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#Q&A Can I use appliances bought in Japan in… Answer ↓

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

Updated 2 sources

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.

Check whether it works in your country in our compatibility table.

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 Buy only overseas models; see rice cooker buying guide
Toilet seats Mostly 100V domestic models The original guide recommends only 220V models made for mainland China; see toilet seat buying guide
Hair dryers Both domestic and global-voltage models Look for 100–240V; see hair dryer voltage
Curling irons/straighteners Mostly 100–240V Check before buying; see hair iron buying guide
Electric toothbrushes Depends on the charger See electric toothbrush voltage
Shavers Mostly 100–240V See 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 (rice cookers, 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.
  • Transformers don't change frequency: Eastern Japan uses 50Hz and western Japan 60Hz. Usually this has little effect. See Does 50Hz vs. 60Hz matter?

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?
  • 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.

To check a specific model item by item, use the compatibility checker. For the differences between overseas and domestic models, see overseas vs. domestic models.

Related categories and models

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Updated 2026-10-23Prices are for reference only; check in store.Markdown