How to Watch Japanese Netflix outside Japan
While Netflix is available in almost all countries across the globe, their library changes from one region to another. American Netflix subscribers get content that isn’t offered to others and so on. The same strategy applies to Japan.
The Japanese version of Netflix is much sought after due to the exclusive Japanese TV shows and anime it has on offer.
To change your Netflix region to Japan, you do not need to create a new account. What you do need though is a VPN service that has VPN servers in Japan. This will provide you with the required Japanese IP address that will trick apps and sites to think you’re located in the Land of the Rising Sun.
In this tutorial, we will go over all the necessary steps you need to take to unblock Japanese Netflix abroad.
Get Access to Netflix Japan from Anywhere – Quick Guide
Time needed: 4 minutes
To easily switch your Netflix region to Japan, follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a VPN service provider.
We highly recommend ExpressVPN. Its one of the few VPNs that successfully unblocks various Netflix regions including the USA, UK, and Japan
- Download and install the VPN client on your device.
You can find dedicated apps on Android, iOS, PC, Mac, and FireStick.
- Activate the VPN application.
Sign in with your username and password.
- Connect to a VPN server.
Connect to a server in Japan.
- Launch the Netflix app.
Sign in with your existing Netflix account.
- Stream Japanese Netflix from anywhere.
You can use the same instructions to access other Japanese streaming services overseas. This includes J Sport, TVer, and Rakuten.
Why Is Netflix Japan So Popular?
The American streaming service has followed a strategic approach ever since it began expanding to 190 countries globally in just seven years.
That meant providing each region with content that that particular region might be interested in the most. Hence, there was a great focus on anime and other original Japanese content in Japan.
However, due to the same approach, other Netflix regions ended up not having the same type of access to those shows abroad.
In case you’re a Netflix subscriber with a particular interest in Japanese content and you do not have the means to move there, you’re best bet is a VPN.
Best VPNs for Netflix Japan
Not all VPNs have servers in Japan. Equally, not all VPN service provides are actually able to unblock that Netflix region due to the company’s highly aggressive ban of VPN servers.
We ended up trying over a dozen of VPNs. Here are the best of them when it comes to unblocking Japanese Netflix from abroad.
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
Netflix Japan FAQ
Do I need a new Netflix account when changing my region?
No, you can use the Netflix account you’ve already created.
Can I change back my Netflix app to my local region?
Yes, you can undo all the changes by simply disconnecting from the Japanese VPN server and then relaunching the Netflix app.
Can Netflix ban my account for using a VPN?
While Netflix do state that spoofing your online location is against their ToS, we have never heard of anyone getting their account suspended as a result.
Can I Watch Japanese Netflix for Free?
No, you need a legitimate Netflix account and a reputable, usually premium, VPN service to do so.
Are there any free VPNs I can use to unblock different Netflix regions?
All of the free VPNs we tried with Netflix didn’t work. Most of them are so slow, your streaming experience will end up getting hindered due to excessive buffering.
How to Get Japanese Netflix on Different Devices
You do not need to download and install a special Japanese Netflix app. The one you have already installed on your device will suffice. However, not all streaming devices are compatible with VPNs.
Probably, the easiest way to access Netflix Japan is if you’re using a PC or Mac. All you have to do is connect to a Japanse server from within the VPN app and head over to Netflix.
Sign in with your account, pick the title you wish to watch, and enjoy.
Open your VPN and connect to a Japan server. After that, sign in with your account and watch Netflix Japan on your iPhone or iPad, wherever you may be.
Essentially, Android devices are natively compatible with VPN clients. Therefore, you can download and install VPN apps easily.
Once that is done, launch the VPN app, sign in, and connect to a Japanese VPN server.
In order to watch Japanese Netflix on your PS5 or Xbox Series X, you have to set up a US VPN connection on your router..
Set up a VPN connection on your router or configure Smart DNS on Samsung Smart TV. Once that is done, open the Netflix app, sign in with your credentials, and watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere.
While first-generation Amazon Fire Sticks weren’t natively compatible with VPNs, this has luckily all changed in newer models.
You can easily download and install your favorite VPN app directly from the Amazon Store on your FireStick.
VPN clients are not available on Apple TV, so you’ll have to either set your VPN on your router or configure Smart DNS on Apple TV.
Next, launch the newly downloaded Japan Netflix and start streaming.
There is no way to install a VPN on a Roku. You cannot even change its DNS settings. You’re only option is to set up a Japanese VPN connection on your router.
Conclusion
While VPNs are a great tool to protect your online privacy and security, they can also grant you access to content that is geo-restricted in your region. Try out one of the VPNs we suggested above and let us know how it goes in the comment section.
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About The Author
Charles
Streaming gadgets geek. Interested in every little thing there is to know about bypassing regional restrictions. An avid believer in the right to protect online privacy. Charles has also reviewed plenty of VPN service providers and knows how to separate the good apples from the bad ones.
