How to watch Japanese Netflix outside Japan
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Japan’s Netflix library is a treasure trove of anime, movies, and TV shows that are hard to find elsewhere. As someone who loves exploring unique content, I’ve always been drawn to it. However, Netflix tailors its catalog to each country, which means Japanese Netflix is inaccessible if you’re outside Japan. The good news is that a reliable VPN does the trick.
By connecting to a Japanese server, you can bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions and unlock exclusive content in seconds. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to access Netflix Japan, recommend the best VPNs, and even suggest what to watch once you’re in.
How to watch Japanese Netflix anywhere with a VPN
Why do I need a VPN for Japanese Netflix?
There are multiple reasons to use a VPN for Japanese Netflix. First, Netflix’s content varies by location due to local copyright laws and distribution agreements. So, if you want to access Japanese Netflix (or any other regional library), you need to use a VPN to connect to a server in that country.
Netflix has recently updated its geoblocking technology, which makes it much harder for VPNs to bypass its restrictions. Therefore, only a powerful and reputable VPN will let you access all the Japanese content Netflix offers, from movies to TV shows, no matter where you are.
Besides, using a VPN brings more perks – if you get a VPN to bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions, you’ll access other libraries and watch content using your existing Netflix subscription, getting a massive increase in your library at no extra cost.
On the other hand, a VPN encrypts your traffic, which means it will be safe from cybercriminals, government bodies, and other third parties, even if you use an unsecured network, such as public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, or airports.
A VPN can also stop your internet service provider (ISP) from throttling your speeds. If your ISP detects high-bandwidth usage, such as streaming Japanese Netflix in HD, it may intentionally slow your internet down to deliver similar speeds for everyone. But a VPN hides your online activity, meaning your ISP can’t tell what you’re up to, preventing them from throttling your speeds.
Here you can check our detailed list of the best VPNs for Japan.
Best VPNs for Japanese Netflix
It’s crucial to choose a reputable VPN to unblock Japanese Netflix and watch your favorite shows without buffering. Cybernews research team and I tested and selected the best VPNs to make your streaming experience as smooth as possible:
- NordVPN – best overall VPN for Japanese Netflix
- Surfshark – affordable and all-around Japanese Netflix VPN
- IPVanish – robust VPN for seamless Japanese Netflix streaming
1. NordVPN – best Japanese Netflix VPN
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 7700+ servers in 125 countries |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free Amazon gift card |
The best VPN for Japanese Netflix is NordVPN. It has a combination of a broad server fleet, fast speeds, and flawless streaming capabilities. With more than 130 Japanese servers, it offers an array of other useful features to make a smooth and safe online experience.
With NordVPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and unblock Japanese Netflix while staying securely connected through AES-256 encryption. Obfuscated servers further enhance security by masking the use of a VPN. For privacy, NordVPN implements a zero-logs policy, which is independently audited.
This provider unblocks Netflix and other major streaming platforms. It’s also available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux apps, giving a great versatility device-wise.
NordVPN prices start at $3.39/month. You can also try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out the full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – best value-for-money Japanese Netflix VPN
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
If you’re looking for an affordable option with fast streaming, Surfshark is an excellent VPN choice. Don't miss a discount with Surfshark promo code: OFFCN. It offers multiple servers in Japan and, most importantly, unblocks Japanese Netflix from anywhere – whether America, Europe, or beyond.
Surfshark offers excellent speeds and bypasses geo-restrictions not only on Netflix, but also on other platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. You can connect this VPN to as many devices as you want – it provides unlimited simultaneous connections. For security, Surfshark also implements unbreakable AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and other advanced features.
Its No Borders mode can help you bypass even the strongest geo-blocks, while a no-logs policy ensures none of your data is logged. You can also bundle a VPN with an antivirus and additional tools through Surfshark One.
Surfshark’s prices start as low as $1.99/month. What’s more, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test everything.
Visit Surfshark review to learn more.
3. IPVanish – reliable VPN for unblocking Japanese Netflix
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 140 locations |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
Another excellent VPN choice for watching Japanese Netflix is IPVanish. With its outstanding performance and 20 Japanese servers, you can stream smoothly without any issues.
Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish offers some of the fastest speeds, ensuring lag-free streaming and browsing. It also protects your security and privacy with AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to prevent data leaks.
IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can connect it to as many devices as you want. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, and more.
Prices start at $2.19/month. If you choose a yearly or 2-year plan, you will be eligible for a 100% refund in case you’re not satisfied with IPVanish’s services.
Take a look at our comprehensive IPVanish review.
How we tested and selected these VPNs
There are countless VPN options available, so how do you choose the right one? Our research team and I tested 41 providers and selected the best VPNs based on their Netflix unblocking capabilities, streaming performance, Japanese server availability, overall security, and more. Here are some of the key points we took into consideration:
- Streaming capabilities (35%). The top priority was ensuring the VPN could successfully unblock Japanese Netflix and stream its content smoothly. A reputable provider is able to unblock geo-restrictions on streaming platforms with no issues.
- Japanese servers (25%). You need to make sure your chosen VPN has local Japanese servers that can reliably connect to Japanese Netflix. The more servers it offers, the better overall performance and speed, as it’s more likely that servers won’t be overcrowded.
- Speed (25%). Overall performance is crucial for a smooth streaming experience. The selected VPNs have the best speeds and don’t encounter any buffering.
- Security (10%). Your VPN needs robust security and features like a kill switch, next-gen encryption, and obfuscated servers to keep you safe online at all times.
- Price (5%). Value for money is also one of the top priorities when choosing a VPN. My recommended VPNs have a great balance between cost and quality and are affordable to each user.
Get Japanese Netflix on your device
Accessing the Japanese Netflix library is easy with the right VPN. A reputable provider can bypass even the toughest geo-blocks.
I prepared short guides for each device you might use to stream Netflix Japan.
Watch Japanese Netflix on mobile devices
If you want to stream Japanese Netflix on a mobile device, here are the simple steps you need to follow:
- Download the VPN from Google Play or App Store. I recommend NordVPN
- Register an account or log in
- Connect to a Japanese server
- I also recommend clearing the cache in your mobile settings
- That’s it – once you open the Netflix app, the region should be changed
Watch Japanese Netflix on gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
If you’ve been thinking of streaming Japanese Netflix on your gaming console – PlayStation or Xbox – you need to bear in mind that they don’t support VPN apps. Therefore, the setup process is going to be a little different:
- Choose a reputable VPN service for your gaming console. Try NordVPN
- Install the VPN on your router or share VPN connection over Wi-Fi from another device
- Choose a Japanese server
- Connect your console to the Wi-Fi network
- Open Netflix and enjoy Japanese content
Watch Japanese Netflix on TV
If you want to access Japanese Netflix on TV, Android TVs have VPN apps you can install via the app store. You will need to follow these instructions:
- Pick a powerful VPN – my top choice is NordVPN
- Locate the VPN service on Google Play and install it
- Log into your account and connect to a Japanese server
- Launch the Netflix app and enjoy Japanese content
Is it legal to use a VPN to access Japanese Netflix?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN to access Netflix in Japan, provided you’re in a country where using a VPN isn’t prohibited. Some countries, such as China, Iraq, and North Korea, ban VPNs altogether. If you use it for any reason in one of these regions, you will be breaking the law.
However, while using a VPN to bypass Netflix’s location restrictions isn’t illegal, it goes against the streaming platform’s terms of service. That said, Netflix rarely takes action against users for this. In practice, the only reasons your account might be suspended are issues like failed payments and not VPN use. In short, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll face any consequences if you use a VPN to unblock Netflix Japan.
What can you watch on Japanese Netflix?
There's a variety of content to watch on Netflix Japan. Whether you’re a big fan of anime, superhero movies, or comedy shows from around the world, you’ll find no end of titles to keep you entertained.
But to help you decide what to watch, I curated three lists based on recommendations from Netflix, online reviews, and my own favorites.
Notable titles on Netflix Japan
From my experience, Netflix Japan often features titles you won’t easily find in other regions, especially popular Hollywood movies like the Harry Potter series or DC films, which are usually tied up with other streaming platforms elsewhere. While we can’t guarantee every title is exclusive to Japan, this region's library consistently stands out for its variety and unexpected finds.
Keep in mind that if a title isn’t a Netflix Original, it might eventually be removed due to licensing changes. We do our best to update this list on a regular basis, but availability can change without notice.
| Shows | English subtitles or dubbing |
| Batman Begins (movie, 2005) | Yes |
| The Dark Night (movie, 2008) | Yes |
| The Dark Knight Rises (movie, 2012) | Yes |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (movie, 2001) | Yes |
| From me to You (series, 2010) | Yes |
| The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (series, 2009) | No |
| Is my KAWAII about to expire? (series, 2022) | No |
| The Light of a Firefly Forest (movie, 2011) | No |
| Flower and Asura (series, 2025) | No |
| Harry Potter series (movies, 2001-2011) | Yes |
New content on Japanese Netflix in 2025
Here’s what you can watch on Japanese Netflix this year:
| Shows | English subtitles or dubbing |
| Asura (series, 2025) | Yes |
| Demon City (movie, 2025) | Yes |
| Bullet Train Explosion (movie, 2025) | Yes |
| Offline Love (series, 2025) | Yes |
| The Hot Spot (series, 2025) | Yes |
| Hell For You (series, 2025) | Yes |
| The Apothecary Diaries (series, 2023-now) | Yes |
| Sakamoto Days (series, 2025) | No |
| Since I Took You Away (series, 2025) | Yes |
| Last Samurai Standing (series, 2025) (Coming in November) | Yes |
Top 10 best anime on Netflix Japan
One of the best things about Netflix Japan is its vast collection of anime. But which ones should you watch? Well, it depends on who you ask.
My favorite anime on Netflix Japan
I’ve been watching a lot of anime on Japanese Netflix, and these are my favorites so far:
| Anime | English subtitles or dubbing |
| Dan Da Dan (series, 2024) | Yes |
| Cowboy Beebop (series, 1998) | No |
| Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (series, 2019-2024) | No |
| Haikyuu (movie, 2015) | Yes |
| The Apothecary Diaries (series, 2023-now) | Yes |
| My Hero Academia (series, 2016) | Yes |
| Attack on Titan (series, 2013) | Yes |
| Jujutsu Kaisen (series, 2020) | Yes |
| Spy x Family (series, 2022) | Yes |
Top 10 best movies on Netflix Japan
If you’re not a big fan of anime, there are still loads of movies on Netflix Japan for you to enjoy. Here’s Netflix’s Japanese top 10 movies at the time of writing:
| Movies | English subtitles or dubbing |
| Bullet Train Explosion (2025) | Yes |
| Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram (2024) | Yes |
| Detective Conan the Movie: The Fist of Blue Sapphire (2019) | No |
| iHostage (2025) | Yes |
| Detective Conan: The Private Eyes' Requiem (2006) | No |
| Detective Conan the Movie: The Lost Ship in the Sky (2010) | No |
| Detective Conan the Movie: Sunflowers of Inferno (2015) | No |
| Detective Conan the Movie: Eleventh Striker (2012) | No |
| Havoc (2025) | Yes |
| Detective Conan the Movie: Black Iron Submarine (2023) | No |
Top 10 best TV shows on Netflix Japan
As if all this content wasn’t enough, you’ll find many TV shows available on Netflix Japan. Here are some of the best titles you can binge-watch right now:
| Shows | English subtitles or dubbing |
| Since I Took You Away (2025) | No |
| News Anchor (2025) | Yes |
| Weak Hero (2022) | Yes |
| Wind Breaker (2024) | No |
| Pararescue Jumper (2025) | No |
| The Reluctant Preacher (2025) | Yes |
| The Beginning After the End (2025) | Yes |
| Dead or Love (2025) | No |
| Heavenly Ever After (2025) | Yes |
| My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (2025) | Yes |
Can I get Japanese Netflix without a VPN?
In short, yes, you can get access to Japanese Netflix without a VPN. You can do that using SmartDNS, a technology that lets you access geo-restricted sites and services by routing your Domain Name System (DNS) through a remote server.
However, using a VPN is the best option to bypass Japanese Netflix blocks, as it not only hides your original IP address but also encrypts your traffic, making it way safer. In contrast, when you’re using a DNS server, your traffic is not encrypted, and cybercriminals can potentially access your data.
VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark have SmartDNS features. As a result, a VPN is the best all-in-one solution for safeguarding your online presence and accessing Japanese Netflix.
Can I watch Japanese Netflix for free?
Unfortunately, free VPNs are unlikely to unblock Netflix Japan. For one, you’ll still have to pay for your Netflix subscription, no matter the region you’re trying to access. But if you’re hoping to use a free VPN to watch Netflix Japan, you might be disappointed.
None of the free VPNs we tested managed to unblock Japanese Netflix. This isn’t a surprise, as free VPNs can’t normally bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by streaming services like Netflix.
Even if a free VPN managed to unblock Japanese Netflix, the user experience would probably be poor. That’s because free VPNs tend to be much slower than paid VPNs, which means they’re not suitable for streaming. More importantly, though, free VPNs usually pose serious security risks. In fact, they often make a profit by tracking user data and selling it to third parties.
Freemium VPNs, on the other hand, are much more reliable. And in terms of overall user experience, you’d be much better off opting for a secure, reliable, and efficient premium VPN:
- NordVPN – it offers a 3-day free trial for Android users (after signing up, you’re able to connect it to other devices as well). It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – it offers a 7-day free trial for mobile apps and macOS. Alternatively, you can make use of Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
Thanks to Netflix’s recent geoblocking technology upgrades, it’s now harder than ever for VPNs to successfully unblock different Netflix libraries. It’s likely that your old VPN used to be able to bypass Netflix’s location restrictions but has now been blocked.
Luckily, there are a few VPNs out there that can still give you access to Netflix Japan. In our testing, NordVPN was the best to consistently unblock all the content I wanted to watch. And if you’re a fan of anime or other Japanese movies or TV shows, it’s worth investing because there’s a lot of great content to watch on Netflix Japan.
Besides letting you access Netflix content from other parts of the world, a VPN is also a great cybersecurity tool, as it encrypts your internet traffic. This means that no one can track your online activities, even if you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. It’ll even help you avoid speed throttling by your ISP.
FAQ
Which VPN works with Netflix Japan?
We tested a lot of VPNs and recommend NordVPN, as it consistently unblocked Japanese Netflix whenever we wanted to watch it. NordVPN offers more than 130 Japanese servers, so you can rest assured your connection will be lag-free.
How much does Netflix cost in Japan?
In Japan, Netflix’s pricing plans range from JPY990 to JPY1,980 a month, which is between $9.00 and just over $18.00 in the US.
Is Netflix in Japan different?
Netflix has a different content catalog for each country it operates in, and Japan is no exception. It has a selection of exclusive content you won’t be able to access anywhere else, including lots of anime.
Can I watch Japanese Netflix in the US?
Yes, you can watch Japanese Netflix in the US. However, since Netflix has been imposing and ramping up its geo-blocking technology, you will need a powerful VPN like NordVPN to bypass those geo-restrictions.
