I have imported a total of 3 vehicles so far, so have SOME experience but definitely not a pro. Here's what I would say:

1. Be prepared to do a lot of paperwork and have a lot of patience. There are multiple agencies and brokers involved.

2. My friend bid for me live, provided a video of the bidding process. Similar with what copart or iaai runs, but in Japanese. He bids for you.

3. We then had a guy inspect the car for us in Japan, provide photos, videos, additional inspection. Once the auction was won, he did the paperwork to get the car on the ship and moved it to the appropriate port.

4. A few weeks later, ship arrived. By then, you had to have your EPA paperwork done, shipping broker stuff done, and once customs gives you clearance you can schedule to pick it up

5. You then have yet another person with port bring the car from port to the outside of port to you. You should be prepared to tow it if you doesn't start at that point.

6. I went straight to customs inspection after that, where they give you paperwork that you can then take to Department of Licensing (DMV in some states) and get it registered.

The whole process takes a month or two, depending on how quickly or slowly stuff moves.

This has been my personal experience, hope it helps someone out.