salon, small gym, and an Elementary school. The train station is close by with easy access through a gate, they also have a service station with credit card machines for fueling 24/7. Good luck! So much of your experience will depend on your attitude, so look at it as an adventure and you will all do great!

Hey everyone...thanks so much for the replies. It's been a busy couple of days here so I've not been online but I'll try to read through these.
We are currently in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. Our son is 13 (14 in Dec) going on 40. When we took the dogs to the vet for their shots in April we knew we might be going to Japan so they looked over their records and said they are really all set with everything they need done its just getting the paperwork together and getting that one blood test done. I THINK we'll be good so I won't have to be running around like a crazy person getting them ready.
I had a doctor's appointment Tues so I asked her about what needs to be done for overseas screening...it's a very puzzling routine. We're being seen at Oceana and it just seemed like everyone I spoke with was confused. It is probably because I'm going about it from the back end instead of starting at the front (typical for me). I'm sure it will all get worked out.
When life settles out here in a month or so then I'll have more time to focus on what needs to be done for the move. I'm just so excited. We have already been looking around our home to see what we'd want to store and what we'd want to bring. I'll be sad to leave my washer and dryer...they are pretty new and I finally don't hate to do laundry!
Does anyone get around without cars? We are considering not even getting one while there. Never having been without one since I reached driving age I want to know if that is feasible especially if you live in a Ikego or off base in town. Just wondering how grocery shopping and such would work with buses and trains.
Okay...that's about all my brain can think of right this moment. Again thanks to everyone for the comments/replies. This site is a wealth of information and the people who use it are amazing with sharing their knowledge!