watch Japanese TV abroad

Isn’t it frustrating that content remains confined within geographical boundaries in today’s globalized digital landscape? Whether it’s your favorite Japanese series or a much-anticipated anime episode, geo-restrictions can dampen the excitement. Like you, millions experience this roadblock daily when they want to watch Japanese TV abroad, irrespective of borders. In this article, we show you how to bypass such restrictions with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPNs are your ticket to internet without borders. Using a VPN, your internet traffic travels incognito, shielded in a fortified, encrypted tunnel so no one can see your digital footprints. In addition, it spoofs your location, making it look as though you are connecting from somewhere other than your physical location. In this case, you’d choose a server in Japan and be able to access Japanese content from anywhere.

Ready to bypass limitations? Our exhaustive reviews below will guide you to the best VPNs for Japanese content enthusiasts and explain exactly how to use them to access Japanese TV from anywhere. Pressed for time? Don’t worry; we’ll start with a quick summary of the best options. Let’s make geo-restrictions a thing of the past!

Best VPN for Japanese TV:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for streaming Japanese TV channels. Has over 130 servers in Japan and works great for streaming Fuji TV. Connect up to 10 devices. No-logs service with 24/7 support and double VPN servers. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Japanese TV.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Japanese content.  No connection limit. Stream Japanese TV, including NHK and TV Asahi. Excellent apps, 24/7 support, and plenty of security features.
  3. IPVanish: A no-logs VPN boasting 24/7 support, user-friendly apps, and fast servers in Japan that work with TBS TV. Connect as many devices as you like.
  4. ExpressVPNQuick and reliable servers in over 100 countries. Includes a robust set of privacy features. Unblocks NHK, Nippon TV, and other streaming services in Japan.
  5. CyberGhost: Make it easy to watch Netflix JP, TV Asahi, and TV Tokyo from outside of Japan. Delivers very fast speeds and a high degree of privacy, while securing up to seven devices simultaneously.
  6. PureVPN: Low-cost VPN with servers in 65+ countries, including Japan. A great option for anyone who wants to access TVer, FOD, Hulu, or Netflix Japan from abroad.
  7. ProtonVPN: Impressive VPN with plenty of advanced features for tech-savvy users. Works with many popular TV channels and streaming platforms.
  8. PrivateVPN: Works with Nippon TV, Hulu Japan, and Tokyo MX. Beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps. Offers a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and powerful obfuscation.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Japanese TV
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Japanese TV but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Japanese TV and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

How to stream Japanese TV abroad with a VPN

In order to watch Japanese TV shows abroad, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server. This is quick and easy to do. Simply follow the step-by-step proven guide below, and you’ll be streaming your favorite Japanese drama or anime content outside Japan in a matter of minutes:

Based on our testing, here’s how you watch Japanese TV online with a VPN:

  1. The first step is to sign up with a VPN that has servers in Japan. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Next, download and install one of the VPN’s apps on your streaming devices. Be sure to check that it’s the correct version for your operating system.
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a Japanese VPN server for a Japanese IP address. This allows you to spoof your location and stream Japanese TV shows overseas.

    Screenshot showing NordVPN's Japanese server locations
    It doesn’t really matter which Japanese location you choose, though speeds are usually higher if you use a server that’s closer to you.
  4. Go to your preferred Japanese streaming platform. You should now be able to play previously unavailable content as though you were still in Japan.
  5. If the content is still blocked, you should clear your browser’s cookies and refresh the page. Alternatively, try another server or contact your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

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Choosing the best VPNs for watching Japanese TV online

While many VPNs offer servers in Japan, they don’t all provide the same level of service. In fact, some may not even be quick enough to stream at all! That’s why our experts take a holistic approach, thoroughly examining every aspect of potential recommendations before they make the cut. Here are the main areas we focus on:

  • Speed: We carried out several speed tests while connected to each provider’s servers in Japan. We used a rate-limited machine to simulate a real user’s experience.
  • Streaming ability: We tested each VPN with the Japan-only services: TV Tokyo, TV Asahi, and Abema TV. Next, we tried them with popular international streaming services to get a more rounded idea of their capabilities.
  • Value for money: To find the VPNs that offer the best deal for potential subscribers, we evaluate them against eight unique criteria ranging from the number of permitted connections to the cost of the cheapest plan.
  • Security and privacy: VPNs are primarily designed to protect your connection. To make sure they do this properly, we evaluate them against 16 different criteria. These include the strength of encryption and whether leak protection is present.
  • Ease of use: We try to prioritize VPNs that provide a seamless experience. To find the services that were the most straightforward and newcomer-friendly, we evaluated them against 10 individual metrics, such as app quality and the existence of router support.

You can read more about how we test VPNs (and the results of those tests) in the methodology section at the bottom of this post. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.

Best VPNs for Japanese TV: Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming Japanese TV.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNProton VPNPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comProtonVPN.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Japanese TV12345678
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps74 Mbps
Servers in Japan
Simultaneous Connections10UnlimitedUnlimited8710Free: 1, VPN Plus: 1010
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%85%86%85%80%87%85%
Best deal (per month)$3.39
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Best VPNs for Japanese TV

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Japanese TV online from abroad:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Feb 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.7 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
Japan speed: 9.8 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming ability: 10.0 / 10
Value for Money: 9.5 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for watching Japanese TV. It has around 7,000 servers in almost 120 countries, with around 130 in Japan alone. Further, this VPN excels at bypassing stubborn regional restrictions. Our thorough testing revealed that it works flawlessly with Fuji TV, TBS TV, Netflix JP, and NHK, to name a few platforms. Users can connect up to 10 devices at once and have access to 24/7 support via live chat.

Streaming TV Tokyo with NordVPN active
This provider makes it nice and easy to access your favorite Japanese platforms, even stubborn ones like TV Tokyo.

We tested the speed of NordVPN’s servers in Japan to see if they were suitable for streaming. As you can see from the chart below, the answer is a resounding “yes”. For reference, our speed before we connected to a VPN was 250 Mbps.

Speeds averaged 171.76 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for streaming  Japanese TV or Netflix Japan at 4K resolution. This makes NordVPN the second fastest service we tested, and the consistency of its speeds was notable too.

If security is a priority, you’ll appreciate NordVPN’s commitment to keeping you safe. It follows a strict no-logs policy and has been independently audited multiple times. Not only that, this service boasts 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a Threat Protection tool that takes care of ads, trackers, and malware automatically. Just recently, it launched the NordWhisper protocol to give users in countries with extreme censorship an alternative to NordVPN’s slightly slower obfuscated servers.

NordVPN offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions for use with routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want the most reliable access to Japanese TV
  • You want to stream in the highest resolution available
  • You want smart DNS
  • You want easy access to the dark web
  • You want obfuscation options

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You do a lot of torrenting and want port forwarding

BEST VPN FOR JAPANESE TV:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works reliably in Japan and unblocks TV Tokyo. More than 7,000 servers worldwide. Strong security with high-end encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.6 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.9 / 10
Japan speed: 10 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.7 / 10
Value for Money: 9.7 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for streaming Japanese TV abroad. Its network spans 100 countries, including Japan, and despite its low price, this service is capable of accessing difficult platforms like Nippon TV, NHK, and TV Tokyo. Best of all, Surfshark lets you connect every device you own simultaneously and offers around-the-clock support just in case anything doesn’t work as expected.

Screenshot of NHK content playing while surfshark is active
Surfshark has no problem unblocking Japanese streaming services and actually works with a ton of international platforms as well.

Obviously, unblocking ability doesn’t mean much if your VPN is too slow to actually load the content. With this in mind, we tested Surfshark’s Japanese servers are three different times of day to measure its speed and consistency. You can see the results in the chart below.

You might be a little surprised to see that this budget-friendly VPN outpaced NordVPN’s average speed, Making it the fastest VPN overall with an average speed of 174.44 Mbps. It was slightly less consistent than others, with a drop in speed on our noon test, but even at its slowest, it’s more than enough for streaming, torrenting, or gaming.

Perhaps Surfshark’s main selling point is its sheer number of security features. For starters, there’s a proven no-logs policy, which ensures your online activities can’t be revealed under any circumstances. There’s also 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch, plus automatic ad, tracker, and malware-blocking. If that’s not enough, you can always connect to a MultiHop (Double VPN) server for an extra layer of encryption.

Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also download an app for Amazon Fire TV as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual installation is required for use with routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to share an account with friends and family
  • You want consistent access to streaming platforms
  • You want a low-cost subscription
  • You want a way of generating online personas
  • You have a device running Linux

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re uncomfortable using a provider based in a Nine Eyes country

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is highly affordable and unblocks the likes of Nippon TV, TV Tokyo, and NHK. Extremely high speeds with novice-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.2 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.4 / 10
Japan speed: 8.4 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.7 / 10
Value for Money: 9.6 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish owns and operates 2,400 servers in 100 countries, including quite a few in Tokyo and Osaka. Not only that, but it’s also made huge progress in terms of streaming and now works with dozens of major platforms, including NHK, TBS TV, Netflix, and Hulu. This is one of the few providers with no connection limits, too, making it excellent value for families or people with lots of devices. 

Screenshot of IPVanish's server selection screen
This provider’s server selection screen tells you how busy each individual server is and whether it’s physically located in a country or virtual.

So how reliable are IPVanish’s servers in Japan? Just like before, we ran three tests: one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening to measure its overall performance. Let’s take a look at those results:

This VPN actually delivered impressive speeds overall, with an average of 156.47 Mbps. This means that in real-world scenarios, you’re extremely unlikely to experience any performance issues when streaming Japanese TV. In fact, you’ll be able to download 1GB of data in under a minute, so it’s great for torrenting too.

IPVanish takes your security seriously, shielding user traffic from snoopers with a blend of 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic tracker blocking. It also boasts an independently-verified no-logs policy, which should provide ample peace of mind. There’s more: the latest updates include iOS split tunneling support and a tool that checks the safety of links on mobile devices. While this is a very user-friendly service, it offers 24/7 support over live chat if you have any questions.

Sign up with IPVanish to access its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on Linux and routers. The newly-introduced Advanced plan also includes 1TB of cloud storage and a sandboxed secure browser.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • You want access to a range of streaming services
  • You’d find 1TB of cloud storage useful
  • You want fast download speeds

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN based outside the US
  • You’re connecting from China

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish works with Japanese TV channels such as TBS TV. Offers good speeds for streaming and lets you connect all of your devices simultaneously. User-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.1 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.3 / 10
Japan speed: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.7 / 10
Value for Money: 8.4 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a novice-friendly service with a lot to offer. Its expansive network covers more than 100 countries, with servers in four Japanese regions: Tokyo, Osaka, Shibuya, and Yokohama. What’s particularly great about this VPN is that you’ll rarely have to try multiple servers to find one capable of accessing your favorite streaming platform. Our team were able to stream NHK, TV Asahi, and many more with minimal fuss.

Screenshot showing Netflix originals while ExpressVPN is connected
ExpressVPN offers more Japanese locations than most other services, and you can use any of them to access platforms like Netflix JP from abroad.

The crucial question is whether or not ExpressVPN is fast enough for streaming. We performed three tests throughout the day and measured the results:

ExpressVPN may not be the top provider in terms of raw speeds (averaging 164.60 Mbps), but you can’t deny that it’s reliable. Across multiple tests, there was only around 20 Mbps of variation, which is a level of consistency most of its rivals would love to have. Needless to say, this is quick enough for any day-to-day task, including live-streaming Japanese TV shows.

From a technical perspective, ExpressVPN has everything you’ll need to browse the internet anonymously. For starters, it uses uncrackable encryption, automatic obfuscation, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your VPN connection drops. It also rolled out automatic ad, tracker, and malicious site blocking as part of its latest updates. Crucially, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs and has an extensive audit history.

To connect to ExpressVPN’s servers, simply download one of the apps. These are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You also have the option of browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, as well as custom firmware for routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a smart DNS for a VPN-incompatible device
  • You want an easy-to-use app
  • You’d find always-on obfuscation useful
  • You want fast download speeds

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want lots of customization options
  • You’re on a tight budget

GREAT AT UNBLOCKING:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable, so streaming Japanese TV channels like NHK, Fuji TV, and Nippon TV won’t be an issue. Very easy to use, with strong security and 24/7 support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.1 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Japan speed: 9.7 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming ability: 8.4 / 10
Value for Money: 9.5 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly apps and expansive network. There are servers in 100+ countries (Japan included) and a handful of servers that are specifically optimized to help you access platforms like Netflix JP from abroad. Drawing from years of experience though, we can confirm that CyberGhost’s general-purpose servers are suitable for streaming as well.

Screenshot showing Cyberghost's Japanese streaming servers
This provider takes all of the trial and error out of watching your favorite content abroad. It’ll tell you exactly which server to use and you can even favorite them for faster access in the future.

To find out how fast CyberGhost’s servers in Japan were, we carried out several speed tests over the course of a day. Check out the results below:

CyberGhost was the third-quickest VPN we tested. It delivered an average speed of 171.43 Mbps. This means it’s more than capable of handling any day-to-day task, from streaming 4K video to playing online games or downloading large files.

CyberGhost lets each user secure up to seven devices simultaneously. It has 24/7 live chat, and email support is available should you need it. Protecting your privacy is this VPN’s priority, as evidenced by its strict no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also an automatic kill switch and protection from DNS leaks, while CyberGhost’s independently operated NoSpy servers reduce the risk of third-party interference.

Connect to a Japan server using CyberGhost’s Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV apps. You can also download browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual configuration.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You solely want a VPN for streaming
  • You’re new to VPN software
  • You want a low-cost subscription
  • You want fast download speeds

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to connect more than seven devices simultaneously
  • You’re connecting from China

HIGHLY SECURE:CyberGhost has over 11,500 servers worldwide, with plenty in Japan. Use it to stream Tokyo MX and NHK. Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth. Protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy. Boasts a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PureVPN

PureVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Japan speed: 6.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.0 / 10
Value for Money: 8.1 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is a versatile and cost-effective service that’s perfect for watching Japanese TV services while traveling. It has more than 6,000 servers in 65 countries and works with a wide range of streaming platforms. For instance, we were able to access Asahi, NHK, TV Tokyo, Tver, Netflix, and many more. Subscribers can connect 10 devices at once, and 24/7 support is available over live chat.

Screenshot showing Netflix Japan content with PureVPN connected
Regaining access to your usual streaming platforms couldn’t be easier with PureVPN. Just pick one of the available Japanese servers and you’re good!

Historically, this service has performed quite well in our speed tests. However, regular retesting is necessary as providers frequently upgrade their networks or better-optimize their systems. Here are PureVPN’s latest test results:

As you can see, PureVPN’s speeds were fairly consistent, with an average of 135.34 Mbps. This places it about the middle of the pack, though still above the combined average of its competitors. Users should be able to perform just about any task without any noticeable issues.

This VPN comes with a powerful set of security features. It shields your browsing habits using unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, and a proven zero-logs policy. Now, it doesn’t have quite as many advanced features as some of its rivals, but PureVPN does offer tracker-blocking, split tunneling, and automatic wifi protection. There’s also port forwarding, though this is an addon which costs extra.

PureVPN offers apps for iOS, Windows, MacOS, Android, and Linux (command line or GUI). Further, with a little manual configuration, it’ll work with most routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want fast download speeds
  • You want a low-cost, long-term subscription
  • You’d appreciate always-on obfuscation

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need multi-hop servers
  • You want a built-in ad-blocker

LOW COST:PureVPN is an affordable VPN that is perfect for accessing home services on vacation. Works with a ton of Japanese services and doesn’t compromise on security. Offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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7. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.8 / 10
Japan speed: 8.4 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming ability: 7.7 / 10
Value for Money: 7.4 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN is a highly reliable option if you are traveling abroad and want to keep up with your favorite Japanese TV shows. It operates dozens of P2P and streaming-optimized servers in Japan and during our hands-on testing, was able to access stubborn platforms like Netflix JP, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Up to 10 devices can be secured at the same time.

Screenshot showing Tver playing content with ProtonVPN active
All of ProtonVPN’s servers in Japan are optimized for streaming, so it’s nice and easy to accessing your usual services during a vacation abroad.

We performed three speed tests on ProtonVPN’s Japanese tests to see how quick they were and how much their performance fluctuated throughout the day. You’ll find the results below:

ProtonVPN delivered an impressive performance, with speeds over 130 Mbps in all three tests. All in all, it averaged 156.42 Mbps — well above the 25 Mbps needed to watch 4K video without any issues.

Very few services have as good a reputation as ProtonVPN does. It was developed by the team behind ProtonMail and is headquartered in Switzerland, which means it has a strong reputation for security and privacy. The service is known for its strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private.

Not only that, but ProtonVPN is loaded with essential features. These include AES encryption, a range of protocols, obfuscation, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, Secure Core servers, and the ability to access the Tor network. These capabilities are particularly useful in countries with strict online censorship and surveillance.

ProtonVPN has its own apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. What’s more, it provides manual setup instructions for a wide range of router firmware.

Buy this VPN if:

  • Security and privacy are important to you
  • You want easy access to the Tor network
  • You do a lot of torrenting and want port forwarding

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for the cheapest subscription
  • You need obfuscation that works in China

ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is an impressive, high-quality VPN that’s great for streaming Japanese TV abroad. Works with many popular streaming services. Powerful security safeguards. Easy to use on all devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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8. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.8 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.6 / 10
Japan speed: 1.4 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming ability: 7.0 / 10
Value for Money: 8.2 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN has approximately 200 servers in 63+ countries, which might not sound all that impressive. However, our team of experts has identified that it’s capable of accessing a huge range of geo-blocked sites, and it even works in countries with extreme online censorship. In other words, you’ll be able to stream Nippon TV on up to 10 devices simultaneously, wherever you are in the world.

Screenshot showing NHK playing content with PrivateVPN active
Despite having a fairly small network, PrivateVPN does a great job at flying under the radar and unblocking major Japanese streaming platforms.

PrivateVPN actually only has one Japanese server, in Tokyo. As such, it’s extremely important that it’s able to provide consistent performance since there are no others to rely on otherwise. We carried out three speed tests over the course of a day to check for ourselves. Here are the results:

The first thing you’ll notice is that PrivateVPN isn’t quite as quick as some of the providers above. In fact, its average speed was just 75.99 Mbps, which is less than half of the combined average of other services we tested. Still, we can confirm that it’s fast enough for almost any task, so whether you’re hoping to stream, make video calls, or just browse the web safely, PrivateVPN can handle it.

There’s also no need to worry about privacy. PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy and uses unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption to keep you safe. There’s also a customizable kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a toggleable stealth mode. You can even take advantage of port forwarding, which is great if you’re interested in torrenting. Want even more anonymity? You can always pay in Bitcoin.

PrivateVPN has iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows apps. However, if you want to install it directly on Linux or your home router, you’ll have to manually configure it.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a cheap, long-term subscription
  • You’re connecting from China
  • You want port forwarding

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest speeds
  • You want access to a large server network

LOW-COST STREAMING:PrivateVPN has cheap subscriptions and works well with Japanese TV. Very user-friendly apps and also offers live chat support. Can be used on 10 devices at once. Security features include encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Recent VPN Product Updates

VPN providers constantly have to adapt to new threats, which is difficult enough. However, the competition in this industry is so fierce that they also have to find ways to offer a better, more comprehensive service, lest their customers switch to a rival product. Here are some of the most impactful changes our top VPNs have made recently:

NordVPN

  • Launched its Threat Protection suite, combining its VPN with an ad and tracker-blocker, plus malicious download detection (September 2024)
  • Enhanced the Meshnet feature by removing file size limits, allowing users to rename devices, and enabling asynchronous transfers (September 2024)
  • Began alerting users of planned maintenance in the app (September 2024)
  • Introduced NordWhisper, a new protocol designed to help users beat country-wide censorship when the existing obfuscated servers aren’t available (January 2025)

Surfshark

  • Upgraded its network to use 10 Gbps servers for better performance and connection stability (September 2024)
  • Began offering dedicated IP addresses for a few dollars more each month (September 2024)
  • Launched a completely free online tool that’ll let you know if your data has been included in any major data breaches (October 2024)
  • Introduced split tunneling support on iOS systems (October 2024)

IPVanish

  • Added an Advanced subscription tier that includes the VPN, cloud storage, and a secure browser within a browser (October 2024)
  • Added 50 new countries to its server network (December 2024)
  • Rolled out a link safety checker on mobile devices (December 2024)

ExpressVPN

  • Began offering identity theft and credit-monitoring tools to subscribers in the US as part of its Identity Defender service (November 2024)
  • Started accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay (February 2025)
  • Enhanced its custom Lightway protocol with quantum-resistant encryption (January 2025)

Proton VPN

  • Released an Windows ARM-native client with complete feature set, including:
  • Support for WireGuard, OpenVPN, and obfuscated connections
  • A built-in ad-blocker
  • Speed-boosting technology
  • Alternative routing for Proton sites
  • A comprehensive security toolkit. (November 2024)

Methodology: How we find the best VPNs for Watching Japanese TV

Finding the perfect VPN can be challenging, whether that’s for streaming your favorite anime or manga or simply accessing a blocked website. To find VPNs that provide a solid all-round service, we tested them in all of the following areas:

Speed

Japanese series and anime are best enjoyed without interruptions. We prioritize VPNs that offer fast and consistent speeds, ensuring viewers can watch their favorite shows in high definition without buffering or lag. To find out how fast each provider was, we conducted multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in Japan.

Measurements were taken using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app, which was itself installed on a virtual machine that had been rate-limited to 250 Mbps. This figure was selected because it’s the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US. This helps us replicate the average user’s real-world experience.

You can see each provider’s average overall speed in the table below.

The fastest provider was Surfshark, though NordVPN and CyberGhost weren’t far behind. If you’re worried about a VPN slowing your connection down, choose one of these three VPNs.

Streaming ability

We tested VPN providers’ ability to stream Japanese TV as well as their ability to access Japanese (and other countries’) content libraries when using platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. We converted the results to a score out of 10 to make it easier to compare providers.

The first thing we’ll note is that all of the providers we tested worked with the Japanese TV platforms. The differences arose in their compatibility with international platforms. If you want the greatest choice of content, then go for NordVPN, but Surfshark, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN are all excellent alternatives and work well with all popular platforms.

Value for money 

Streaming Japanese TV from abroad shouldn’t cost a fortune. This is why we check all of our recommended VPNs for value, including subscription costs, free trials, and money-back guarantees. You can see how they performed against each metric in the table below.

VPN ProviderMoney-back guaranteeConnection limitSubscription termsSale frequencyMonthly pricingLowest priceFree trial availableStudent discount
NordVPNYes6+3 terms+Frequently running deals<$13<$5YesYes
SurfsharkYesUnlimited3 terms+Frequently running deals<$10<$5YesYes
IPVanishYesUnlimited3 terms+Frequently running deals<$13<$5YesYes
ExpressVPNYes6+3 terms+Frequently running deals$15+$5+YesYes
CyberGhostYes6+3 terms+Frequently running deals<$13<$5YesYes
PureVPNYes6+3 terms+Frequently running deals<$13<$5YesNo
Proton VPNYes6+3 terms+Frequently running deals<$10$5+YesNo
PrivateVPNYes6+3 terms+Frequently running deals<$10<$5YesNo

We assigned a score to each of these metrics so that we were left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to directly compare providers.

As you can see from the above, Surfshark was the best value for money overall. It combines a relatively cheap subscription cost with unlimited simultaneous device connections. IPVanish, NordVPN, and CyberGhost also offer notably good value.

Security and privacy

Watching Japanese TV might raise copyright concerns. As such, we evaluate the VPN’s security features, ensuring they offer robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and additional features like a kill switch so you can ensure online privacy. You can see how the VPNs performed against each criteria in the table below. 

VPN ProviderActivity logsIP logsEncryptionAuthenticationKeysPerfect Forward SecrecyDNS leak protectionIPv6 leak protectionPrivate DNSTorrenting allowedKill switchHQ outside 9 eyesObfuscationSupported protocolsAnonymous payment optionsAdditional security features
NordVPNNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-3844096-bitYesYesYesYesYesAll platformsYesStealthOwn protocolMultipleYes
SurfsharkNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-5124096-bitYesYesYesYesYesMobile app-levelNoStealthSecure protocols onlyMultipleYes
IPVanishNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-2564096-bitYesYesYesYesYesAll platformsYesStealthSecure protocols onlyNoneNo
ExpressVPNNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-5124096-bitYesYesYesYesYesMobile app-levelYesAutomaticOwn protocolMultipleNo
CyberGhostNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-2564096-bitYesYesYesYesYesAll platformsYesStealthSecure protocols onlyMultipleNo
PureVPNNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-2564096-bitYesYesYesYesYesSome platformsYesAutomaticSecure protocols onlyOneNo
Proton VPNNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-5122048-bitYesYesYesYesYesAll platformsYesStealthSecure protocols onlyOneYes
PrivateVPNNo activity logsNo IP logsAES-128 or higherSHA-2562048-bitYesYesYesYesYesSome platformsYesStealthSecure protocols onlyOneNo

Each criteria was assigned a score, which we combined to give an overall score out of 10 for comparison.

NordVPN and Surfshark were the most secure providers overall. They both offer strong encryption, an ongoing commitment to privacy, and powerful obfuscation. ProtonVPN is an excellent alternative.

Ease of use

A VPN should be user-friendly, especially for those unfamiliar with such technology. We test the VPN apps for ease of use, ensuring that connecting to a Japanese server and starting a streaming session is straightforward and hassle-free. You can see which metrics we use for testing in the table below.

VPN ProviderApps for all major platformsNovice-friendly designEase of signup (reviewer to score)Router supportUnblocking consistencyTask specific serversNetworkEase of cancellationInterfaceFeature parity
NordVPNYesYes5 (easy)StandardGreatYes60+ countriesVery easyWell-organisedMost features available on all versions
SurfsharkYesYes4StandardGreatNo60+ countriesVery easyA little clutteredMost features available on all versions
IPVanishYesYes5 (easy)StandardGreatNo60+ countriesVery easyWell-organisedMost features available on all versions
ExpressVPNYesYes5 (easy)AppGenerally worksNo60+ countriesVery easyWell-organisedAll features available on all versions
CyberGhostYesYes4StandardGreatYes60+ countriesVery easyA little clutteredMost features available on all versions
PureVPNYesYes3AppGreatYes60+ countriesVery easyA little clutteredMost features available on all versions
Proton VPNYesYes4StandardGreatYes60+ countriesVery easyTakes some getting used toMost features available on all versions
PrivateVPNYesYes4StandardGenerally worksNo60+ countriesVery easyWell-organisedMost features available on all versions

We assigned a score to each of these metrics so that we were left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.

NordVPN was the easiest-to-use provider overall. It provides a smooth sign-up and cancellation service and well-designed apps that can be navigated intuitively. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are good alternatives.

Using a free VPN to watch Japanese TV abroad

While it is possible to stream Japanese TV abroad with a free VPN, it’s certainly more challenging. For starters, most free VPNs simply don’t offer servers in Japan. Those free VPNs that do offer servers in Japan tend to have too many users, resulting in heavy server load and slow speeds.

Another difficulty you may experience with a free VPN is unblocking geo-restricted content. Free VPNs struggle in this respect and may not work with Japanese TV, such as TV Tokyo, or US streaming services, such as Netflix. The average free VPN also lacks features, be it live chat support or the option to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Last but not least, we don’t recommend free VPNs due to their lack of security. Many lack the most essential security features, such as encryption and a kill switch. Worse still, some free VPN services spam you with ads or even log your data and sell it to third parties. All in all, free VPNs are extremely limited and may even compromise your privacy, we recommend avoiding the risk and opting for a quality, paid VPN instead.

Watching Japanese TV with a VPN: FAQs

What Japanese TV shows can I stream with a VPN?

By connecting to a server in Japan, you’ll be able to unblock and stream all sorts of Japanese TV channels abroad for free, including:

And you’ll be able to watch Japanese TV shows online, including:

  • Japanology Plus
  • The Professionals
  • Great Gear
  • Journeys in Japan
  • Science View
  • Terrace House
  • Kaseifu no Mita
  • Sazae-san
  • Gaki no Tsukai
  • Doraemon

Why isn’t Japanese TV available in the US?

The reason Japanese TV isn’t available in the US is due to licensing agreements. A TV channel may not have exclusive worldwide broadcasting rights for just one title and that would be enough to impose restrictions on content as a result. This is easier to do across the board than for select individual titles. Blocking the content ensures the Japanese TV channel or platform is respecting the existing licensing agreements and the terms and conditions within them.

What connection speeds do I need to stream Japanese TV?

If you want to stream HD video streams you will need approximate download speeds of between 5 and 8 Mbps. This goes up to 25 Mbps if you want to stream 4K UHD content.

The VPNs we have recommended in this guide all have servers that far exceed the speed you need to watch 4K TV streams. However, it is important to remember that your ISP controls your internet speed.

Even the fastest VPN will slow down your internet slightly when it encrypts your data and routes it to the remote VPN server location. The nice thing about a fast VPN is that it will not slow you down very much, meaning that you still have similar speeds to those you usually get from your ISP.

The only caveat is that if you only pay your ISP for very slow internet, the VPN will still reduce those speeds slightly. So it is important to understand how much overhead you have and how a VPN will affect your speed if you already have very slow internet.

We recommend that you check your speeds without a VPN, and if you have speeds of above 30 Mbps or more, you should be able to enjoy 4K videos even while connected to the VPN. For HD videos, we recommend that you have a base speed of 10 Mbps or more without the VPN.

See also: Best VPN for Japan