Good news for those who love anime and other Japanese shows and movies but can’t find any in their regions. You can watch Netflix Japan using a VPN, Smart DNS, or Web Proxy.
As a fan of anime, getting hit with “This title is not available in your current region” is frustrating. Having to wait for months for them to be available on bootleg sites isn’t funny either. Fortunately, I found ways to beat these restrictions.
I’ll be looking at why Netflix blocks Japanese content in other regions.
I’ll also explore the three methods you can use to get around these restrictions.
Finally, I’ll explore the best VPNs for unblocking Japanese Netflix and the ones to avoid.
So, if you’re an anime nerd like me or have an appetite for Japanese media, read this to the end to find out more.
Unblocking Japanese Netflix at a Glance
You can stream Netflix Japan through three main methods:
- Using a VPN for Japanese Netflix access. We recommend NordVPN. It has the streaming speeds needed for 4K content and over 80 servers in Japan.
- Using a Smart DNS. This disguises your streaming traffic. It makes it look like you’re accessing Netflix from inside Japan.
- Using a Web Proxy. Web proxies reroute your traffic through its servers. They act as the buffer between you and the Netflix servers in Japan. Allowing unrestricted access.
Read along to find out more about accessing Japanese Netflix.
Why Is Japanese Netflix Blocked?
There are several reasons why Netflix restricts Japanese content.
- The service has not been in Japan for very long. Netflix has been available in other countries for many years. But it only recently entered the Japanese market (2015). Before Netflix can offer its full services in Japan, it has to sort out some logistical issues.
- Due to licensing restrictions, Japanese Netflix content isn’t available in other countries. Securing the rights to show their content in specific countries is essential. Netflix has to negotiate for these first. So, while some content may be available on Netflix Japan, it may not be in other countries.
- Netflix blocks Japanese media because of the country’s strict censorship laws. These laws regulate content on television and streaming platforms. In Japan, censorship laws are stringent on sexually explicit content. This means many TV shows and movies on Netflix in other countries are not available in Japan.
- Netflix is trying to avoid competition from other streaming services in Japan. Popular streaming services such as Hulu, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video are available in Japan. These services offer a similar selection of TV shows and movies to Netflix users. Netflix may be trying to avoid competition from other services. It achieves this by blocking Japanese Netflix.
How to Unblock Netflix Japan?
If you’re looking for ways to unblock Netflix Japan from outside the country, you can try a few methods. One is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
This allows you to connect to a server in Japan and access Netflix as if you were physically there.
Another option is to use a Smart DNS service to route your traffic through a server in Japan. This helps you bypass any geographic restrictions imposed on the Japanese version. You can also try using a web proxy in streaming Netflix.
This provides you with a Japanese IP address and lets you access Netflix Japan.
I’ll be discussing each of these methods in detail below.
Unblocking Netflix Japan With a VPN
The most effective way to access Netflix Japan is to use a VPN.
It’ll allow you to change your IP address to a Japanese IP.
To Unblock the Japanese Netflix library with VPN services,
- Choose a VPN service that offers servers in Japan. We recommend NordVPN.
- Sign up for a VPN account and download the VPN software to your preferred device.
- Connect to one of the 80+ servers in Japan.
- Go to the Netflix website and log in. You can now enjoy Japanese Netflix without restrictions.
Unblocking Netflix Japan With a Smart DNS
A Smart DNS allows you to unblock geo-restricted content.
It makes it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from Japan.
In this case, you can unblock Japanese Netflix and stream all your favorite shows and movies.
There are many different providers that offer these services.
We recommend Unlocator.
You can try Unlocator for free for seven days.
Sign up and configure their DNS settings to unblock the best Japanese Netflix movies.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Unlocator to unblock Japanese Netflix:
- Sign up for Unlocator (A free trial will work too).
- Configure their DNS settings on your devices. You can find the step-by-step guide for each device and operating software here.
- Go to the Netflix website and sign in. You should now have access to Japanese Netflix content.
Using a Web Proxy
You can access Japanese Netflix through a web proxy.
It’ll appear as if you’re coming from the proxy’s location rather than your actual location.
There are countless web proxies located in Japan.
This gives you access to the Japanese Netflix content you want.
Of course, not all web proxies function the same.
Some are free, while others need a paid subscription.
And not all will work with Netflix.
So, how do you choose the right one?
Here are a few things to look for in a good web proxy for accessing Netflix Japan:
- Location: Look for a proxy located in a country where Netflix is available. In this case, Japan.
- Compatibility: Make sure the proxy you choose is compatible with Netflix. Some proxies only work with specific browsers or devices, so check this before signing up.
- Speed: A good web proxy should have fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This is for streaming content without buffering or lag.
- Customer support: In case you run into any problems, it’s helpful to have customer support. They can help you troubleshoot and get back to watching Netflix.
Setting it up is simple once you’ve found a web proxy that meets all the above criteria.
We recommend ProxySite, as it’s easy to use.
To set it up, follow the steps below:
- Choose the right price plan for you and sign up for an account.
- Configure your browser to route traffic through the proxy server. This will vary depending on which browser you’re using. Generally, you can find this option in the Settings menu under “Advanced” or “Network.”
- Enter the proxy server’s address and port number. You can find this information in your account with the web proxy service.
- Connect to a Japan server.
- Go to the Netflix website or launch the Netflix app and log in with your account details.
- Start streaming.
The Best 5 VPNs for Watching Japanese Netflix
Now we’ve broken down the best methods of unlocking Japanese Netflix.
It’s time to look at the best VPN service providers ideal for streaming.
NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Netflix Japan.
It offers fast speeds, so you won’t have to deal with buffering and lags.
It also has enough servers in Japan to unblock the content you need.
Overall, it’s a reliable VPN with the following features:
- 80+ servers in Japan that provide fast, reliable connections for streaming.
- A SmartPlay feature that makes it easy to connect to the correct server for streaming.
- Apps for all major platforms. Including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The app is easy to use.
- 24/7 customer support in case you need help with anything. Make sure you take advantage of discounted rates here.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a reliable and fast VPN for watching Netflix Japan.
It has four servers in the country, which may not be much, but you can access whatever content you need.
There’s also ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature.
It lets you access Netflix Japan on devices that don’t typically support VPNs.
These include Smart TVs, like Android TV, and gaming consoles.
The features that make ExpressVPN a good option include the following:
- It has 4 reliable servers in Japan.
- ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. You’ll never have to deal with buffering or lag when streaming your favorite shows and movies.
- The VPN provider comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. You can also find great discounts.
- ExpressVPN is compatible with all major streaming devices. You can watch Netflix Japanese movies on your TV, smartphone, tablet, or computer.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is another excellent option for those who want an easy-to-use VPN. It’s one of the VPN providers with an intuitive interface that’s easy to set up and use.
It also has over 50 servers in Japan that will come in handy when unblocking Japanese Netflix.
CyberGhost is ideal for unblocking Japanese Netflix for several reasons:
- It offers 50+ Japanese servers. These allow you to access Netflix Japan without restrictions.
- CyberGhost has a fast internet speed connection. You can stream HD content without buffering.
- Compatible with multiple devices. It can be watched on a Smart TV or a phone.
- It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Get fantastic discounts here.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a top-rated VPN.
It offers fast speeds and the ability to bypass restricted Japanese Netflix content.
It has about 20 servers in Japan with stable internet connection speeds.
With this, you’re assured of uninterrupted streaming without lags.
Some notable features ideal for this role include the following:
- A wide range of over 20 VPN servers in Japan. You can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming sites like Japanese Netflix.
- Lightning-fast speeds for HD streaming.
- 24/7 customer support in case you need help. There are great discount offers right now that you need to take advantage of.
PrivateVPN
Last on the list is PrivateVPN.
It’s a lightweight VPN with impressive speeds and ease of use.
You can use it to unblock Japanese Netflix without issues and watch your favorite anime.
With multiple device compatibility, you can watch shows and movies on the move on any device.
PrivateVPN is ideal for unblocking Japanese Netflix for the following reasons:
- PrivateVPN has one VPN server in Tokyo. You can connect to and access Japanese Netflix.
- PrivateVPN offers fast speeds and reliable connections. You can stream Japanese Netflix content in HD quality. You won’t experience any buffering or interruptions.
- PrivateVPN offers 24/7 customer support. You also get exceptional discounted rates you can check out here.
The VPNs to Avoid When Trying to Access Japanese Netflix
Some VPNs can’t unblock Japanese Netflix, even if you have a subscription.
They include the following:
- Zenmate
- Private Internet Access
- HideMyAss
- Tunnelbear
- Hola
- SaferVPN
What Shows Are on Netflix Japan?
The following popular shows are exclusive on Japanese Netflix:
- SAS: Rise of the Black Swan
- Gin Tama & Gintama: The Movie
- Godzilla
- Parasite: Black-and-White Edition
- Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Crash! Rakuga-Kingdom and Almost Four Heroes
- Asakusa Kid
- A Silent Voice
- Nihontouitsu Series
- Blue Jay
- Adventures of Sinbad Mushishi
- Sword Art Online
- And more!
FAQ
Can a Free VPN Unblock Japanese Netflix?
No, free VPNs can’t unblock Japanese Netflix.
They lack the speed and reliable servers.
These are attributes needed to access restricted Japanese Netflix content.
Premium VPNs, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, offer both and are very reliable.
Freemium VPNs like AtlasVPN, often have slow speeds, unreliable connections, and suspect security.
This means that you might not be able to stream Japanese Netflix.
You may also get disconnected or even banned by Netflix.
Stick to premium VPNs all the time.
How Much Is a Netflix Subscription in Japan?
Netflix subscriptions range from ¥1080 per month ($10) to ¥1980 ($15) in Japan.
The basic plan lets you watch Netflix on one screen at a time in standard definition (SD).
If you want to watch Netflix in high definition (HD) or Ultra HD, you need to upgrade to the standard or premium plans.
These cost ¥1680 ($13) and ¥2160 per month ($17).
The Netflix cost figures change from time to time.
Can You Watch Anime on Japanese Netflix?
You can watch anime on Japanese Netflix.
There are a variety of Japanese anime titles available for streaming; classic and newer shows.
To access Japanese Netflix from outside of Japan, you need to use a VPN service.
Get connected to a Japanese server, and browse the anime section of Netflix.
There are classic anime titles exclusive to Japanese Netflix.
They include Gyakkyô burai Kaiji, Hikaru no Go, and Zatch Bell.
Can I Watch Japanese Netflix for Free?
You can’t watch Japanese Netflix for free.
Even if you have a VPN, you still need an active Netflix subscription.
That’s the only way to have access to premium shows and movies.
Subscribe to a VPN to unblock Japanese Netflix and also get a Netflix subscription.
How to Watch Japanese Netflix in India?
If you’re based in India and want to watch Japanese Netflix, you can use a (VPN) or a Smart DNS service.
A VPN will allow you to connect to a server in Japan.
You can then access Japanese Netflix as if you were physically located in the country.
This is the most reliable method.
It’s also very easy to set up.
A Smart DNS service will also let you unblock Japanese Netflix.
But it works differently.
It doesn’t route your traffic through a server in Japan.
Instead, it’ll change your DNS settings to make it appear that you’re accessing Netflix from Japan.
How to Watch Japanese Netflix With English Subs?
Netflix is a great way to watch Japanese shows and movies with both English and Japanese subtitles.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the website and create a Netflix account.
- Select your preferred language and set your region to Japan.
- Start browsing through the Japanese library that’s available on Netflix.
- You can enable English subtitles over Japanese audio. Click on the “CC” icon at the bottom of the screen while watching a show or movie.
- If you’re not seeing any English subtitles options, don’t worry. Go to your account settings and turn on “Subtitles.”
These are the steps to follow.
You’ll be able to watch Japanese Netflix content with English subtitles in no time.
Wrapping Up
Getting access to Japanese Netflix isn’t that hard.
I tested the three methods outlined here, and they work.
It’s up to you to decide the one that best fits your needs.
I still recommend using a VPN, and NordVPN is the ideal choice to go with.
You can even get NordVPN at a discounted rate by taking advantage of these exclusive deals.
