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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How to Watch Japanese TV From Anywhere in 2024

Hendrik Human Updated on 11th July 2024 Fact-checked by Aleksandra Kovacevic Cybersecurity Researcher

Free sites like TV Tokyo or TVer offer Japanese TV but restrict access based on your location. This is a shame since watching Japanese TV abroad immerses you in the language, culture, and iconic shows.

However, with a VPN, watching Japanese TV in HD from anywhere is possible since it can provide a Japanese IP address. VPNs also use encryption and advanced security protocols to secure your online activity. This helps you avoid ISP throttling so you can watch Doramas and anime without interruptions.

After testing 43 VPNs, my team and I recommend ExpressVPN for streaming Japanese TV without buffering. ExpressVPN provided the fastest speed with servers in Osaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Yokohama. Its user-friendly apps make it easy to use on Roku and other popular streaming devices. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Watch Japanese TV in HD >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch Japanese TV With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. My top choice is ExpressVPN because it’s fast for uninterrupted streaming. Using its money-back guarantee, you can also try it risk-free for up to 30 days.
  2. Connect to a server. The nearer the server is to your location, the faster your speeds will usually be.
  3. Start streaming. Launch your preferred Japanese streaming service, like TVer or Abema TV, and watch Japanese TV live online.
Editor's note. The VPN services below have no-logging policies in place, which means they do not monitor your activity. The responsibility for how you use a VPN lies with you. My colleagues and I do not support copyright infringement and urge you to follow all applicable rules and regulations.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Watch Japanese TV in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Fastest VPN for streaming Japanese TV live in HD from anywhere and a 30-day refund period.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    User-friendly apps for all major operating systems to watch Japanese shows easily.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Unlimited connections to stream Japanese TV securely on all your devices.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How to Watch Japanese TV for Free

One of the best sites to watch Japanese TV for free is TVer. This Japanese TV streaming service airs various popular channels, like Nippon TV, Asahi TV, TBS, TV Tokyo, and Fuji TV live. It also hosts a selection of on-demand Japanese TV shows, including K-dramas, reality shows, and anime. Follow the guide below to watch TVer online:

1. Download a VPN

Go to the official VPN website and download the app to your device. To securely stream TVer, the VPN must have servers in Japan. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it's fast and can be used on Roku, Firestick TV, and more streaming devices. Once it’s installed, connect to a server in Japan to get a Japanese IP address.

A screenshot of the ExpressVPN app showing its Japan server locations while connected to the Tokyo serverChoose the Japanese server closest to you for optimal speeds

2. Visit the TVer Website

Visit TVer to browse its extensive catalog of Japanese content. It's completely free, and you don’t need to create an account to start watching.

A screenshot of the TVer website homepage showing some of its most popular content.You can also download the official TVer app for Android, iOS, or Firestick TV

3. Create a TVer Account

Click the Log In button and then the Register link to sign up. Creating an account will allow you to track your viewing progress, add shows to your favorites, and create watch lists. Follow the steps, and click the Registration button to create your account.

A screenshot of the TVer account registration pages with the email verification field to the left and the personal details page to the rightYou will also need to provide a valid postal code within Japan

4. Start Streaming

You can now watch your favorite Japanese TV shows live and on-demand on TVer. Remember to check the programming schedule, as some stations and shows only broadcast at specific time slots.

A screenshot of the TVer streaming page with its main navigation menu highlightedUse advanced search to filter by genre, TV channel, length, and subtitles

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Where Can I Watch Japanese TV Online?

There are many free-to-air services that broadcast Japanese TV channels and shows online. Unfortunately, though, most of these are restricted to viewers in Japan and don’t offer English subtitles.

However, there are also a handful of streaming services that cater specifically to Japanese audiences abroad by offering some TV channels and on-demand content. Most of these are not free but are available in a variety of countries and support both English and Japanese subtitles. Here are a few sites where you can watch your favorite Japanese shows online:

Country Streaming service Lowest price Subtitles Free trial
Japan TVer Free Japanese Completely free
Abema TV Some content is free. Watch all content for ¥960/month Japanese 14 days
TV Tokyo Free Japanese Completely free
Nittere Free (Nippon TV) Free Japanese Completely free
TBS Free Free Japanese Completely free
WOWOW WoD ¥2,530/month Japanese Completely free
U-Next ¥2,189/month Japanese 31 days
Fuji on Demand (FoD) ¥960/month Japanese None
TELASA ¥618/month Japanese 14 days
Hulu Japan ¥1,026/month Multiple languages (including English and Japanese) None
Netflix Japan ¥1,026/month Multiple languages (including English and Japanese) None
Amazon Prime Video Japan ¥1,026/month Multiple languages (including English and Japanese) None
US & Canada Jme $25/month Japanese and English None
US Hulu (TV Tokyo) $7.99/month Multiple languages (including English and Japanese) 7 days
DirecTV Stream (Nippon TV) $69.99/month Multiple languages (including English and Japanese) 5 days
Worldwide Doki TV $5.25/month Japanese and English 3 days
NHK WORLD-JAPAN Free English Completely free
Viki $5.99/month Multiple languages (including English and Japanese) 7 days

Best VPNs to Watch Japanese TV From Anywhere in 2024

Top VPNs offer fast and reliable servers in Japan to safely watch Japanese TV in HD from the US and anywhere else. All the shortlisted VPNs demonstrated excellent speeds for streaming live TV without interruptions. I also confirmed the VPNs are easy to set up on smart TVs and offer native mobile apps, so you can watch Japanese shows however you wish.

Lowest Price Speeds Server Network Device Support Device Connections Refund Period
🥇ExpressVPN $6.67/month Excellent 3,000 servers in 105 countries Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, Firestick TV, Roku, routers 8 30 days
🥈CyberGhost $2.03/month Fast 11,690 servers in 100 countries Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, Firestick TV, Roku, routers 7 45 days
🥉PIA $2.03/month Fast 29,650 servers in 91 countries Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, Firestick TV, Roku, routers Unlimited 30 days

1. ExpressVPN — Optimal Speeds to Stream Japanese TV Uninterrupted

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN speeds and servers in 4 Japanese locations make it ideal for watching Japanese TV from anywhere without buffering. Its proprietary Lightway protocol uses less code to move data faster and drains less battery. ExpressVPN only reduced our speeds by 18% when testing servers in Japan. We could watch Netflix Japan and TVer in the highest quality without issues.

It's also one of the easiest VPNs to set up and use. Apart from its native Android TV and Apple TV apps, it has dedicated router firmware, making it possible to stream Japanese TV on Roku (a device incompatible with VPNs). With your router using ExpressVPN, any device connected to it will also be secured and able to get a Japanese IP. I could watch the Viki channel and easily manage my connections through the router app's visual interface.

While the initial pricing may seem steep, starting at $6.67/month, ExpressVPN offers significant discounts to make it more affordable. I was able to save up to 48% when signing up for the long-term subscription and get 3 months for free. All of its plans are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try ExpressVPN without any risk.

ExpressVPN Offer November 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 48% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Intuitive Apps Make It Easy to Safely Watch Japanese Shows

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost's apps are user-friendly, making watching Japanese TV from anywhere on popular streaming devices a cinch. Following the instructions on the website, I could set it up on my Asus router in under 10 minutes. The dedicated app for Firestick TV further enhances the experience, making it effortless to stream Japanese shows on Netflix with English subtitles. CyberGhost's specialty servers for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Japan performed flawlessly during our tests, providing a secure and reliable streaming experience.

The downside is that it’s a little pricey and has a short money-back guarantee if you choose the 1-month subscription. However, you can get a long-term plan for just $2.03/month and use CyberGhost free for 45 days with its extended money-back guarantee.

November 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Unlimited Connections to Stream Japanese TV on All Your Devices

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

With PIA, your entire household can watch different Japanese TV channels securely at the same time with just one subscription. We connected to PIA on 9 devices simultaneously during testing, including an iPhone and Firestick TV, and didn't experience any slowdowns. Plus, a Japanese streaming-optimized server makes it easy to securely stream Japanese TV from anywhere.

The PIA is highly customizable, which could be perplexing if you're new to VPNs. However, the app is already pre-set for streaming, so you don’t need to change anything to watch Japanese TV securely. Using its money-back guarantee, you can also try PIA risk-free for 30 days.

November 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching Japanese TV

Only VPNs with servers in Japan can provide a Japanese IP address. All our listed VPNs offer multiple servers throughout the country and fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming of Japanese TV. We also tested each VPN to see if they work with popular Japanese streaming services, like TVer, Abema TV, and Jme.

Another key aspect is the ease of setup. The VPNs listed here are designed for user-friendly installation on your preferred streaming devices, offering native apps for smart TVs or seamless compatibility with other streaming devices using smart DNS or router support. This compatibility helps you enjoy your favorite Japanese content on any device with confidence.

We regularly test our recommended VPNs to provide up-to-date findings. For a more comprehensive explanation of how we select the best VPNs, check out our methodology page.

How to Watch Japanese TV on Your smart TV or Roku

Streaming Japanese TV on your big screen is simple with the right VPN. Whether you use an Amazon Firestick TV, Roku, or another smart TV, the VPNs listed are easy to use on all of them.

How to Watch Japanese TV on Amazon Firestick TV

Second-generation (or later) Firestick TV devices support VPN connections. All the VPNs we recommend offer official apps for Firestick TV on the Amazon App Store, making them straightforward to install and set up. Here’s how:

  1. Install the VPN app. Using your Firestick TV, launch the Amazon App Store and search for the name of your VPN.
  2. Connect to a server. Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in Japan to securely stream Japanese TV on your Firestick.
  3. Install the streaming app. Go to the Amazon App Store and search for your Japanese TV app. For example, Viki, Doki TV, and NHK WORLD-JAPAN offer official apps for Firestick TV.
  4. Securely watch Japanese TV. Launch the app, log into your account, and start streaming Japanese TV in HD.

How to Watch Japanese TV on Roku

Roku TVs don’t natively support VPNs, so you need to install a VPN on your router. This has the added benefit of encrypting your connection for enhanced security and allows you to connect all your WiFi-enabled devices to the VPN, including Roku. Your VPN will have specific instructions on its website, but here are the basic steps:

  1. Choose a VPN with router support. All the VPNs listed support popular router models, like Asus, Netgear, and more. However, setting up ExpressVPN for routers is the easiest because of its dedicated router firmware.
  2. Connect to a server. The nearer a server is to your physical location, the faster it will be. Using ExpressVPN’s router app, you can find and connect to servers using a visual interface.
  3. Connect Roku to the router VPN. Once your connection is set up, all devices connected to your router will be protected. Go to Wireless settings on your Roku and connect to your WiFi network.
  4. Add Japanese TV channels to your Roku. On your Roku, go to Streaming Channels and look for your favorite services, like Jme, Viki, NHK World-Japan, or others. Add the channel and sign in.
  5. Start watching Japanese TV. You can now securely stream Japanese TV uninterrupted on your Roku through your router VPN connection.

FAQs on Watching Japanese TV With a VPN

How can I watch Japanese TV in the US?

You can watch some Japanese TV channels and shows on US platforms. For example, Hulu carries the TV Tokyo channel while Directv Stream offers Nippon TV. There are also international streaming services with Japanese content available in the US, like Jme, Doki TV, and Viki.

How do I watch Japanese TV with subtitles?

Streaming sites, like Netflix Japan, offer subtitles and audio in various languages. Each site/app is designed differently but with similar settings. To stream Japanese TV from anywhere securely and in HD, use a VPN with servers in Japan.

To enable subtitles for Netflix:

  • Open Netflix, either by the app or web page.
  • Find what you want to watch and select it.
  • Select the caption icon — this is located on the bottom right-hand side of the screen.
  • Choose your preferred language for audio and subtitles.
  • Continue watching, now with subtitles.

Can I use free VPNs to watch TV in Japan?

No. Every free VPN we tested was too slow to watch Japanese TV, even in standard definition. Few free VPNs even have servers in the country, so they can't provide you with a Japanese IP. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is more reliable.

Additionally, free VPNs pose a risk to your online privacy. They can covertly introduce malware that effectively ruins your device. Unlike reputable VPNs, they retain your data, which can then be sold to third-party organizations, potentially resulting in identity theft. The risks simply outweigh the benefits.

What popular Japanese TV shows can I stream online?

Japanese TV is particularly known for its iconic variety shows, game shows, and anime. Luckily, TV channels like Asahi TV, Nippon TV, and Fuji TV broadcast many of their shows for free via services like TVer.

TV Channel Best For Popular Shows
Fuji TV Reality TV Terrace House
TV Tokyo Anime Naruto, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Pokemon, Bleach
NHK News, Historical dramas Asa ga Kita, Amachan
NTV (Nippon TV) Game Shows, Variety Shows The Quest, Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!
TBS Dramas The Uncanny Counter, Kaseifu no Mita

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to watch Japanese TV from anywhere...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 48%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 84%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 83%!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Hendrik is a writer at vpnMentor, specializing in VPN comparisons and user guides. With 5+ years of experience as a tech and cybersecurity writer, plus a background in corporate IT, he brings a variety of perspectives to test VPN services and analyze how they address the needs of different users.

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