4am in Tokyo is 2pm in Central Time on the previous day.

Frequently asked

Quick answers about converting between Tokyo and Central Time. Can't find what you need? Email [email protected].

What is the time difference between Tokyo and Central Time?

Tokyo is 14 hours ahead of Central Time right now. We always show the live, daylight-saving-correct difference, so this figure already accounts for whichever side is observing summer time today.

When it's 4am in Tokyo, what time is it in Central Time?

4am in Tokyo is 2pm in Central Time on the previous day. It falls outside the 9-to-5 in Tokyo but lands inside working hours in Central Time. Use the hour-by-hour table above to read any other time across.

What's the best time for a call between Tokyo and Central Time?

There's no comfortable 9-to-5 overlap between Tokyo and Central Time — they sit on opposite sides of the planet's working day. Plan for an early or late call on one side, or hand work off asynchronously.

Does this account for daylight saving time?

Yes. We track every clock change in both places, so the abbreviations you see — JST and CDT — are the ones actually in effect right now, not a fixed all-year value. When either side changes its clocks, this page updates automatically.

Why is the date sometimes different on each side?

When two places are far enough apart, the same moment can fall on different calendar days. That is why some conversions are marked "previous day" or "next day" — it is the same instant in time, read off two clocks that crossed midnight at different points.