How to watch Japanese TV from anywhere in 2024

From gripping dramas to anime series, Japanese television has always fascinated people worldwide. However, accessing Japanese TV content might be a challenge. That’s because geo-blocks prevent anyone outside Japan from viewing the content. Luckily, with a VPN, you can avoid these restrictions and watch Japanese TV from anywhere in the world.

A virtual private network changes your IP address and location. So, Japanese streaming services will think you are in the country and give you access to local shows and movies.

So, whether you’re from the US, Canada, or Australia, I’ll show you how to watch Japanese TV from anywhere with a VPN. Plus, here you’ll find the best virtual private networks for the job and easy-to-follow instructions on how to set them up. Not to mention, I’ll share some of the best Japanese streaming services and where to find them.

Shortlist of the best VPN to stream Japanese TV

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN to watch Japanese TV overseas
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Versatile VPN for watching Japanese TV
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Free VPN to stream Japanese TV anywhere
   8.6

Why do you need a VPN to watch Japanese TV online?

Geo-blocking is the main reason you need a VPN to watch Japanese TV. Due to Japanese copyright laws and broadcasting agreements, various streaming services and TV channels are region-locked. Besides, the best VPN for Japan will give you a local IP address and spoof your location. So, you can watch Japanese TV as if you were in the country.

Also, a top-tier streaming VPN can prevent buffering, lag, and other performance issues while watching Japanese TV. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might throttle your bandwidth while streaming to avoid massive server congestion. But because a VPN anonymizes your traffic, they can't see your activities while streaming.

Best VPNs to watch Japanese TV

1. NordVPN – best VPN that lets you watch Japanese TV in America and elsewhere
2. Surfshark VPN – Japanese TV VPN with plenty of servers in Japan
3. Proton VPN - Japanese TV VPN with a solid free version

While there are many VPN providers, only a few can help you access Japanese TV overseas. A trustworthy service should have plenty of servers in Japan, lightning-fast speeds, and additional features that will make your online experiences more pleasant. Below, you’ll find the best VPNs for Japanese TV.

1. NordVPN – top VPN to watch Japanese TV live online

NordVPN is the best VPN for bypassing geo-blocks and watching Japanese TV overseas. It’s phenomenally fast, compatible with loads of devices, and offers other nifty streaming-oriented features. Not to mention, NordVPN covers 118+ countries with 7000+ servers, including 130+ servers in Japan.

This VPN uses NordLynx as the fastest tunneling protocol. In my test, I retained 94% speed, allowing me to stream Japanese TV shows and anime in HD without buffering or lag. Threat Protection protects you from annoying ads, viruses, and trackers. Using obfuscated servers makes dealing with the strictest firewalls and blocks a walkover.

NordVPN also offers user-friendly apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. And if you have a streaming device that doesn’t support VPNs, you can use the SmartPlay feature. Any streaming device, such as Roku, Apple TV, or any other, can also be used to watch Japanese TV.

NordVPN easily unlocks Netflix Japan, TV Tokyo, U-Next, and many other Japanese streaming platforms. So, if you want to watch anime, J-dramas, or Japanese news, grab a NordVPN coupon and use a subscription with a massive 74% discount.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – A reliable VPN for Japanese TV overseas

Surfshark VPN is another excellent VPN that helps you access Japanese TV in the US, UK, Australia, and numerous other countries. With this VPN, you won’t have region locks, slow speeds, or other performance issues. Also, unlike most top-tier providers, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including Japan. This extensive server network ensures reliable connections and broad accessibility. When streaming 4K video, I retained 93% speed using WireGuard tunneling protocol and Nexus technology. Also, Camouflage mode will help you avoid blocks and firewalls, while CleanWeb will eliminate obnoxious ads, trackers, and viruses.

Surfshark also has easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Apart from that, it will let you watch Japanese TV on FireStick, Android TV, or Kodi. And if you can’t set up a VPN on your smart TV or streaming device, you can use the Smart DNS feature. The Surfshark VPN masks your IP address and allows you to bypass geo-restrictions by routing your internet traffic through secured servers. If you can't set up a VPN on your smart TV or streaming device, you can use Surfshark's Smart DNS feature to access restricted content seamlessly.

Surfing through Japanese TV channels online will be easy. Plus, a subscription won’t burn a hole in your pocket. So, get 86% off of your subscription with a Surfshark VPN coupon code.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – Free VPN to stream Japanese TV anywhere

Proton VPN is another great choice for unblocking Japanese TV thanks to its fast connection speeds and unblocking capabilities. It has 9200+ servers in 110+ countries, and 34+ servers are available in Japan. Besides, Japan is one of the countries (the US, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland) where VPN servers are free. However, not all Japanese servers are available on the free plan but it has limited free server options in Japan.

Proton VPN uses a 10 Gbps server network combined with VPN Accelerator technology to improve speed and connectivity stability. During my streaming test, I retained 75.8% of the original download speed and streamed in HD and 4K without buffering. The free version also comes with security features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. A zero-log policy ensures privacy protection from throttling and other potential intrusions, keeping your online activities secure and anonymous.

Also, Proton VPN's NetShields ad blocker blocks intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious scripts while streaming Japanese content. Likewise, Proton VPN offers user-friendly apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, making it convenient on any device. Besides, it supports watching on FireStick, Android TV, and other smart devices.

Proton VPN is free, but the free version has limited server options and bandwidth restrictions. There is a risk of slightly unreliable connections and the inability to stream Japanese TV. Luckily, Proton VPN offers a 64% discount, and you can apply its Coupon to get a better deal. You can get your money back from Proton VPN within 30 days of purchasing the service.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Best VPNs to unblock Japanese TV: comparison

NordVPN is my top recommendation if you need reliable Japanese TV access anywhere in the world. During my testing, it effortlessly bypassed all restrictions and delivered a high-quality stream. Also, all annoying advertisements for Japanese content were blocked.

How I tested VPNs to watch Japanese TV online

Only a high-quality VPN allows you to watch Japanese TV online. Therefore, I tested and evaluated heaps of services based on these criteria:

• Servers. If you want to bypass region locks, you’ll need a VPN with Japanese servers. VPNs that have none in the country didn’t make it onto the list.
• Geo-block bypassing capabilities. A VPN should be able to change your location and provide you with a working Japanese IP address. Only then can it bypass geo-blocking and give you access to Japanese TV.
• Speeds. A fast VPN is mandatory to watch Japanese TV online smoothly. I chose services with WireGuard or NordLynx tunneling protocols because they provide fast and stable connections for streaming Japanese TV in high quality.
• Compatibility and ease of use. For the most pleasant streaming experience, I tested and picked VPNs with apps for all major OSs and devices. Also, the number of simultaneous connections and user-friendliness played a part in my decision.

It’s obvious that NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Japanese TV streams live. That’s because it’s super fast, has plenty of servers in Japan, and ticks all the boxes of a great VPN.

Where to watch Japanese TV

Japanese TV is a treasure trove of anime, J-dramas, exciting reality TV shows, and more. Therefore, many people want access to various streaming platforms in Japan. If you’re here, the most critical question you have right now is, “Where can I watch Japanese TV shows online?” Well, you’ll find the answer in the table below:

These platforms and TV channels offer the best Japanese shows, movies, and anime. You can watch Jujutsu Kaisen, Gokusen, Alice in Borderland, Naruto, and more. But remember, you’ll need a trusty VPN with Japanese servers to gain access to these platforms like NordVPN.

How to watch Japanese TV in your country

Wherever you reside, you might want to catch the latest Japanese shows and movies. That's why I created easy-to-follow guides on how to watch Japanese TV in your location.

Watch Japanese TV in the USA

If you want to catch the latest shows and movies on Japanese TV in the US, you’ll need a VPN. It can change your IP address and location, giving you access to high-quality streaming services in Japan, such as Fuji TV, TV Japan, NHK World, and WOWOW. However, you’ll need a VPN with Japan servers and the best one in America is NordVPN.

Watch Japanese TV in the US

Watch Japanese TV in Australia

Like in many other regions, Australians won’t be able to access Japanese TV freely due to geo-blocking. The best and fastest way to watch some exciting shows and movies is by getting a VPN with servers in Japan. My Top 3 Japanese TV VPNs will help tackle the task at hand, allowing you to stream U-NEXT, Netflix Japan, or Hulu Japan in no time.

Watch Japanese TV in the UK

You can watch Japanese TV in the UK with a VPN, but it must have servers in Japan to bypass geo-restricted content effectively. All you need to do is connect to a VPN server in Japan. Then access the streaming service’s website or app to watch your favorite Japanese shows and programs. One of the top Japan VPN services is Surfshark VPN.

Watch Japanese TV in Canada

You can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and watch Japanese TV online in Canada. A VPN with Japanese servers will get you the right IP. After that, you only need to pick a streaming service you want to explore. For example, NordVPN will unblock Hulu Japan, WOWOW, U-NEXT, and other popular Japanese TV services in Canada.

How to use a VPN for Japanese TV on different devices: a detailed guide

Using a VPN to watch Japanese TV will protect your privacy and security, and you will not encounter pop-up ads. Whether you're using Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, or other streaming devices, setting up a VPN is straightforward and quick. Besides, Android's geo-blocking requires changing your location whenever you use a VPN.

This guide will walk you through the steps, including any specific instructions needed for routers. Here are the steps you need to follow to set up a VPN to enjoy uninterrupted streaming of Japanese TV:

1. Get a VPN with Japan servers. I recommend NordVPN, currently with a 72% discount
2. Download the app from an app store or the provider’s webpage
3. Install it and join a server in Japan
4. Head to any Japanese streaming platform, for example, U-NEXT, Netflix Japan, Hulu Japan, or any other
5. Enjoy binge-watching J-dramas, anime, or other Japanese content!

For streaming devices, follow these steps:

Installing a VPN on a FireStick TV or Android TV is straightforward. However, for Roku, Apple TV, or other smart TVs, you'll need to configure a VPN on your router. Start by choosing a VPN like NordVPN compatible with your router. Set up the VPN on your router by following the provider's instructions, then connect your streaming device to the WiFi network. Finally, switch to a Japanese TV streaming service, such as Amazon Prime Japan, and enjoy seamless access to Japanese content!

Watch Japanese TV on a streaming device

Japanese TV Not Working with VPN: solutions

In very rare cases, you might have problems watching Japanese TV with a VPN. Here are a few things you can try to solve the issue:

• Try a different server. Chances are the server is down, or you got an already blacklisted IP address.
• Clear your browser’s cache & cookies. That’s because some of them might reveal your actual location.
• Update your VPN. If you haven’t done that in a while, your VPN might start to act up. So, simply update your software.
• Check if your IP address is not leaking. You can prevent that by turning the IP & DNS leak protection and kill switch on.
• Contact customer support. But if they can’t help, I recommend getting a more reliable VPN, such as NordVPN.

How to watch Japanese TV online for free?

While most Japanese TV streaming platforms require a paid subscription, there is a way to watch local content without paying a penny. Services like NHK World, TVer, or TV Tokyo offer free plans.

However, you’ll still need a VPN with Japanese servers to use these streaming services. But you can use a free trial VPN to let you change your location for a limited time. Here’s how to watch Japanese TV online for free:

1. Get a VPN with a generous free trial period. My top recommendation is NordVPN
2. Install the app and connect to a server in Japan
3. Head to TVer or TV Tokyo
4. Now you can watch Japanese TV online for free!

Stream Japanese TV for free

What to watch on Japanese TV

Japanese content has become popular over the last few years. Plus, the country has a rich and diverse television industry, so there’s something for everyone to see. However, if you don’t know where to start or what to watch on Japanese TV, here are some suggestions on where to start:

Most of these shows won’t be available in your area. For this reason, if you plan to binge-watch the best Japanese TV shows, you should get a reliable VPN that has servers in Japan.

Conclusion

Japanese TV content is geo-blocked outside Japan due to licensing and copyright laws. But do not despair just yet because a reliable VPN effectively bypasses geo-restrictions. It masks your real IP address and makes it appear like you are accessing the internet from Japan. So, you'll be able to binge-watch and catch up with the latest J-dramas, local sports events, news, or exhilarating anime content anywhere in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or any other part of the world. A reliable VPN can help you overcome geo-restrictions that prevent access to Japanese TV content due to licensing and copyright laws.

I recommend NordVPN because of its comprehensive features that bypass these geo-blocking measures. NordVPN not only navigates these restrictions smoothly but also ensures you have high-quality security and reliability while streaming Japanese TV.

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You may also like to read:
How to watch Korean Netflix in the US
How to watch American TV abroad
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How to watch Canadian TV in the USA

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FAQ

Where can I watch Japanese TV shows online?

You can watch Japanese TV shows on international streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. Additionally, you can watch Japanese TV news on NHK. Nevertheless, you’ll need a VPN, such as NordVPN, to gain access to Japanese content libraries.

Can I watch Japanese TV on Roku?

Yes, you can watch Japanese TV on Roku. However, if you’re outside Japan, you’ll need a VPN for Roku to access local content.

How can I watch Japanese TV in the US for free?

A reliable VPN can help you watch Japanese TV in America for free. A service like NordVPN will give you servers in Japan, so you’ll be able to explore free Japanese TV streaming services like TVer, TV Tokyo, or AbemaTV.

Will using a VPN slow down my internet speed when streaming Japanese TV?

Speed reduction is possible, but high-quality VPNs like NordVPN minimize this impact. You should look for servers optimized for streaming and fast speed and performance reviews.

Is it legal to use a VPN to access Japanese TV content from outside Japan?

Although technically possible, I don’t recommend using a free VPN for streaming Japanese TV. A free VPN does not provide the same level of privacy and security as a paid VPN. Its security measures are lacking, including a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and split tunneling. You are more likely to be infected with a cyber threat and less likely to be able to unblock your favorite Japanese TV in the country you are in.