How to Watch Japanese TV Outside Japan (Updated 2024)

Due to the advancement in technology over the years, several resources on the internet allow us to watch/stream our favorite channels or TV programs online. There are some contents you cannot access outside your country simply because these programs only have the rights and license to operate within your country. It means that by law, they are not allowed to transmit outside the country. 

With the aid of geolocation technology, websites and services know precisely where you are accessing their content from. With that knowledge, they can restrict or permit access to their content. 

How to Watch Japanese TV With a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection over the internet. It keeps you anonymous and protects your privacy. A VPN allows you to connect to any of its servers, hides your IP address, provides an encrypted channel so you can access resources on the internet without being exposed. 

To access content blocked by geo-restrictions, you will need to do the following:

1. Download a VPN application, 
2. Choose one of their servers in Japan
3. Visit your beloved Japanese TV website. 

This simple process makes streaming sites in Japan think you are physically in the country, and they will readily give you access to content on their platform. 

The Best VPNs for Watching Japanese TV Outside Japan

VPNs are relatively easy to use, and there are several out there. We have selected the top five.

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!

A firm contender for the best VPN service. It is known to be an all-rounder VPN, making it the finest choice for viewing Japanese TV overseas. 

ExpressVPN uses industry-standard encryption, AES-256. AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys) is an encryption standard endorsed by security experts worldwide to secure confidential information. They also have a No-Log Policy, which prevents storing your internet activity or connection logs. You can be sure that your data will be kept secure from the government, your internet service provider, or malicious entities. 

With over 3,000 servers spread across 160 locations in 94 countries, you can access different content in any of these countries. It’s unblocking power is second to none. It has a decent number of servers in Japan, which means you can use this VPN to watch your favorite Japanese TV shows, such as AbemaTV, GYAO or Hulu Japan.

ExpressVPN is unmatched in performance compared to other VPN providers. You can stream, browse, and download torrents without any connectivity issues. You don’t even have to be worried about the lag caused by buffering, as its speed eliminates the time wasted while buffering content. 

Its monthly pricing plan is slightly higher than average, but it is worth it for its extensive features. A subscription allows you to connect to five devices at the same time. Unlike most VPN services, there is no free trial. However, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee that guarantees you get your money back in the first 30 days of subscription if you’re unhappy with the service you get.

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!

Here is another brilliant VPN service provider you should inspect. NordVPN is arguably one of the most popular and affordable among the top VPN service providers. 

It also uses AES-256 encryption to secure your end-to-end internet traffic. As we already know, it is impractical to break this encryption. With IP masking, the IP address of the server you connect to is exposed instead of yours. You can also leverage its DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automatic Kill Switch component, and DoubleVPN servers for extra security. With a No-Log Policy, no third-party can demand access to your internet history. 

There are over 5400 NordVPN servers in 59 countries globally. It has servers in fewer countries than ExpressVPN, but it has more servers, and about 80 of those are in Japan. With a wide array of servers to select from, you can access popular Japanese TV plattforms like DAZN Japan, DMM Games or TVer.

If one VPN service provider is giving ExpressVPN a run for its money when it comes to speed, it is NordVPN. It has more servers meaning less load on its servers than other providers with fewer servers. Its Quick Connect feature gives you an immediate connection to the best server available. 

One account allows you to connect to the internet on six devices simultaneously. Pricing plans are very affordable, as a two-year plan will enable you to save almost 200 dollars. 

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!

This is a newer VPN service provider that is fast breaking grounds in the VPN space. Surfshark clinched the Best Newcomer VPN award in 2019 and is also considered the best cheap VPN. 

Your connection is secure with the standard AES-256 encryption. DNS leak protection and an automatic Kill Switch assures you that your confidential data is protected. You can also connect to a MultiHop (DoubleVPN) server for an added layer of security. There is also a security feature known as CleanWeb that prevents ads and malware. Your privacy is guaranteed as internet activity data is not logged.

Surfshark’s expanding network has over 3200 servers in 65 countries, including Japan. You have access to Japanese Netflix libraries and encounter zero problems bypassing geo-restricted content with concrete unblocking strength. You also have no issues with torrenting, as P2P (Peer-to-Peer) is allowed on all servers.

Several speed tests have shown that Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN service providers out there. If you’re looking for swift connectivity speed, this swift VPN is the service provider you want. Buffering is a thing of the past, and you can stream content with ease. 

One thing that sets this VPN apart from others is the number of devices you can use with one subscription account. Surfshark doesn’t put a limit on the number of simultaneous connections you can have; it’s unlimited! It is also compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Pricing options are also among the cheapest in the VPN market, and they offer a 30-day refund policy.

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!

CyberGhost has a good history of providing both speed and security. It is top-rated as one of the best VPNs for beginners. 

Like most top VPN service providers, CyberGhost has its headquarters in a country that provides no obligation to share your data with any government, Romania. CyberGhost uses the standard AES-256 encryption to protect data and has a strict No-Log Policy. It doesn’t store any information that traces back to you. It also has a feature called Perfect Forward Secrecy that automatically changes your encryption keys every time you log on. 

Almost 7000 servers of CyberGhost spread across 107 locations in 86 nations will give you a vast option of servers to select. It has 71 servers in Japan, so you can be sure that you’re able to unblock and view your preferred Japanese TV programs such as dTV or Rakuten TV just as if you’re in Japan.

In terms of speed, CyberGhost continues to invest in premium hardware and uses the fastest VPN protocols available to ensure you enjoy a seamless and fast-paced experience when streaming, browsing, or downloading torrent files. Their servers are excellent for streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Japan, Youtube, and many more, in addition to your Japanese TV programs. 

CyberGhost’s applications are available for several devices and are simple to use and set up. You can download the app and connect to a server in a few minutes so that you never miss an episode of your favorite Japanese content. 

Its modest pricing plans will enable you to save on lengthy plans. It also offers a 45-day refund policy for these, except for its monthly plan, which has a 14-day return policy. With any subscription account, you are free to use up to seven devices at the same time. 

Best for Android

PrivateVPN

Overall score: 9.3

• Advanced configuration settings
• Unblocks restricted platforms
• Compatible with most device types
• Supports the OpenVPN, L2TP and IPSec protocols

Visit PrivateVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

PrivateVPN is Swedish-based and provides high levels of security and privacy. It also ensures you have reliable connections from any location in the world. 

PrivateVPN keeps your internet address, location, and activity secure to protect your identity. No one can track your online history and access your data. Although based in Sweden, it still maintains the No-Log Policy required to keep you anonymous and private. It uses protocols with lock-tight end-to-end military-grade encryption (AES-256). By using security layers over tunnel connections, you are safe from unsecured public networks.

It has a smaller network than other providers on this list, with over 150 servers placed in 60 countries. A couple of servers in Japan provide you with just enough firepower to watch some Japanese TV channels like Nippon TV, TV Asahi, and Fuji TV.

Despite its small server network, PrivateVPN’s speed is still decent. It can maintain good speed and stable connections. It performs best when you join close-by servers. Each server’s speed stays true over time, and this shows how dependable they are. It also supports unlimited high-speed bandwidth, torrenting, and high-definition video streaming quality.

It has applications available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Manual installations are also possible. PrivateVPN’s pricing is one of the cheapest, and they offer you discounts on the annual plan. A 7-day free trial allows you to test run the app and a 30-day money-back guarantee permits a full refund if you’re not impressed. With one subscription, you can use up to 6 devices simultaneously.

How to Identify the Best VPN for Japanese TV

It is often challenging to pick the VPN that works best for you outside Japan because there are hundreds out there, and you have to consider several features and promises. Here we have selected crucial things to look out for in choosing a VPN to use.

1. Security: This should be your primary concern. Take a look at the security features they offer on their subscriptions. Are they using the best encryption protocols available? Do they have a strict No-Log Policy? You should seek the answers to these questions and more when searching for a VPN that works for you.

2. Speed and Bandwidth: Server speeds should suit your needs. If you’re interested in watching high-quality Japanese TV, you should watch out for how fast the VPN servers are in different locations in Japan. You should also check if there is a cap on your bandwidth, as it can impact your VPN’s swiftness. 

3. Location: Server location is also as important as speed. Check out if they have servers in Japan, how many they are, and if they are reliable. 

4. Unblocking Capacity: Read reviews from trusted sites or test these VPNs yourself using free trials or money-back policies offered to see if they can unblock your favorite streaming platform with ease.

5. Device Compatibility: With numerous devices in the market, you have to check if a VPN supports most of the devices you own and how many simultaneous connections you can have.

Can I Use Free VPNs to Watch Japanese TV?

There’s a reason we don’t have any free VPN service provider on the above list. They just won’t cut it when compared to the best, and they have several limitations. Free VPNs are a popular choice for people looking to save on cost, but they run the risk of poor service and data exposure. The majority of them don’t even have servers in Japan. Let’s take a look at some major reasons why it’s not advisable to use free VPNs.

1. Safety: This should be your most important concern. The ability to manage the hardware and expertise needed for a significant network of connections requires substantial funds. If they are not getting proceeds from payments for their services, then they are probably selling your data to the highest bidder. These free VPNs usually lack an acceptable privacy policy. They are very likely to store your personal information and track your internet activity.

2. Aggressive Ads: I’m sure if you have tried to use some free VPNs, you must have come across several ads pop up. Be rest assured tracking your browser history is happening behind the scenes, and your data is at the highest risk of being shared or sold with third parties. 

3. Poor Service: There is absolutely no point in using a VPN that provides you with terrible service. With most free VPNs, you will experience lags, and slow speeds will prevent you from enjoying your Japanese TV experience outside Japan. 

Are Risk-Free VPNs for Japanese TV Different from Free VPNs?

Yes, risk-free VPNs and free VPNs are different plans. A risk-free VPN allows you to use its features potentially free for a short period. This could range from 30 to 45 days. Within this period, you’ll usually have access to all the VPN’s services. 

However, you can request a refund within this money-back guarantee period. This usually becomes necessary if you don’t like the VPN’s offerings. For some risk-free VPNs, the refund is hassle-free without any questions asked. Conversely, you may be required to provide some information with some VPNs.

Notably, though, you must pay the subscription fee for this VPN. Free VPNs are different because you don’t have to pay anything. Instead, you can use all the VPN features freely. You’d have to pay no subscription fees, and you may not even face difficult sign-up processes. 

You can just provide your email address or use your social media accounts for some free VPNs. Finally, a risk-free VPN is best for Japan because they usually have stellar features. Conversely, using a free VPN for Japanese TV is often dangerous. 

Why Is Japanese TV Not Available in Other Countries

Many people wonder why they can’t watch their favorite Japanese TV program outside Japan. Well, the reason is that Japanese TV channels often only have the right to distribute content within Japan. Therefore, they cannot broadcast content abroad. If they did so, they’d have breached the distribution rights. Consequently, they’ll be open to lawsuits. 

Therefore, Japanese TV channels implement tough geo-restrictions to ensure that people outside Japan cannot access their programs. Only those with a Japanese IP address can then watch Japanese TV. This is also the reason why it’s easy to unblock Japanese content abroad. It’s straightforward because all you need is a Japanese IP address. Once you get this from the excellent VPNs above, you can stream content as if you’re physically in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions on Watching Japanese TV Outside Japan

Why do I need a VPN to watch Japanese TV outside Japan?

Every country or region has its copyright and licensing laws. These laws determine who owns media content and where the owner can deliver such content. In the case of watching Japanese TV outside Japan, the owners of streaming platforms, shows, and channels do not have the license to show their content in other countries. This is why they use geo-blocking to prevent people outside Japan from watching content on their platforms.  When you use a VPN, it replaces your IP address with that of a server in Japan, which gives you access to streaming platforms there. So, using a VPN to watch Japanese TV outside Japan is not a suggestion; it is a necessity. 

Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch Japanese TV outside Japan?

No, it is certainly not illegal to use a VPN to watch Japanese TV outside Japan. While a few platforms might block you if they discover you’re using a VPN to bypass geo-restriction, most streaming platforms in Japan don’t care. This is because they are mostly subscription-based, and whether you use a VPN or not, you are likely paying some money to access such services. However, using a VPN can be illegal if you’re in a country whose laws say so. Additionally, using a VPN to execute unlawful online activities is, without a doubt, illegal. 

What is the best VPN for watching Japanese TV outside Japan?

ExpressVPN, the king of VPNs, is the one you want to place your bet on if you want to watch Japanese TV outside Japan. Consistency is important in the VPN market, and ExpressVPN has proven times without number why it’s the best VPN globally. Its years of excellent service show that you would have little or zero issues using its servers in Japan. In addition, you will stream in the highest quality as long as your connection rate meets or surpasses the requirements. Furthermore, its security and privacy features keep you safe and unworried. 

What Japanese TV stations or channels can I watch with a VPN?

There are many Japanese TV stations or channels you can watch with a VPN. NHK General TV, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, Tokyo MX, TV Asahi, TV Tokyo, TBS TV, and NHK educational TV are popular examples of Japanese TV you can watch with a VPN. In addition, a VPN will give you access to the Japanese libraries of international streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Watching Japanese TV should not be a hassle when you’re out of the country. VPNs are here to solve the issues involved and give you the ease of access you enjoy in Japan. With a wide array of options to select from and the thorough breakdown above, we’re sure that you now have sufficient knowledge to make the right choice.