Three Cats, One Stroller, Welcome to Japan

Three ragdolls. One stroller. Seven months of preparation. This is what a Japan import actually looks like.

Japan is strict — and predictable

The good news is that Japan's rules are clearly published. The hard news is that the timeline is long and unforgiving.

1. Microchip first. ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before any rabies vaccination counts.
2. Two rabies vaccinations, at least 30 days apart, both after the microchip.
3. Rabies antibody titer test at an approved laboratory, showing at least 0.5 IU/ml.
4. 180-day waiting period counted from the date the blood sample was drawn.
5. Advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
6. Export health certificate endorsed by the Bureau of Animal Industry within the required window before departure.

The flight

All three cats flew as manifest cargo in individual IATA crates on the same aircraft, with absorbent bedding and water dispensers fitted to the doors.

Arrival in Japan

Because every step was completed correctly, inspection at the airport took under two hours instead of the 180-day quarantine that applies when the titer timeline is missed. The family rolled all three cats out into Tokyo the same afternoon.

The lesson

Start a Japan move at least eight months before you intend to fly. The 180-day clock cannot be shortened.