Which Toyota models are only made in Japan?
The two most widely cited Toyota models built exclusively for the Japanese market are the Century and the Crown. These cars are produced primarily in Japan and have limited or no official availability in other regions. This article explains which models are considered Japan-only today and what happened to other historically Japan-only nameplates.
Current Toyota models produced only in Japan
Below is a concise overview of the models that automotive coverage commonly identifies as being produced in Japan for the domestic market, with limited or no official overseas production.
- Toyota Century — a flagship luxury sedan dedicated to Japan, traditionally built at Toyota’s Japanese facilities and rarely exported outside the country.
- Toyota Crown — a premium sedan long associated with the Japanese market; production has centered in Japan, with overseas availability limited compared with Toyota’s global lineup.
These two nameplates are the core examples often cited as Japan-only in contemporary discussions. It's worth noting that production strategies can evolve with new generations and regional demand, so status can shift over time.
Historical Japan-only models (now discontinued or region-locked)
Over the decades, Toyota maintained several Japan-only sedans that were never widely sold outside Japan. Many of these were discontinued as the company reorganized its global lineup.
- Toyota Mark X — a mid-size sedan that was essentially a Japan-market model; production ended as the model line was phased out over the 2010s.
- Toyota Chaser, Cresta, and Mark II — related rear- and mid-size sedans that served Japan’s domestic market; these lines were discontinued or folded into other platforms as Toyota streamlined its offerings.
These historical examples illustrate how Japan’s domestic market once supported a broader set of exclusive nameplates, many of which no longer remain in production. Enthusiasts and collectors sometimes encounter these models as rare imports or through used-car channels.
Notes and caveats
Pedigree and production footprints can change with new model generations, regional strategy shifts, and global supply considerations. While Century and Crown are widely recognized as Japan-focused, some variants and special editions may appear in limited overseas markets, and certain components or assembly steps may involve cross-border supply chains for cost or regulatory reasons.
Implications for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers outside Japan, accessing Japan-only Toyota models typically involves import channels and adherence to local vehicle standards, emissions rules, and registration processes. For collectors and enthusiasts, these models represent niche segments with limited availability and potentially higher purchase and maintenance costs.
Summary
In summary, the best-known current Toyota models produced exclusively in Japan are the Century and the Crown, with a historically broader set of Japan-only sedans that have since been discontinued. Toyota’s global production network now focuses on a mix of regional manufacturing hubs, but Japan remains home to a couple of nameplates that reflect the country’s longstanding preferences for premium and distinctly domestic-market vehicles. As with all automotive lineups, the status can evolve with new generations and market conditions.
