Japan version has slightly higher compression, since higher octane fuel is used in japan. Slightly deffrent header and exhaust also. Thats why the japan version makes like 2-3 more hp. As for the looks, all japanese versions come with recaro raciing seats, which were only availiabe in 2001 model in the usa and canada. Also Usa version has round front lights, while japanese have the older rectangular lights. Basically the japan type r is tunned for japanese emissions while the usa version is for usa emisionns, so they are basically the same internals etcc...