Paperworks you need to do to set up NPO in Japan

This article might be a bit boring because it is about documents you have to prepare to establish NPO. 

First of all, you have to use the application form which your local prefectural government provides. They are almost the same, but some small parts are different.

It is annoying but they usually have a website where you can download all forms, and sometimes detailed samples and instructions as well, which is kind of them.

To establish NPO, you have to file all documents as follows to your local prefectural government.

1. The application form for establishment
2. The article of incorporation
3. List of Directors (riji) and Auditor(s) (Kanji) ※List of paid director(s) or auditor(s), if any.
4. Letter of acceptance and pledge from every directors and auditor(s)
5. Governmental papers to prove directors and auditor(s) address
※Ex. the Certificate of Residence (Jyuminhyou) published by the local city hall
6. List of the members  (At least 10 members are necessary.)
7. The confirmation letter to swear the organization is not against any part of the Act on Promotion of Specified Non-profit Activities (the NPO law).
8. The charter of the organization
9. The minute of the meeting for the establishment
10. The action plan for the establishment year and the following year
11. The budget plan for the establishment year and the following year

Needless to say that you can ask specialists such as I am to support the procedure, but usually there is a NPO support center in each prefecture.

Japan NPO center provides the list of support centers.
Some are public and some are private, but even private ones are not profit-driven and usually free of charge.

NPO支援センター一覧 | 日本NPOセンター

You can see so many support centers on the list and their missions and activities are different so it might be difficult to find out the most suitable service for you in your local area.
And unfortunately, most of their websites are in Japanese.
But if you can read Japanese, I think it is worth trying.

They also provide information regarding nonprofits in Japan in English. FYI.
https://www.jnpoc.ne.jp/en/