How to Watch GYAO Outside Japan (Fast and Easy)

Initiated in October 2008, GYAO is one of the offerings from Yahoo. It is a website that offers free streaming of the latest video content for willing viewers. Alas, only Japanese residents have access to these videos.

Japan generally places restrictions on many of its online services. However, in this case, users outside of Japan cannot access GYAO because of geo-blocks. GYAO only has the license to stream the content on its platform to users within Japan. Hence, it cannot go beyond that. 

Geo-restriction is the problem this article aims to solve. After reading this article, you’ll be able to watch shows like Yoshimoto ∞, Megumi’s 30 years of torn family, and Tetsuko’s Room from virtually any location around the globe.

How to Watch GYAO with a VPN

To watch GYAO content outside Japan, you’ll need a VPN to bypass the geo-restrictions. A VPN is software that allows you to tweak the IP address of your device. By default, the IP address of all devices on the internet is location-specific. But with the help of a VPN, your device can be made to behave like it’s physically located in Japan. 

To use a VPN for GYAO, you need to do the following:

1. Select a VPN that has servers in Japan: We have a recommendation list of the best VPNs for GYAO in the next section. 
2. Download the VPN app
3. Connect to a server in Japan to get a Japanese IP address. 

Subsequently, you’ll be able to access GYAO’s interesting content, now that you have a Japanese IP address. 

Top VPNs for Accessing GYAO Outside Japan

There are several VPN providers in the cybersecurity industry today; however, the reliable ones are few. We shall forthwith be recommending a list of five reliable VPNs to use with GYAO. We base this list strictly on the advanced VPN features available with these providers and online reviews of GYAO users. 

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

With a brand name that is ubiquitous with longtime VPN users, ExpressVPN has made a name for itself in the VPN market. However, ExpressVPN is not atop this recommendation list because of some online marketing strategy. The brand has spectacular and excellent features that make ExpressVPN stand apart from every other VPN service.

To watch GYAO video contents in high definition and without glitches, the high-speed connections that ExpressVPN provides will do a perfect job. Their vast network of fast speed servers makes video streaming an enjoyable activity. ExpressVPN has a server strength of over 3000 spread out in over 90 countries of the world. In case you are wondering, quite a number of these servers are located in Japan. These multiple servers provide several ExpressVPN server options to pick from in Japan if a particular one is experiencing traffic congestion. 

By connecting to ExpressVPN Japanese servers, your device automatically gets a Japanese IP address. Thus, making the GYAO website see your device as accessing its content from Japan’s territorial borders. The same concept works with for example watching AbemaTV overseas or watching similar plattforms such as Japanese Netflix.

Since you may end up using ExpressVPN to access other services on your device, you will better appreciate ExpressVPN’s security features. Their 256-bit AES encryption protects all data passing to the internet from your device. Thus, protecting your identity/information from cybercriminals. 

You don’t need prior knowledge of VPNs with ExpressVPN. Such experience is unnecessary since they have customer-friendly apps – for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Second, on our list of reliable VPNs for watching GYAO videos outside Japan is NordVPN. NordVPN has a series of client apps that makes it usable on smartphones, PCs, and even routers. NordVPN also has a plugin that works with prolific internet browsers like Chrome, Firefox, etc.  So, irrespective of the device you plan on watching your GYAO videos, NordVPN’s got your back. 

For a quality service like NordVPN, it offers a surprisingly easy option of subscription payment. They support Bitcoin payments, making it unnecessary to submit your personal information when paying for their services. The connection speed and high bandwidth offering of NordVPN are another of their numerous selling points. With a physical architecture of 5500+ servers in 59 countries, their acclaimed connection capabilities are undoubted. Interestingly, there are 82 of NordVPN’s servers in Japan.

With a NordVPN subscription account, you don’t have to worry about view-time conflicts in the family. If your teenage kids are itching to watch different GYAO contents from you, connect them to your NordVPN subscription account. This simultaneous connection is possible because NordVPN can support up to 6 devices at once.

Since you plan to watch GYAO from outside Japan, worries about the integrity of your online security become legitimate. However, NordVPN provides military-grade data encryption for all premium users. They also run a strict no-log policy, meaning they do not store any personal data to identify you on their servers.

NordVPN is also a great choice for watching Japanese TV outside Japan in general, letting you also access other shows such as TVer overseas or Japanese Hulu.

Best for connecting multiple devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

Visit Surfshark

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Surfshark is an equally reliable VPN provider. The company has over 3200 servers in 60+ countries globally, and most importantly, a handful in Japan. Though new on the block, Surfshark has drawn a vast following since inception, all thanks to their reliable services. 

To watch GYAO videos from outside Japan, all you need do is connect to one of Surfshark’s Japanese servers. By connecting to a Surfsark Japanese server, you can avoid the challenge of your ISP throttling your connection speed or capping bandwidth. Also, Surfshark’s local servers make it possible to acquire a Japanese IP address for streaming GYAO videos. With your temporary Japanese IP address, you get to watch the latest GYAO videos without restriction.

Surfshark allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices for a single subscription account. With such allowance, Japanese expats can join their family, friends, and colleagues to the Surfshark premium account. The simple and easy-to-use app interface makes it mostly unnecessary to request professional support for Surfshark installation and deployment. They also have dedicated client apps for each of the common platforms from which you’re liable to access their services. 

For the top-notch features Surfshark premium offers in addition to their unlimited number of connections, their service remains one of the cheapest available. For example, Surfshark’s 256-bit AES encryption technology secures your data. Surfshark allows potential subscribers to ascertain what they are paying for; the seven-day free trial helps test run Surfshark.  Surfshark is also a great choice for watching shows like Japanese Amazon Prime or U-Next overseas.

Easiest to use based on our tests

UltraVPN

Overall score: 0

• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Cheap subscription plan. Starting at $6.99, save 22%

Visit UltraVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

UltraVPN captures the fourth position on our recommendation list. Their apps have one of the most straightforward user interfaces we have come across. Using UltraVPN is as easy as selecting the country of choice – Japan, and connecting. UltraVPN automatically assigns a Japanese IP address after the initiation of the connection. Thus, allowing you to bypass the geo-restrictions on GYAO video contents. 

Several features make UltraVPN a worthy investment to use with GYAO. The company boasts of a 1000+ army of VPN servers in 58 countries of the globe. GYAO users have no cause for worries because of the local UltraVPN servers that allow you to watch videos outside the country. If your ISP is such that throttles connection speed and caps bandwidth access, UltraVPN will help you surmount the hurdle. 

Sporting the latest VPN security features, UltraVPN ensures your online security and privacy while using GYAO. Though their Kill Switch feature is ‘OFF’ by default, you can quickly turn it on in the settings panel. UltraVPN does not log user data and uses AES-256 encryption for all data exchange between your device and the internet. So, besides cascading your actual IP address, UltraVPN sees that you’re anonymous while using GYAO and similar services. 

You can connect up to 3 devices to an UltraVPN account, and they offer a 3-day free trial. However, if you are a Japanese emigrant settled in China, please consider using other VPNs on our list. China has successfully blocked some VPN providers from its local internet, and UltraVPN is one of them. 

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 8.8

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 7,000+ reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Tough security features

Visit CyberGhost

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Despite being the last on this list, CyberGhost is by no means an inferior VPN provider. It has scored big on several VPN reviews and is a famous brand with VPN users. But when it comes to using a VPN for GYAO, popularity is not enough to cut it. 

A network of close to 7,000 servers in 90+ countries is the backbone of CyberGhost’s fast speed offering. With just a little above 70 of these servers in Japan, seamless GYAO videos’ streaming becomes hassle-free. The same applies for using gaming plattforms such as DMM overseas.

Like the other recommendations on this list, CyberGhost equally sports the best security features any VPN can offer. CyberGhost premium subscription allows up to 7 different device connections. Unique CyberGhost client apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices are available on their official website. An automatic Kill Switch, AES-256 encryption, and DNS leak protection all work in synergy for CyberGhost users’ privacy and safety. 

CyberGhost permits a 1-day free trial for new users, but they have a similar Achilles heel as UltraVPN. The drawback is that the Great Firewall of China blocks CyberGhost, and you cannot use it for GYAO from that republic. 

Factors to Consider When Picking a VPN for GYAO

The VPNs in the list above are the best to use for watching GYAO videos from outside Japan. However, if you are unsure about the one to choose from the list, we are glad to suggest factors to consider. 

Terrestrial coverage of servers

The number of servers maintained by your VPN provider is inconsequential if none is in Japan. It would be best if you had a VPN that will assign your device with a Japanese IP address, thus, giving you access to GYAO videos. You can take advantage of a VPN’s free trial to determine if they have servers in Japan.

Bandwidth capping 

You don’t want your VPN service limiting the number of videos you can watch at a go on GYAO. It forthwith becomes imperative to check if the service you’re rooting for does not have data limits. 

Compatibility with multiple platforms 

The most reliable VPNs allow users to access their services from different types of devices. They even permit users to connect various devices via a single subscription account. If you are watching GYAO videos with family and friends on separate machines, go for providers that allow such.

Cost/Privacy compromise 

We are reiterating that the above-recommended VPNs are the best concerning user privacy. Asides from the free trials in some cases, you will have to pay for the VPN service. It is undeniable that some free VPN providers offer features that are close to paid VPN services. However, it is usually a case of exchanging your privacy for a free VPN service.

Some of the VPNs in our recommendation list are pocket-friendly; consider them. Your online privacy is priceless. 

Available protocols 

The older the VPN protocol and the fewer the options a provider offers, the worse off. VPN services with the latest protocols like the WireGuard are better for streaming audio and video content like GYAO. Best of all is a VPN that allows you to select from several VPN protocol options.

Assurance of user privacy 

Websites with monetization technology – with targeted ads, have unique technology for harvesting the browsing history of your device. By implication, without a reliable VPN, your browsing history falls right in their laps. But with VPN services with security features similar to those described in our recommendation list, your privacy is assured. 

Scaling geo-restrictions 

In case you’re not aware, not all VPNs can maneuver geo-restrictions. And it will be disheartening if, after subscribing to a VPN, you realize it cannot assist you to view videos on GYAO. 

Excellent Features on GYAO

GYAO has some excellent and wonderful features. These features make your streaming experience seamless. Some of the features on GYAO that will make your streaming experience exceptional include:

• GYAO’s Favorites feature allows you to save up to 60 videos as favorites.
• In addition, there is a “Wish List” feature that enables users to choose just the sections of a video they wish to see.
• You may pick up where you left off with the video by using the bookmarking option. So there is no need to be overworked about finding where you left off with this function.
• GYAO has a lot of videos to choose from.  The user review feature will help you figure out which ones are worth your time.

Why is watching GYAO’s videos outside impossible?

Despite its reputation as a technologically sophisticated nation, Japan has one of the most stringent regulations in the world against violation of a third party’s copyright. As a result, several sites that have purchased the rights to broadcast their material solely in Japan, like GYAO, may be found. Consequently, viewing Japanese material or watching Japanese television is impossible without a Japanese IP address.

Things to do when the VPN server selected does not unblock GYAO

Try connecting to additional Japan-based servers of the VPN service you’re using. VPN servers have varying capabilities; some are better suited for a certain purpose. A VPN provider may not be able to unblock GYAO if other servers fail to connect. Contact the support staff of the VPN or look for another VPN service provider that works with GYAO in this situation. Keep an eye out for user evaluations that verify the VPN service is capable of accomplishing its stated goals.

Frequently Asked Questions on Watching GYAO Outside Japan

Is it lawful to use a VPN to watch GYAO outside Japan?

Yes, it is lawful to use a VPN to watch GYAO outside Japan. Despite GYAO being available for only residents of Japan, using a VPN to access the streaming service, in most cases, will not put you in trouble with law enforcement. However, you need to know the laws of the country in which you reside. This is because certain countries have laws that ban or regulate using a VPN, such as China, Iraq, UAE, Russia, and Belarus. In any case, breaking the law with a VPN does not absolve you of the consequences. 

Can I use a free VPN to watch GYAO outside Japan?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch GYAO outside Japan, but you have to know the risks you are taking. Firstly, very few free VPN services will give you unrestricted access to their entire server network. Some of them will not even have servers in Japan, which is required to watch GYAO outside Japan. In addition, despite having servers in Japan, their lack of sophistication may not give you access to GYAO. Furthermore, they usually lack robust security and privacy components to keep your data secure. Finally, some free VPNs are malicious or sell your data to make some profit. So, it is better to go for a paid option than take these risks. 

What is the best VPN for watching GYAO outside Japan?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are currently the two top-rated VPNs globally. We would recommend ExpressVPN if we have to choose one, but NordVPN is equally up to the task. ExpressVPN has an edge–it has spent more years giving users the best service in the VPN industry. Additionally, its server network is extensive and sophisticated; its servers in Japan unblock several streaming platforms besides GYAO. Furthermore, its customer support team will always help you if you have any problems. 

Can a VPN protect me from bad actors while watching GYAO?

Yes, a VPN has many security and privacy features that make it challenging for bad actors to steal your data. For example, most VPNs use 256-bit encryption. Nobody has broken 256-bit encryption till today; it is practically impenetrable. In addition, double VPN, Tor over VPN, ad/malware blockers, zero-logging, perfect forward secrecy, and other features keep your defenses against malicious actors strong. 

Conclusion

GYAO gives the average Japanese a nostalgic experience of home while outside the borders. There are various categories of exciting video content for both young and old. This article will save you the trouble of searching around for the best VPN provider to use for GYAO. We have also gone through the trouble of highlighting the critical factors for looking out for when picking a reliable VPN. Enjoy all the attractive features GYAO has to offer by using a reliable VPN service.