A plug adapter only matches the socket shape; it does not change the voltage. For voltage, see Using electrical products from Japan abroad.
PR Example plug adapter (Japanese online stores)
supports plugs A, B, BF, B3, C, SE, O, O2 and CB (the store's names), rated 6A 250V. It cannot convert voltage and cannot be used in Japan, the page says.
supports types A, O, BF, C and SE (the store's names), 100-240V. It does not convert voltage and cannot be used in Japan, the page says.
| Type | Shape |
|---|---|
| A | two flat pins (same shape as Japan) |
| B | two flat pins + round earth pin |
| C | two round pins |
| D | three thick round pins (in a triangle) |
| E | two round pins (earth pin on the socket side) |
| F | two round pins (earth clips on the sides) |
| G | three rectangular pins |
| H | three pins in a V shape with earth |
| I | two flat pins in a V shape (+ earth) |
| J | three round pins (Swiss type) |
| K | two round pins + earth (Danish type) |
| L | three round pins in a line |
| M | three thick round pins (large) |
| N | three round pins (Brazilian type) |
In the IEC list, Japan's plug types are A and B. According to the IEC, the American type A plug has one wider pin, while the Japanese type A plug has two pins of the same size. As a result, Japanese plugs can be used in the US but often not the other way around.
Source: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) World Plugs country list (as of June 2025). The IEC no longer publishes this list, so a copy is kept on this site (retrieved 2026-09-27)
In the IEC list, 32 countries and regions use only types A and B.
List of countries and regions
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States, Venezuela
In addition, 20 countries and regions use type A along with other types, and 163 countries and regions do not have type A in the list (per the IEC list, excluding Japan).
Source: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) World Plugs country list (as of June 2025). The IEC no longer publishes this list, so a copy is kept on this site (retrieved 2026-09-27)
PR Example USB charger for overseas voltages (Japanese online stores)
Same plug types as Japan: a charger rated 100-240V is all you need
input 100-240V, 4 USB-A ports, labeled "PSE certified". Depending on your destination, a plug adapter is needed separately.
input AC100-240V, 3 USB-A ports, labeled "PSE certified". Depending on your destination, a plug adapter is needed separately.
| Country / region | Types | Type A in the list |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | C, F | No |
| Taiwan | A, B | Yes (only the same types as Japan) |
| United States | A, B | Yes (only the same types as Japan) |
| Guam | A, B | Yes (only the same types as Japan) |
| Thailand | A, B, C, F | Yes (with other types) |
| Hong Kong | D, G | No |
| China | A, I | Yes (with other types) |
| Vietnam | A, B, C | Yes (with other types) |
| Singapore | C, G, M | No |
| Philippines | A, B, C | Yes (with other types) |
| France | C, E | No |
| United Kingdom | G | No |
| Italy | C, F, L | No |
| Germany | C, F | No |
| Spain | C, F | No |
| Australia | I | No |
| Canada | A, B | Yes (only the same types as Japan) |
In countries with "other types", sockets differ by building. They may also differ by region or building within the same country.
Source
Source: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) World Plugs country list (as of June 2025). The IEC no longer publishes this list, so a copy is kept on this site (retrieved 2026-09-27)
For other countries, see the list by country and region.
Handy to have before you go
PR Example power bank (Japanese online stores)
Power banks go in your carry-on, not your checked bag
rated battery capacity 3.7V/10000mAh 37.0Wh, labeled as meeting PSE technical standards.
capacity 10000mAh; the label on the unit reads 5000mAh 7.2Vdc / 36Wh; PSE (notifying company: γ’γ³γ«γΌγ»γΈγ£γγ³ζ ͺεΌδΌη€Ύ).