How to Watch Japanese TV From Anywhere in 2024

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.

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

Choose 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.

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.

You 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.

Use 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:

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.

1. ExpressVPN — Optimal Speeds to Stream Japanese TV Uninterrupted

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

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

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 $4.99/month, ExpressVPN offers significant discounts to make it more affordable. I was able to save up to 61% 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.

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

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

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 $2.19/month and use CyberGhost free for 45 days with its extended money-back guarantee.

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

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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