How do I know if my Toyota was built in Japan?

The quickest way is to check the VIN and the car’s labels. A VIN that begins with J or JT is typically Japan-origin, and you may also find a “Made in Japan” or “Assembled in Japan” label on the dash or door jamb. If the VIN starts with numbers like 4 or 5, that usually indicates assembly in the United States or elsewhere, not Japan.

VIN-based indicators

Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to infer where your Toyota was built. The VIN is a standardized code that encodes country of origin and the manufacturer. Below are the key steps to interpret it.

Where to find the VIN

Look for the 17-character VIN on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) and on the driver’s door jamb sticker. You can also find it on vehicle registration, insurance documents, and the vehicle’s title.

How to interpret the VIN

The first few characters comprise the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). The country of origin is usually reflected in the first character, and Toyota models built in Japan often begin with J or JT. The rest of the VIN encodes make, model, and manufacturing plant. To confirm, use a trusted VIN decoder or check Toyota’s official resources with your VIN.

Note: VINs are highly informative, but there are exceptions where parts come from multiple countries or vehicles are assembled in different plants. A Japan-origin VIN is a strong signal, but it’s best verified with official decoding or documentation.

Labels and documents

Physical labels and paperwork can corroborate what the VIN indicates. These sources are often simpler to inspect than decoding the VIN yourself.

Where to look on the vehicle

Inspect the door jamb label on the driver’s door and the area near the windshield for a badge or stamp that states the country of origin, such as “Made in Japan” or “Assembled in Japan.” Some models also carry a small placard or stamping near the engine bay or on the chassis indicating origin.

What the paperwork shows

The original window sticker (Monroney label) or build sheet can list the country of manufacture or the assembly plant. If you have access to the vehicle’s original paperwork or the dealership’s records, these documents can confirm whether the car was built in Japan. In some markets, the label may state “Product of Japan” or “Assembled in Japan.”

If you’re unsure after checking the VIN and labels, you can contact Toyota Customer Support and provide your VIN for an official origin verification.

Practical caveats

There are a few caveats to keep in mind when determining where your Toyota was built. Some Toyotas assembled in the United States use Japanese-supplied parts, which does not necessarily mean the car was assembled in Japan. Conversely, some models produced for export to other countries may retain a Japan-origin VIN even if components originate elsewhere. In practice, combining VIN decoding with label and documentation checks provides the most reliable answer.

Summary

To determine if your Toyota was built in Japan, start with the VIN: a prefix beginning with J or JT typically signals Japan-origin. Verify with a VIN decoder if needed. Cross-check with the door jamb or dash labels that may read “Made in Japan” or “Assembled in Japan,” and review the original window sticker or build sheet for the plant information. For absolute confirmation, contact Toyota with your VIN.

How do I tell if my Toyota was made in Japan?

You can tell if your Toyota was made in Japan by checking the first character of its 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the VIN starts with the letter 'J', the vehicle was made in Japan. Another way is to look for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb, which may state the country of manufacture.
 
This video explains how to locate and decode your VIN to determine the country of origin: 1mToyota Parts CenterYouTube · Jun 5, 2025
Use the VIN 

• Find your VIN: The VIN is a 17-character serial number found on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the door jamb sticker, or on the vehicle's registration and insurance documents. 
• Decode the first character: Look at the first letter of the VIN. A 'J' indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan. 
  • For context, other common first characters are '1' (United States), '2' (Canada), and '3' (Mexico). 

Check the door jamb sticker 

• Locate the sticker: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door frame or jamb.
• Find the manufacturing information: This sticker often provides details about the vehicle, including the place of manufacture. 

Which Toyota models are built in Japan?

Several Toyota models, including the Mirai, 86, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner, are exclusively made in Japan. Other models like the Prius, Camry, Corolla, and RAV4 are also produced in Japan, though some versions of these vehicles may also be made in other countries like the USA. 
Exclusively or primarily made in Japan 

• 4Runner: Built in Japan at the Tahara or Hino plants.
• 86: Exclusively made in Japan.
• Land Cruiser: Exclusively made in Japan.
• Mirai: Exclusively made in Japan.
• Century: Made in Japan.
• GR Corolla and GR Yaris: Built in Japan.
• Crown: Various versions are manufactured in Japan.
• Noah and Voxy: Made in Japan.
• Prius: Exclusively or primarily made in Japan for certain markets, with the hybrid models being a key example. 

Made in Japan and other countries 

• Camry: Produced in Japan and the USA; some trim levels (like AWD and V6) are made in the US, while some hybrid versions are built in Japan. 
• Corolla: Manufactured in both Japan and the USA, depending on the model and market. Japan-made Corolla Hybrids are a prominent example. 
• RAV4: Produced in Japan and the USA. The RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid) is exclusively built in Japan. 
• Harrier: Produced in Japan. 
• Corolla Cross: Produced in Japan. 

How to check if a Toyota was built in Japan

• VIN number: The 11th digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) indicates the assembly plant. If it is the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan. 

How do you tell where your Toyota was built by VIN?

Digit 11 (Assembly Plant): This tells you which factory put your vehicle together. Digits 12 - 17 (Serial or Production Number): These are Toyota's internal numbers for identifying your specific vehicle.

How do I know if my car was built in Japan or the USA?

Every vehicle carries a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, that holds a wealth of information—including the country where it was assembled. By checking the first character of the VIN or using a reliable online VIN decoder, you can quickly determine whether a car was built in the USA or elsewhere.