# Can I use appliances bought in Japan in my country? What happens if I plug a 100V appliance into 220V?

> Japan's household voltage is 100V, while many countries use higher voltages (mainland China, for example, uses 220V, 50Hz). As of October 2026, Japanese domestic appliances labeled AC100V can be damaged or even catch fire if plugged into 220V outlets; only those labeled 100–240V (global voltage) or 220V (overseas models) can be used there directly. Check whether it works in your country in our compatibility table.

- Page: https://bestjapanbuy.com/en/q/japan-appliance-voltage-china/
- Updated: 2026-10-24

Check whether it works in your country in our [compatibility table](/en/tools/compat/).

## Check the voltage on the rating label first

The bottom of the appliance, the power adapter, or the box shows the "定格電圧" (rated voltage):

| Label | Usable on 220V power? |
| --- | --- |
| AC100V | Not directly; it will burn out on 220V |
| AC100–240V / 100V–240V | Yes, adjusts automatically |
| 100–120V / 200–240V switch | Yes; set the switch to the 220V position before use |
| AC220V / 220–230V (海外向け, for overseas) | Yes |

## By category (as of October 2026)

| Category | Common versions in Japanese stores | Taking it home |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rice cookers | Mostly 100V domestic models, plus 220V overseas models | Overseas models work as is; domestic models need a step-down transformer; see [rice cooker buying guide](/en/q/rice-cooker-buying-guide/) and [choosing a transformer](/en/q/rice-cooker-transformer/) |
| Toilet seats | Mostly 100V domestic models | The original guide recommends only 220V models made for mainland China; see [toilet seat buying guide](/en/q/toilet-seat-buying-guide/) |
| Hair dryers | Both domestic and global-voltage models | Look for 100–240V; see [hair dryer voltage](/en/q/hair-dryer-voltage/) |
| Curling irons/straighteners | Mostly 100–240V | Check before buying; see [hair iron buying guide](/en/q/hair-iron-buying-guide/) |
| Electric toothbrushes | Depends on the charger | See [electric toothbrush voltage](/en/q/electric-toothbrush-voltage/) |
| Shavers | Mostly 100–240V | See [shaver buying guide](/en/q/shaver-buying-guide/) |

## Can a transformer help?

- **Low-power chargers** (toothbrush chargers and the like, a few to a few dozen watts): You can use a step-down transformer (220V to 100V). Ideally, the transformer's rating should be at least twice the appliance's wattage.
- **High-power heating appliances** (hair dryers, toilet seats, usually over 1,000W): Not recommended. They need transformers rated at several thousand watts, which are heavy, run hot, and pose safety risks with long use.
- **Rice cookers**: Many people use Japan-market models with a step-down transformer. Choose a coil-type unit with 100V output and enough capacity; manufacturers do not support use outside Japan, and there is no warranty. See [Japanese rice cookers with a transformer](/en/q/rice-cooker-transformer/).
- **Transformers don't change frequency**: Eastern Japan uses 50Hz and western Japan 60Hz. Usually this has little effect. See [Does 50Hz vs. 60Hz matter?](/en/q/50hz-60hz/)

## Plugs and more

- Japanese domestic models mostly use Type A two-flat-pin plugs; overseas models often use round-pin SE-type plugs. Whether either fits depends on your country's sockets, and you may need an adapter. See [Do I need a plug adapter?](/en/q/plug-adapter-china/)
- A Japanese-only control panel doesn't stop it from working, but if it breaks, a Japanese warranty generally can't be used outside Japan. See [warranty on Japanese appliances](/en/q/warranty-japan-appliance/).

To check a specific model item by item, use the [compatibility checker](/en/tools/compat/). For the differences between overseas and domestic models, see [overseas vs. domestic models](/en/q/overseas-vs-domestic/).

## Sources

- [Panasonic official site](https://panasonic.jp/)
- [Zojirushi official site (overseas models)](https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/global/)

> Data from BestJapanBuy (bestjapanbuy.com). Please credit and link to the page when using it. Prices are for reference only; check in store.
> Translated with AI; the Chinese version is authoritative.