How to Watch Netflix Japan

Netflix is a top-notch streaming service that outshines all of its competitors. The subscription-based service is full of quality shows that millions of fans watch every day. However, the platform does have its policies and limitations that restrict how we can consume Netflix content. For example, you do not get access to a number of Japanese shows outside of Japan. While we would all love to have access to all regional content from various countries to be available to us, unfortunately, it is not the case.

By Editorial Team | 14th May 2019

Japanese TV shows, anime, and movies are unique in their own right and have their own sense of charm. The country’s content is unlike anything you have ever seen. Sounds intriguing, right? This is where the problem arises. Most users do not know how to watch Japanese Netflix in US or other countries. If you are in the same boat, then you have come to the right place. Today we will take a look at how you can watch Japanese content on Netflix no matter where you live.

Why would you want to watch Japanese Netflix abroad?

Before we head on to explaining how we can watch Japanese content that is exclusive to Netflix in other countries, let’s take a look at why you would want to watch the shows in the first place. Japan is a rich and vibrant country that is full of culture. Netflix Japan features the largest catalog of shows if you compare it to other countries. You might be someone who is from Japan and happens to be outside the country or just a fan of Japanese content in general. No matter who you are and why you want to watch Netflix content from Japan, we are happy to help.

Why can’t we access Japanese Netflix outside Japan?

Whenever you connect to the internet, websites like Netflix can track your device and your unique “network address” which is also known as an IP address. Your IP address is similar to your physical address, and it contains location data. Without you even offering Netflix your personal address, they can track where you are accessing the service from and show content accordingly.

Even if you created an account in Japan, moving to any other country would mean that you no longer have access to Japanese content, even with an active subscription. All of your content gets localized based on where you are, but the system is by no means foolproof. All it takes is one of the best vpn services to bypass the restrictions. There are some great options out there with the likes of Avira and ExpressVPN being just two of the many popular VPNs out there.

Manga comics magazines and publications at newsagent's, Tokyo, Japan — Japanese culture, including Netflix, is popular worldwide (Picture: iStock by Getty)

If you are wondering what a VPN is, it is essentially software that lets you spoof your location. While the idea might sound foolproof, it is not. Netflix has a lot of countermeasures in place against VPNs, and unless you are using the best VPN solutions out there, you are not going to find much success. It is important to invest your hard-earned money in a good VPN if you want to access Japanese Netflix content in the US or abroad.

A good quality VPN will not affect your internet connectivity adversely. VPNs are usually known for turning your web browsing experience into a lagfest, but that is not the case with premium VPN providers. If you plan on streaming a lot of content, we recommend choosing VPN options that offer unlimited bandwidth.

How to watch Japanese Netflix using a VPN

One of the biggest advantages of using a VPN is that you can watch your favorite Japanese Netflix shows on any device. It does not matter whether you are using a computer, tablet or a streaming device. VPN clients can be installed on a large variety of devices, and you can use a phone app for setup and management.

Many VPN providers also allow multiple devices to be included in the same package, so you do not need to purchase separate subscriptions for your phone, computer, and so on. Now that you know how to watch Japanese Netflix in USA all you need to do is choose a great VPN and do the following.

Sign up with a reputable VPN service provider.
Choose your plan and subscribe to the VPN service.
Follow the download and installation instructions to configure your network.
Choose a server that is located in Japan.
Access the Netflix website and sign into your account.
With a spoofed IP address, you should now be able to access all content from Netflix Japan!

Tokyo, Japan - September 16, 2016: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The historic district electronics has evolved into the shopping area for video games, anime, manga, and computer goods. — Netflix in Japan can be watched in the US and other countries (Picture: iStock by Getty)

Summary

VPNs can be lifesavers and they not only help you get access to local content, but they are also great tools for privacy. If you do not want your IP address to be leaked everywhere and want to stay anonymous on the internet, a VPN can be your best friend. While Netflix does detect a number of VPNs, quality service providers know how to trick Netflix and other services. You can use the same method to bypass content restrictions in other countries as well, and all you need to do is reconfigure your VPN settings to access the desired content.

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Editorial Team

Our Editorial Team is constantly watching for new and exciting services to report on. They aim to bring balanced, honest reviews to the site to give you the best comparisons and ensure you have the knowledge to choose the product right for you. Read more.