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.
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.
By category
- Rice cookers: Domestic models are 100V only and need a step-down transformer on 220V; see Japanese rice cookers with a 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.
- Toilet seats: Almost everything on display is a 100V domestic model. Look for overseas models labeled 220V. See the toilet seat buying guide.
- Hair dryers: Look for 100–240V global-voltage models; some need a manual voltage switch. See 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.
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?.
- 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?.
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. Low-power chargers are the exception. See Can I use Japanese appliances at home?.
Not sure whether a model will work? Use the compatibility checker.
Related categories and models
Related questions
- Do I pay duty on electronics and cosmetics bought in Japan? Duty-free allowances for the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore, Taiwan and more
- Will Japanese appliances work in the US, Canada and Taiwan (110–127V) or the UK, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong (220–240V)?
- Can I use appliances bought in Japan in my country? What happens if I plug a 100V appliance into 220V?
- How do I choose a rice cooker in Japan? Which brand and model should I buy?
- Can I use a Japanese rice cooker abroad with a transformer? How do I choose one?