How to Watch NHK On Demand From Anywhere in 2024

NHK On Demand is only available in Japan, which is a real bummer for fans of taiga drama and other Japanese shows. The platform blocks any foreign IP addresses from accessing its content.

A VPN makes it possible to watch NHK On Demand from anywhere in HD by providing a Japanese IP address. Using a VPN also protects you from online snoops and hackers. Plus, it prevents your ISP from throttling your connection when streaming since they can't see what you're doing online.

After my team and I tested 46 VPNs, I recommend ExpressVPN as the best option for watching NHK On Demand online. It consistently provides fast, reliable connections for uninterrupted streaming and has multiple server locations in Japan. Additionally, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free and get a full refund if unsatisfied. 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.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching NHK On Demand in 2024

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 NHK On Demand Online

Some NHK On Demand content can be watched for free on apps for smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. To enjoy its entire library, you must have an account and pay a monthly fee. Follow the steps below to securely watch NHK On Demand from anywhere:

1. Download a Reliable VPN

To securely watch NHK On Demand, install a VPN provider that has servers in Japan and offers robust security features, like AES 256-bit encryption. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has fast servers throughout Osaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Yokohama to stream NHK On Demand without buffering. Visit the VPN's website and download the appropriate app for your device — ExpressVPN even has native Android and Apple TV apps.

Run the installer and follow the prompts to get ExpressVPN on your device

2. Connect to a Server

Expand the app and type "Japan" into the search bar, then click on a server to get a secure Japanese IP address. This makes it possible to watch NHK On Demand from anywhere while protecting online privacy.

Click the large power button to connect to your selected server location

3. Visit the NHK On Demand Website

Open your web browser and go to the homepage for NHK On Demand. Some of the content is free to watch if you want to try it out before committing.

You can also use the NHK On Demand app on mobile

4. Create an NHK On Demand Account

NHK On Demand requires you to sign up to watch all of its shows and movies. If you already have an account, simply log in.

You’ll need a monthly subscription fee of 990 yen to stream the complete library

5. Start Streaming

Once logged in and connected to a VPN, browse the available shows and start securely streaming your favorite TV NHK On Demand TV dramas, documentaries, and more online.

You can also use the search bar to find your favorite 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 ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Where Can I Watch NHK On Demand?

Due to licensing restrictions, NHK On Demand is exclusive to Japan. The platform uses tough geoblocking technologies to detect your IP address and restrict access if you're outside the country.

Besides the official NHK On Demand website, some international streaming services occasionally offer NHK content through specific partnerships or regional licensing agreements. These include Amazon Prime Video (USA), Sling TV (USA), Jme TV (USA and Canada), and Freeview (UK). If you want to know how to watch NHK in the US, these services are the best way. Unfortunately, NHK shows aren’t available on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube TV.

Best VPNs for Watching NHK On Demand From Anywhere in 2024

With a premium VPN, you can watch the top taiga dramas, such as Hikaru Kimi e and Kamakura-dono no 13-nin, without interruptions. The listed services provide fast speeds, servers in Japan, and excellent security features. They’re also compatible with the most popular streaming devices, including smart TVs.

1. ExpressVPN — Exceptional Speeds for Watching NHK On Demand in UHD

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s fast connections make it possible to watch NHK On Demand anywhere in HD. Its proprietary Lightway protocol delivers smooth streams without buffering, even for high-definition shows, since it uses less code and moves data faster. When we tested nearby servers, our speed dropped by only 5% — 241.13Mbps from 254.31Mbps. This is significantly faster than the 25Mbps required for UHD streaming.

I found the VPN easy to install and use on all major devices. It even has native Apple and Android TV apps. If your device isn't VPN compatible, like my PS5, you can use ExpressVPN's custom router software to safely stream NHK On Demand on any WiFi-connected device. It took me about 10 minutes to install it on the Netgear router, following the step-by-step guide on its website.

While the VPN is slightly more expensive than others on my list, you can save up to 82% with ExpressVPN’s regular deals and discounts. Additionally, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out for NHK On Demand without risk. I got my money back 3 days after canceling and requesting a refund via 24/7 live chat.

2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps Makes It Easy to Stream NHK On Demand Online

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s intuitive interface makes it a great choice for beginners. Its desktop and mobile apps look similar and are straightforward to navigate. Simply use the search bar to find and connect to a server in Japan and securely stream NHK within minutes. Nearly as fast as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost slowed our base connection by only 7% during tests. This makes it possible to watch NHK On Demand from anywhere without delays.

On the downside, its monthly plan is relatively pricey and only offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, a long-term plan costs only $2.03/month, and you get an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy if you're not 100% happy with it. I canceled via 24/7 live chat, and the agent only asked how I experienced the app before processing my request. The money was paid to my PayPal account that same week.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Japan Streaming Servers To Securely Watch NHK From Anywhere

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has dedicated streaming servers for Japan to securely access NHK On Demand from anywhere. These servers are specifically designed to handle the high bandwidth requirements of video and live TV. We tested the Japan streaming server and had no issues watching live reality TV on NHK. Speeds on these servers were also 3% faster than the regular Japan servers we tested.

I like that PIA allows you to adjust MTU size and lower your encryption level for faster speeds. Still, all the customization options can be overwhelming if you’re new to VPNs. Luckily, the app comes pre-configured for streaming, so you don't have to make any adjustments. You can also use PIA on unlimited devices simultaneously and only pay $2.03/month for a long-term plan.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching NHK On Demand

We looked at several key things while testing the best VPNs for watching NHK On Demand. First, we confirmed the VPNs have servers in Japan and work with NHK On Demand. We then tested each VPN at different times of day to see if it consistently allowed for uninterrupted streaming. Finally, we performed IP/DNS leak tests and reviewed each VPN's security features to provide you peace of mind that your data will be protected while streaming taiga dramas.

How to Watch NHK On Demand on Different Devices

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to watch NHK On Demand safely on popular devices using a VPN.

How to Watch NHK On Demand on Your PC

1. Install a VPN. Start by signing up for one of the top Windows VPNs with servers in Japan.
2. Connect to a server. A VPN has servers worldwide to change IP addresses, making it possible to securely watch NHK On Demand from anywhere.
3. Visit NHK On Demand. Open a Windows web browser, navigate to the NHK On Demand website, and create an account.
4. Start streaming. Find your favorite Japanese content and start streaming in HD.

How to Watch NHK On Demand on Your Mobile Device

1. Download and install a VPN App. Go to the Google Play Store or Google App Store and pick a VPN. I suggest choosing a VPN with native iOS and Android apps for easy installation.
2. Connect to a server. A Japanese server assigns the mobile device a Japanese IP address, making it appear like the device is physically located in Japan.
3. Download the NHK On Demand app. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for the NHK On Demand app. Download and install the app on your mobile device.
4. Create an account. If you already have an NHK On Demand account, log in with your credentials. If not, create a new account by following the registration instructions within the app.
5. Start Streaming. Once logged in, you can securely stream your favorite NHK On Demand shows and movies on your mobile device.

How to Watch NHK On Demand on Roku, Smart TVs, and Gaming Consoles

1. Get a VPN. Some VPNs have native smart TV apps like Apple and Fire Stick. If your device isn't compatible with VPNs, like Roku, get a VPN that supports router installations and has servers in Japan.
2. Install the VPN on your router. Follow your VPN's official website instructions to set it up on your router. Select a server location in Japan and enter your VPN account credentials.
3. Connect your devices to the router. Any device that’s using your router (including Smart TVs and gaming consoles) will have a Japanese IP address.
4. Open the NHK On Demand App. On Roku, your Smart TV, or gaming console, navigate to the app store and download the NHK On Demand app.
5. Start streaming. Find the content you want to watch on NHK and stream uninterrupted on your favorite devices.

FAQs on Watching NHK On Demand With a VPN

Is watching NHK On Demand with a VPN legal?

Using a VPN to watch NHK On Demand securely is legal in Japan. There are no laws against VPN use. With a VPN that has servers worldwide, you can stream NHK On Demand from anywhere in HD.

Can I watch NHK On Demand outside Japan for free?

NHK offers limited free access to its content via the NHK Plus app. To watch the entire library, you need a paid account of 990 yen a month. Using a VPN, it’s possible to securely watch NHK On Demand for free from anywhere, as premium VPNs can provide a Japan IP address.

Will a VPN affect my stream quality when watching NHK On Demand?

Yes, a VPN slows your speed because it encrypts your connection. However, with a VPN that has servers throughout Japan and optimized security protocols, you won't notice a delay. A premium VPN, like ExpressVPN, allows watching NHK On Demand from anywhere without buffering.

Why isn’t NHK On Demand working with my VPN?

NHK has most likely detected and blocked your VPN's IP address. Try switching to another server in Japan. If it still doesn’t work, disconnect the VPN, clear your browser cache and cookies, and try again. If the problem persists, check that your VPN uses obfuscation to mask your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic to avoid detection in the first place.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching NHK On Demand 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.

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