# What's the difference between overseas and domestic models of Japanese appliances? Which should I buy to take home?

> Domestic models (国内仕様) are made for Japan: 100V, Type A flat two-pin plugs and Japanese-language controls. Overseas models (海外向け/海外仕様) are usually 220V or 100–240V, often have Chinese or English controls, and mostly come with SE-type round-pin plugs. As of October 2026, high-power appliances like toilet seats need a 220V overseas model if your home voltage is 220V (a 220V overseas rice cooker works as is, while a domestic one needs a step-down transformer), while small appliances like hair dryers, curling irons and shavers just need to be global-voltage (100–240V) models.

- Page: https://bestjapanbuy.com/en/q/overseas-vs-domestic/
- Updated: 2026-10-24

## Three versions

| Version | Japanese label | Voltage | Plug | Controls/manual | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Domestic | 国内仕様, AC100V | 100V | Type A, two flat pins | Japanese | Use in Japan |
| Overseas | 海外向け, 海外仕様, 220V専用 | 220V (or 220–230V) | Mostly SE-type round pins | Chinese/English | 220V regions such as mainland China |
| Global voltage | 海外対応, AC100–240V | 100–240V, automatic | Type A, two flat pins | Mostly Japanese | Small appliances; work in Japan and abroad |

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

## By category

- **Rice cookers**: Domestic models are 100V only and need a step-down transformer on 220V; see [Japanese rice cookers with a transformer](/en/q/rice-cooker-transformer/). Brands such as Zojirushi (象印マホービン) and Tiger (タイガー魔法瓶) sell 220V overseas models for visitors at major electronics stores in Japan. See the [rice cooker buying guide](/en/q/rice-cooker-buying-guide/).
- **Toilet seats**: Almost everything on display is a 100V domestic model. Look for overseas models labeled 220V. See the [toilet seat buying guide](/en/q/toilet-seat-buying-guide/).
- **Hair dryers**: Look for 100–240V global-voltage models; some need a manual voltage switch. See [hair dryer voltage](/en/q/hair-dryer-voltage/).
- **Curling irons/straighteners, shavers**: Most are already 100–240V. Check the label on the unit before buying.
- **Electric toothbrushes**: Check the charger. If it says AC100–240V, you can use it directly. See [electric toothbrush voltage](/en/q/electric-toothbrush-voltage/).

## Pros and cons of overseas models

- **Pros**: Plug straight into 220V outlets; Chinese or English controls and manuals; some models include warranty information for use outside Japan (go by the box and warranty card).
- **Cons**: Usually fewer models than domestic versions, and new features arrive later; an overseas model isn't necessarily cheaper than the domestic one in the same series; SE-type round-pin plugs may need an adapter. See [Do I need a plug adapter?](/en/q/plug-adapter-china/).
- **May be sold in your country too**: Many overseas models, or close equivalents, are sold outside Japan. Compare prices before you go. See [Is it worth buying a rice cooker in Japan?](/en/q/rice-cooker-worth-buying/).

## What we don't recommend

Buying a 100V domestic model and using a step-down transformer at home. Hair dryers and toilet seats are heating appliances rated at a thousand watts or more. They need a large-capacity transformer, which is heavy and a safety risk, and it doesn't solve the frequency issue either. Rice cookers are the exception: many people do this, but the transformer has to be the right type; see [Japanese rice cookers with a transformer](/en/q/rice-cooker-transformer/). Low-power chargers are the exception. See [Can I use Japanese appliances at home?](/en/q/japan-appliance-voltage-china/).

Not sure whether a model will work? Use the [compatibility checker](/en/tools/compat/).

## Sources

- [Zojirushi official site](https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/)
- [Tiger official site](https://www.tiger.jp/)
- [Panasonic official site](https://panasonic.jp/)

> 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.