Building in japan?

Pocky?

AFAIK, no considerations are neede when buying computer parts in Japan. However, I honestly don't know what the price points over there are, but I do suggest you shop for parts when you get there. It'll be much easier sending items back for replacement in case any of them fail.

Do you already have an idea of what parts you're getting?

I've been living in Japan for a few years. LOL... but I'm moving back to the states at the end of June. I haven't actually built a system in Japan but I know a few people who have.

This article explains the power situation well:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html

Basically, you're going to have a hard time finding sockets for 3 pin (grounded) plugs, but you can buy japanese power cords with a free ground wire and they SHOULD fit into your power supply but I'm not 100% sure. Anyways, most good quality power supplies should have zero problems in Japan but if you're REALLY worried about it, you can buy them in Japan.

If I were you I might pick up the smaller and lighter parts stateside via new egg because it can be cheaper (most definitely the OS and the motherboard if you want English) and then when you land grab a case, dvd drives, fans, and a power supply. Do you know where you are going to be in Japan?

Edit: Don't bother shipping stuff to Japan. It costs too damn much and it'll probably get damaged (stateside, Japanese delivery companies are wonderful). If you can't carry it in your suitcase, it'll more than likely be cheaper to buy it in Japan than pay the shipping for it.

Thanks guys, this is all really helpful!

Yeah, from the links you sent and some other snooping, it looks like there shouldn't be any big incompatibility problems (well, I'm still a little cautious about power...I suspect computer parts may be the "sensitive equipment" that could be affected by a V/Hz difference). The main thing is just figuring out what parts are worth buying stateside, considering that I'll have to pack them in suitcases that will already be overstuffed. And intercontinental shipping is expensive like WHOA

Here's how I think it breaks down:

-Case, PSU, and monitor are too big/heavy to take
-hard drive, optical, cooling, and peripherals are cheap regardless and maybe cheaper in Japan, so no need to get them here

-memory and video card are cheaper in the US and relatively small to pack
-motherboard is big, but the BIOS and manual need to be in English

I guess the only question left is processor...I'm getting intel, but I'm not sure if it'd be significantly cheaper here because it's an American company.

Asking the Japanese forum users is a good idea; I'll let you all know if they have anything to contribute.

Thanks!

EDIT: Oh balls, there is no Japanese TH site. Fudge.