Updated on: April 24, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch Netflix Japan in 2024:
- Step 1: Download and install a good VPN for Netflix with servers in Japan. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast, easy to use, secure, and has excellent streaming support. I asked my colleague from Japan to test it and they said it worked with Netflix 100% of the time.
- Step 2: Connect to a VPN server in Japan. Open the app and select a server located in Japan. If you’re not currently in Japan, a VPN can, in theory, help you watch Netflix Japan content. But that might constitute copyright infringement and is against Netflix’s Terms of Service.
- Step 3: Log into Netflix. Find your favorite shows, grab your go-to snack, and start streaming.
Netflix has a separate library of titles available only to people in Japan. The streaming giant offers different titles in different regions due to licensing agreements — so your favorite TV series on Netflix Japan may not be available outside of Japan.
A VPN changes your IP address by assigning you one that matches with the location of the VPN server you connect to, so it can, theoretically, allow you to watch content that’s not available in your current location. However, this goes against the platform’s Terms of Service and might be considered copyright infringement. Neither I nor anyone else at SafetyDetectives condones using a VPN in this way.
If you want to stream Netflix Japan with a VPN, I’ve found the best VPNs on the market — my colleague from Japan confirmed they were able to watch Netflix Japan when connected to these VPNs. My favorite is ExpressVPN, as it’s the fastest on the market.
Disclaimer: At SafetyDetectives, we don’t condone copyright infringement. The VPN services listed below don’t log your activities, which means no one will be able to see what you’re watching. I always recommend using a VPN properly and following all the relevant rules and regulations set by streaming services.
How to Watch Netflix Japan Content on Any Device
PC or Mac
- Choose a good VPN that works with Netflix Japan. I recommend ExpressVPN as it consistently works with Netflix Japan, has fast speeds, and provides user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Download and install the VPN. This process should only take 1-2 minutes. Just follow the installation wizard’s instructions.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a local server. After that, log into your Netflix account — you can now watch Netflix.
Smartphone or Tablet
- Choose a good VPN that works with Netflix Japan. My top pick is ExpressVPN for its easy-to-use Android and iOS apps.
- Download and install the VPN app. Find the app on your device’s app store and download it. Follow any given instructions to finish the setup.
- Launch the VPN app to connect to a local server. Then, open Netflix and start watching your favorite Japanese titles.
Smart TV
- Get a VPN that works with Netflix Japan 24/7. I think ExpressVPN is the best option because it has excellent apps for smart TVs and routers.
- On Android TVs. Download the VPN provider’s app from Google Play. After you install the app, scroll through the list of server locations and connect to a local server.
- On non-Android TVs. Manually configure the VPN on your router — or just use ExpressVPN since it has a user-friendly router app. Connect to a server. After that, all of the devices in your home that are connected to the router will use the VPN.
- Open Netflix. You can now start watching Netflix on your smart TV.
Amazon Fire Stick
- Sign up for a VPN that works with Netflix Japan. ExpressVPN has an easy-to-use app for Amazon Fire Stick.
- Download and install the VPN app from the app store. The whole process won’t take more than 2 minutes.
- Connect to a nearby server. Once connected, launch the Netflix app and log in to start watching Netflix Japan content.
Gaming Console
- Get a VPN that works with Netflix Japan and is compatible with routers. ExpressVPN is my #1 pick because it’s one of the only VPNs on the market that has a router app.
- Set up the VPN on your router. Next, connect to a server. Once you do that, all devices that use the router to access the web (including your gaming consoles) will use the VPN connection.
- Open Netflix on your gaming console. Log in, and you’re all set to catch up with your favorite movies and TV shows.
Best VPNs for Watching Netflix Japan Content in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for watching Netflix Japan in 2024:
- 1.🥇 ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for watching Netflix Japan in 2024 (works 100% & maintains blazing-fast speeds).
- 2.🥈 Private Internet Access — Excellent VPN for watching Netflix Japan on mobile devices + great streaming speeds.
- 3.🥉 CyberGhost VPN — Great streaming support with dedicated streaming servers for Netflix Japan.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching Netflix Japan Content
ExpressVPN is my top choice for streaming content on Netflix Japan — it works with Netflix Japan 24/7, as confirmed by my colleague in Japan, offers blazing-fast speeds, and has excellent security (and it’s also ranked as our #1 VPN in 2024).
I like how the provider has apps for all major operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs. It even has a router app — so, you can quickly install the VPN on your router to watch Netflix Japan on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
And I’m a big fan of ExpressVPN’s sleek interface and user-friendly apps. I never had an issue finding a server, and there’s even a convenient Shortcuts feature that allows you to create 1-click shortcuts on the main connection window for your favorite apps and sites (including Netflix).
ExpressVPN has plans that start at $6.67 / month. That’s a bit more expensive than other top VPNs, but it offers the best value. All ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Watching Netflix Japan on Mobile Devices
Private Internet Access (PIA) has fast, sleek, and intuitive mobile apps that are perfect for watching Netflix Japan. It has super easy-to-install native apps for Android and iOS — I added PIA on my Galaxy smartphone, iPhone, and my daughter’s iPad in less than 3 minutes! Also, it took me about 4 seconds to connect to a server since the server list is well-organized, simple to navigate, and includes a search bar.
Plus, this VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs, so you can watch your favorite Netflix Japan titles in Japan on any device. It also supports manual router setups, but that’s less convenient than ExpressVPN’s router app.
Private Internet Access has plans that start at $2.03 / month. All of PIA’s plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Streaming Servers for Netflix Japan
CyberGhost VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming Netflix Japan that are optimized to provide the best streaming speeds. My colleague in Japan tested it in his location and said he had no problem watching content on his Netflix Japan account.
I like how user-friendly CyberGhost apps are. The VPN keeps all of its streaming-optimized servers in a separate tab, so it’s very easy to locate and connect to the Netflix Japan-optimized server location.
CyberGhost VPN’s plans start at $2.03 / month. Its long-term plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, and there’s a 14-day guarantee for shorter plans.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Watching Netflix Japan in 2024
Disclaimer: Using a VPN to stream Netflix Japan content from outside its licensed region breaches Netflix’s Terms of Service and might constitute copyright infringement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for watching Netflix Japan?
ExpressVPN is my top choice for streaming content on Netflix Japan — my colleague in Japan confirmed that it consistently works with Netflix Japan, it has easy-to-use apps for all major devices, and it provides incredibly fast speeds.
Do free VPNs work with Netflix Japan?
Some might, but most free VPNs won’t work with Netflix Japan. Even if a free VPN works with Netflix Japan, I still don’t recommend it — most free VPNs limit the amount of data you’re allowed to use each day or month, are slow, and lack basic security features.
Instead, I recommend a low-cost VPN like ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access — both work with Netflix Japan, have fast speeds, and are incredibly secure.
Why does Netflix Japan have different content?
This is due to licensing agreements, which typically only allow Netflix to stream certain content in specific regions, like Japan. When you travel outside your home country, the content available to you may change. In theory, a good VPN (like any of the VPNs on this list) will allow you to watch titles that aren’t available in your location, but that goes against Netflix’s Terms of Service and can be regarded as copyright infringement.
