Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@jalakoo

jalakoo/move2japan_default_config.json

Created November 24, 2025 23:00
Show Gist options

  • Select an option

    Learn more about clone URLs
  • Save jalakoo/cc4cc94826ab894fcfadd8792b3c6ea5 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.

Select an option

Learn more about clone URLs
Save jalakoo/cc4cc94826ab894fcfadd8792b3c6ea5 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Download ZIP
move2japan default config
Raw
move2japan_default_config.json
[
{
"name": "Moving to Japan from the US",
"description": "A comprehensive guide for relocating from the United States to Japan, covering visa requirements, financial planning, housing, and cultural integration",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Phase 1: Before Moving",
"description": "Essential preparations to complete 3-6 months before your move to Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Visa and Legal",
"description": "Obtain necessary legal documentation and visa requirements for entry to Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Determine the correct visa type and obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE)",
"description": "Research and apply for the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of stay in Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan",
"image_url": "https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/000061793.png",
"link_url": "https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html",
"tags": [
"Visa",
"Government/Official"
]
},
{
"title": "Immigration Services Agency of Japan",
"image_url": "https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/910000042.png",
"link_url": "https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-1.html",
"tags": [
"Visa",
"Government/Official"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Gather and apostille required documents (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable)",
"description": "Collect and authenticate all necessary personal documents for your visa application",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "U.S. Department of State - Apostille Requirements",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html",
"tags": [
"Government/Official"
]
},
{
"title": "Embassy of Japan in the USA",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa.html",
"tags": [
"Visa",
"Government/Official"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Apply for and receive visa at Japanese consulate",
"description": "Submit your visa application and supporting documents to the nearest Japanese consulate",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Embassy of Japan in the USA - Consulate Info",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/consulate_info.html",
"tags": [
"Visa",
"Government/Official"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Financial Planning",
"description": "Prepare your finances for international relocation and understand tax obligations",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Open international bank account and notify US banks of move",
"description": "Set up banking solutions that work across borders and inform your current banks of your relocation",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Wise (formerly TransferWise)",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://wise.com/",
"tags": [
"Finance"
]
},
{
"title": "Charles Schwab International",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.schwab.com/international",
"tags": [
"Finance"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Research cost of living and prepare proof of financial stability",
"description": "Understand living expenses in Japan and gather documentation showing you can support yourself",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Numbeo - Cost of Living in Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Japan",
"tags": [
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "Expatistan - Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/japan",
"tags": [
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Understand tax implications for US and Japan (consult tax professional)",
"description": "Learn about your tax obligations in both countries and consider getting professional advice",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "IRS - US Citizens Abroad",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Finance"
]
},
{
"title": "National Tax Agency of Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/index.htm",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Finance"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Logistics and Preparation",
"description": "Arrange housing, shipping, travel, and begin cultural preparation",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Research housing options and understand Japanese rental system",
"description": "Learn about the unique aspects of renting in Japan including key money, deposits, and guarantor requirements",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Real Estate Japan - Guide to Renting",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.realestate.co.jp/en/living/guide-to-renting/",
"tags": [
"Housing",
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "GaijinPot - Renting in Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://blog.gaijinpot.com/guide-renting-apartment-japan/",
"tags": [
"Housing",
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Start learning Japanese basics and cultural customs",
"description": "Begin studying the Japanese language and familiarize yourself with cultural etiquette and social norms",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Duolingo - Learn Japanese",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.duolingo.com/course/ja/en/Learn-Japanese",
"tags": [
"Digital",
"Culture"
]
},
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Culture & Etiquette",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2000.html",
"tags": [
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Arrange international shipping and book one-way flight",
"description": "Organize transportation for your belongings and secure your travel to Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Freightos - Shipping Quotes",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.freightos.com/",
"tags": [
"Logistics"
]
},
{
"title": "Google Flights",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.google.com/flights",
"tags": [
"Transport"
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Phase 2: Upon Arrival",
"description": "Critical tasks to complete within the first 30 days of arriving in Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Legal Requirements",
"description": "Complete mandatory registration and enrollment procedures with Japanese authorities",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Receive Residence Card at airport immigration and declare customs items",
"description": "Obtain your residence card upon entry and properly declare any items you're bringing into Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Immigration Services Agency - Residence Card",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.isa.go.jp/en/publications/materials/nyuukokukanri07_00020.html",
"tags": [
"Visa",
"Government/Official"
]
},
{
"title": "Japan Customs",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Logistics"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Register address at local ward office and get certificate of residence (within 14 days)",
"description": "Visit your local ward office to register your address, a legal requirement within 14 days of arrival",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Immigration Services Agency - Address Registration",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.isa.go.jp/en/publications/materials/nyuukokukanri07_00015.html",
"tags": [
"Government/Official"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Enroll in National Health Insurance and pension system",
"description": "Sign up for mandatory health insurance and pension programs at your ward office",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare - Health Insurance",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/social-welfare/02.html",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Health"
]
},
{
"title": "Japan Pension Service",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/english/nationalpension/nationalpension.html",
"tags": [
"Government/Official"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Essential Services",
"description": "Set up banking, phone service, identification, and utilities",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Open Japanese bank account (requires residence card)",
"description": "Establish a local bank account for receiving salary and paying bills in Japan",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Opening Bank Accounts",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2206.html",
"tags": [
"Finance",
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "The Japan Times - Bank Account Guide",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2019/08/03/language/opening-bank-account-japan/",
"tags": [
"Finance",
"News",
"Culture"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Get Japanese phone number and apply for MyNumber card",
"description": "Secure a local phone number and apply for your MyNumber card for government services",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Mobile Phones",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2223.html",
"tags": [
"Digital",
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "My Number Card Official Site",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Digital"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Set up utilities (gas, electricity, water, internet)",
"description": "Arrange essential utility services for your residence",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/index-e.html",
"tags": [
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "Tokyo Gas",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.tokyogas.co.jp/en/",
"tags": [
"Planning"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Transportation",
"description": "Get set up with public transportation cards and learn the transit system",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Get IC card for public transportation (Suica or Pasmo)",
"description": "Obtain a rechargeable transit card for trains, buses, and even some vending machines and stores",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "JR East - Suica Card",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html",
"tags": [
"Transport"
]
},
{
"title": "Pasmo Official Site",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/",
"tags": [
"Transport"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Learn local transportation routes and consider commuter pass",
"description": "Familiarize yourself with your daily routes and evaluate if a commuter pass would save money",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Hyperdia - Route Planner",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.hyperdia.com/en/",
"tags": [
"Transport"
]
},
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Commuter Passes",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359.html",
"tags": [
"Transport",
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Arrange airport transportation and find temporary accommodation",
"description": "Plan how to get from the airport to your initial housing upon arrival",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Airport Access",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2027.html",
"tags": [
"Transport",
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "Sakura House - Short-term Housing",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.sakura-house.com/",
"tags": [
"Housing"
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Phase 3: Long-term Success",
"description": "Establishing yourself for successful long-term living in Japan over the first 6 months",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Housing and Daily Life",
"description": "Secure permanent housing and integrate into daily routines and healthcare system",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Find long-term apartment (may require guarantor service)",
"description": "Search for and lease a permanent residence, potentially using a guarantor company if needed",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Real Estate Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.realestate.co.jp/en/",
"tags": [
"Housing"
]
},
{
"title": "GTN Corporation - Guarantor Services",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.gtncorporation.com/en/",
"tags": [
"Housing",
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Learn garbage separation rules and navigate daily shopping",
"description": "Master Japan's complex recycling system and discover local shopping options",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Garbage Separation",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html",
"tags": [
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
},
{
"title": "Japan Guide - Supermarkets & Convenience Stores",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2036.html",
"tags": [
"Culture",
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Find local doctors, dentists, and healthcare providers",
"description": "Identify and establish relationships with healthcare professionals in your area",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Himawari - Tokyo Medical Information",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq13/qqport/tomintop/en/",
"tags": [
"Health"
]
},
{
"title": "Japan Medical Information Platform",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://jmip.jme.or.jp/index.php?lang=en",
"tags": [
"Health"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Financial Integration",
"description": "Navigate tax systems, set up international transfers, and build credit history",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Understand Japanese tax filing requirements (and US if applicable)",
"description": "Learn about annual tax filing obligations in Japan and continue meeting US tax requirements",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "National Tax Agency of Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/index.htm",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Finance"
]
},
{
"title": "IRS - International Taxpayers",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Finance"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Set up international money transfer services for US-Japan transfers",
"description": "Establish efficient and cost-effective methods for moving money between countries",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Wise - International Transfers",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://wise.com/",
"tags": [
"Finance"
]
},
{
"title": "XE Money Transfer",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.xe.com/",
"tags": [
"Finance"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Build Japanese credit history and financial profile",
"description": "Start establishing creditworthiness in Japan through credit cards and responsible financial behavior",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "GaijinPot - Credit Cards in Japan",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://blog.gaijinpot.com/credit-cards-in-japan/",
"tags": [
"Finance",
"Culture"
]
}
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Community and Future",
"description": "Continue cultural integration, build social networks, and plan for long-term residency",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"tasks": [
{
"name": "Continue Japanese language study and cultural integration",
"description": "Maintain momentum in learning Japanese and deepening cultural understanding",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.jlpt.jp/e/",
"tags": [
"Culture"
]
},
{
"title": "italki - Language Learning Platform",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.italki.com/",
"tags": [
"Culture"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Join community groups, expat networks, and language exchange",
"description": "Connect with both local and international communities to build friendships and support networks",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Meetup - Tokyo Events",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.meetup.com/cities/jp/tokyo/",
"tags": [
"Social Media"
]
},
{
"title": "InterNations - Tokyo Expats",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.internations.org/tokyo-expats",
"tags": [
"Planning"
]
}
]
},
{
"name": "Track visa renewal deadlines and consider permanent residency (if staying long-term)",
"description": "Stay on top of visa expiration dates and explore options for permanent residency if planning to stay",
"iso_639_1": "en",
"icon_url": "",
"image_url": "",
"updated_at": "2024-11-24T00:00:00Z",
"links": [
{
"title": "Immigration Services Agency - Visa Renewals",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/index.html",
"tags": [
"Visa",
"Government/Official"
]
},
{
"title": "Immigration Services Agency - Permanent Residency",
"image_url": "",
"link_url": "https://www.isa.go.jp/en/publications/materials/nyukan_nyukan51.html",
"tags": [
"Government/Official",
"Planning"
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment