To save you time and money, I tested and shortlisted the best VPNs that work with Netflix Japan so you can rightfully access your account from anywhere. If you want a quick answer, ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch Netflix Japan in 2023. Its servers in Japan are lightning-fast, making them fantastic for HD streaming on Netflix. Since every subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s completely risk-free to test ExpressVPN with Netflix Japan yourself. Watch Netflix Japan with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Japanese Netflix in 2023
Stream Japanese Netflix with ExpressVPN
The Best VPNs for Netflix Japan (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Streaming Netflix Japan With High Speeds
ExpressVPN’s superfast connection speeds make it my top choice for watching Netflix Japan. I put its Japanese servers through a series of tests and was pleasantly surprised with the results. I had minimal buffering on all of ExpressVPN’s Japanese servers, 90% of streams loaded instantly, and the longest buffering time I experienced was just 2 seconds. Speed test results showed that my connection speeds only dropped a maximum of 15% compared to my baseline speeds, which is highly impressive. They always remained above Netflix’s minimum 4K streaming requirements (25Mbps). Thanks to ExpressVPN’s reliable speeds, you can be on the other side of the world and still stream Netflix Japan in HD without any lag. Also, you get unlimited bandwidth with ExpressVPN, which means no limits on how much you can stream. I tested all 4 of ExpressVPN’s servers in Japan, and they all worked equally well. This is mainly thanks to ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol. Plus, ExpressVPN’s servers are obfuscated to ensure that your connection’s traffic looks like regular traffic, thus tricking VPN filters. I even worked with colleagues abroad, and we successfully unblocked Netflix US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Turkey, Germany, and others. You can use ExpressVPN on up to 5 devices simultaneously, meaning you can watch on all your devices at once. I tested this and streamed on 2 Windows PCs and 2 Macs at the same time. I never noticed a difference in stream quality, no matter how many devices I connected, thus making ExpressVPN perfect for anime-watching parties. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is a valuable feature to watch Netflix on devices where you can’t install a VPN. MediaStreamer lets you use the VPN on any device, even if it doesn’t support VPN clients. Unfortunately, it doesn’t encrypt your traffic but is a useful workaround that lets you stream Netflix on any device. Of course, ExpressVPN is among the best options available in terms of privacy and security. It offers multiple features to keep you safe online such as:
Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption that safeguards your online activity and keeps your browsing data safe from prying eyes. TrustedServer Technology which offers RAM-based servers that are wiped clean of all your data and information whenever they’re turned off. Built-in kill switch that’ll protect your anonymity by disconnecting your device from the internet if the VPN connection fails for some reason. Threat Manager that blocks third-party trackers so that they can’t monitor your online activity No-logs policy to make sure that none of your browsing activity is ever stored.
One drawback to ExpressVPN is that at $6.67 for a 1-year plan, it’s slightly more expensive than the other VPNs on this list. However, considering its speeds, unblocking capabilities, and security features, I think it’s well worth the price. But you don’t have to take my word for it — you can try ExpressVPN yourself completely risk-free. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can easily get a refund during this time if you’re unsatisfied for any reason. After 28 days of testing ExpressVPN with Netflix Japan, I requested a refund via live chat, which they approved within minutes. Afterward, the money was back in my account within 3 days. Watch Netflix Japan with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Servers Optimized to Unblock Japanese Netflix Lag-Free
CyberGhost offers streaming-optimized servers built specifically for unblocking Netflix Japan. These servers let me instantly access Netflix and watch my favorite anime whenever I want while providing fast enough speeds for lag-free streaming. To use these servers for Netflix Japan, simply open the “Streaming” tab of the server menu and connect to the Netflix-optimized server in Japan. Also, you can add the server to your favorites so you can instantly connect later. CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers regularly refresh their IP addresses to evade Netflix’s anti-VPN algorithms. Plus, it offers several options to choose from if a specific server is crowded. I never faced any streaming errors or low-quality streams while testing CyberGhost’s servers in Japan. Better yet, my team and I learned you could also use CyberGhost for Netflix US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Brazil, and various other regions. While CyberGhost’s speeds on Japanese servers were a bit slower than other VPNs on this list, I could still stream Netflix Japan in HD. I noticed a 40% drop in connection speeds, but they remained fast enough to stream shows on Netflix Japan in HD without buffering. There’s also an innovative Smart Rules feature in CyberGhost that lets you set rules according to the network you’re on. Smart Rules also lets you set up WiFi protection, thus keeping you secure even if you watch Netflix Japan on an unsecured public network. CyberGhost is also reliable when it comes to security and privacy. Some of its key features that help keep you safe include:
AES 256-bit encryption to protect and mask your browsing data from prying eyes. Special NoSpy servers owned and operated by CyberGhost in Romania, where there aren’t any electronic surveillance laws. Strict zero-logs policy ensures that none of your browsing activity is stored. A built-in kill switch that’ll cut the internet connection to keep you anonymous if the VPN disconnects.
You can try CyberGhost with Netflix Japan completely risk-free. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is the longest of all the VPNs on this list. It took only 5 minutes to have my refund processed over live chat, and I had my money back via PayPal in the same week. Watch Netflix Japan with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access — Split Tunneling for Seamless Multitasking While Streaming Netflix Japan
PIA has a Split Tunneling feature that lets you safely use other apps while watching Netflix Japan. Using its advanced filters, you can set exceptions so apps that block VPNs can work even as you stream your favorite shows on Japanese Netflix. This lets you avoid issues like setting off fraud alerts while opening banking websites just because you forgot to disconnect the VPN before logging in. PIA offers 2 servers in Japan, one of which is streaming-optimized. I put both servers to the test, and they both let me stream Netflix Japan in HD without any buffering. There was around a 30% drop in connection speeds on both servers, which isn’t too bad. One thing I noticed is that the streaming-optimized server provided slightly faster connection speeds, but both servers were always fast enough for lag-free 4K-quality streaming. I really like that PIA allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. This is great because I often stream Netflix on my tablet, laptop, and even my smart TV, and I can easily do this without the connections dropping. You’ll also find a variety of useful security and privacy features in PIA. Some of its key features are:
AES 256-bit encryption to keep your browsing data safe from prying eyes. A no-logs policy that makes sure none of your browsing information is stored. DNS leak protection to ensure none of your identifying information is compromised. A built-in kill switch that will keep you safe and anonymous by disconnecting your device from the internet if the secure VPN connection drops.
You can try PIA for yourself completely risk-free. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it’s really easy to get a refund if you aren’t satisfied. I contacted customer support via live chat for a refund, and they processed it, no questions asked. Plus, I had the money back in my account within a week. Watch Netflix Japan with Private Internet Access
4. PrivateVPN — Reliably Fast Speeds Over Long Distances for Smooth Netflix Japan Streaming Anywhere
PrivateVPN only has 1 Japanese server, but it’s consistently fast, even when connecting from a long distance. During tests, I noticed minimal connection speed drops — only 8% slower than my baseline speed. I was pleased to learn that PrivateVPN’s connection never prompted the Netflix proxy error message while connected. This is thanks to PrivateVPN’s military-grade encryption and data leak protection, which keeps all your activity and information secure. I could easily access and stream Netflix Japan whenever I connected to its Japan server. Of course, the obvious con is that PrivateVPN only has 1 server in Japan, thus causing congestion and connection issues during peak traffic. I noticed that I sometimes had to try multiple times to connect to PrivateVPN’s Japanese server during peak hours. Sometimes I’d connect in seconds, sometimes the connection took over a minute, and sometimes it’d fail. Thankfully, I didn’t notice any major issues after establishing the connection, so you should be fine once connected. Alongside delivering a great streaming experience, PrivateVPN also comes with a variety of crucial security features like:
Industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption to secure your browsing data. A built-in kill switch that kills your internet connection and keeps you anonymous if the VPN disconnects. DNS leak protection to ensure none of your identifying information gets leaked. A no-logs policy that makes sure none of your browsing activity is stored.
PrivateVPN is a great VPN to stream Netflix Japan, despite occasional connection issues. The best way to see if it’s right for you is to test PrivateVPN with Netflix Japan yourself, which you can do completely risk-free. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you have a long time to test its features. Plus, it’s easy to claim this guarantee over live chat. I had my money back within 5 days of requesting the refund. Watch Netflix Japan with PrivateVPN
5. IPVanish — Intuitive App Lets You Easily Choose the Best Server for Japanese Netflix
IPVanish offers an intuitive interface which makes it easy to pick the best server for Netflix Japan. It shows each server’s ping and user load, which helps you avoid overcrowded choices. I used this information to find a server with low ping and barely any connection load, which resulted in me getting really fast speeds. While connected to IPVanish’s servers in Japan, I only faced a 13% drop in speeds compared to baseline speeds. Combined with the WireGuard protocol that provides great speed and security, connections to Netflix Japan via IPVanish are always fast and reliable. Plus, IPVanish doesn’t have any data caps, so you can stream Japanese Netflix as much as you want to. I was pleased to learn that IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous device connections, which is more than any other VPN on this list. I tested this by connecting 5 devices to IPVanish and streaming on each one and noticed only a negligible drop in speeds and stream quality. IPVanish also offers various useful privacy and security features such as::
AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your browsing data. A built-in kill switch to disconnect you from the internet and keep you anonymous if your WiFi connection is unstable. DNS leak protection to keep your IP address safe.
One downside to IPVanish is that it’s a bit more expensive than other VPNs. While you can use its Japanese servers to stream shows on Netflix Japan, other VPNs offer more security and privacy features at a lower price. Ultimately, I recommend that you test IPVanish with Netflix Japan yourself. You can try it completely risk-free as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this guarantee myself and easily got my refund by canceling through IPVanish’s website, with the money being returned a few hours later. Watch Netflix Japan with IPVanish
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Netflix Japan
To find the best VPN for streaming Netflix Japan, I tested various providers on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. No matter what VPN you get, it’s important to look for the following features: Stream Japanese Netflix with ExpressVPN
How a VPN Works with Netflix Japan
Copyright holders license their content to only be available in specific countries. By detecting your IP address (a digital identifier linked to your location), Netflix blocks you if your IP belongs to another country. Unfortunately, this means you can’t watch your favorite shows on Japanese Netflix if you leave the country, even if you bought your subscription in Japan. However, you can use a VPN to get a new IP address using a server based on your chosen country. For example, connecting to a VPN server in Japan lets you access the Japanese Netflix library. Only a handful of VPN providers are advanced enough to work with Netflix. So, I tested dozens of VPN providers to find the best VPNs that can reliably access Netflix Japan. These VPNs will let you watch your favorite shows on Japanese Netflix from anywhere while encrypting your connection and keeping you safe online. Watch Japanese Netflix with ExpressVPN
3 Easy Steps: How to Watch Netflix Japan With a VPN
Watch Netflix Japan with ExpressVPN
What’s the difference between Netflix in Japan and the US?
Netflix Japan has surpassed Netflix US in having the most anime shows and movies. Certain titles are only available in Japan because copyright holders have license restrictions, so you need a quality VPN to watch Netflix Japan from abroad. Here are some of the shows and movies you can find on Netflix Japan: If you want to watch any of these titles while traveling outside of Japan, you need to get a premium VPN that works with Netflix. You could try a free VPN, but they aren’t as consistent as premium choices like ExpressVPN, which can consistently access Netflix Japan while providing smooth HD streaming. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN on Netflix Japan yourself risk-free. If you’re ever unsatisfied with the VPN’s performance during this time, you can easily get a refund.
Does all content on Netflix Japan have English subtitles?
Most of the content I tested on Japanese Netflix offered English subtitles, but there are ways to get subtitles in your preferred language if they don’t. You might find some content that’s only available in Japanese, but you can always check for English subtitles through the Audio and Subtitles button.
How do I get Japanese subtitles on Netflix?
Whether you’re watching Netflix Japan using a VPN on your smart TV or some other device, you can turn on Japanese subtitles in most cases. Of course, it depends on the title you’re watching, but Netflix Japan exclusives will likely have Japanese subtitles. Simply use the following steps to change the subtitle settings: Japanese titles are often restricted to Netflix Japan. If you’re currently abroad, you can still access your Netflix Japan account and watch your favorite shows and movies with Japanese subtitles. Of course, you need a VPN to do this. I advise that you get ExpressVPN because it’s the best way to reliably access Netflix Japan and stream your favorite shows in HD.
Does Netflix Japan have more anime than other countries?
Yes, Netflix Japan has the best anime collection of all Netflix libraries, and you can easily access it if you get an affordable premium VPN. It offers a variety of popular anime titles like Kengan Ashura and Demon Slayer. So, while it may not have every single anime out there, it’s likely that you can find most of your favorite anime on Japanese Netflix.
Is it legal to watch Netflix Japan with a VPN?
Yes, but it’s complicated. It’s legal to use a VPN to watch Japanese Netflix because VPN usage isn’t illegal in most places. However, using a VPN to access foreign Netflix libraries goes against the site’s terms and conditions. No one has gotten into trouble for this so far, but Netflix is legally allowed to ban VPN users from the streaming platform. There are, of course, a few countries where VPN usage is banned. These include China, Russia, Belarus, Oman, and others. However, as long as you live outside these countries, it’s safe to use a VPN for streaming. I advise you to use ExpressVPN for streaming because of its fast speeds, extensive server network, and reliable unblocking capabilities.
Which VPNs don’t work with Netflix Japan?
While testing different providers to find the best VPNs for Netflix Japan, I found a few that simply did not work. These include PureVPN, CactusVPN, LiquidVPN, CasVPN, Keenow, Buffered, and SaferVPN. I always got the following Netflix proxy error message when I tested these VPNs: Instead of these VPNs, I recommend that you use ExpressVPN to watch Japanese Netflix. It worked flawlessly during my tests while providing fast speeds, meaning I could enjoy lag-free streaming in HD You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. For more help, visit netflix.com/proxy.
Can I watch Netflix Japan with a free VPN?
It may be possible to use a free VPN, but I don’t recommend one for watching Netflix Japan. Even the best free VPNs aren’t reliable enough for Netflix because they:
Limit internet speeds and data, which may cause buffering or stop your connection completely. Don’t work with Netflix or any other popular streaming platforms. Often force ads to pop up and disrupt your experience. Sell your bandwidth to premium users without permission. Sell your personal data to advertisers, thus putting it at risk.
Various free Japanese proxies can unblock Netflix Japan, but they come with their share of problems. They get shut down frequently, and even when they’re working, there’s a lot of congestion that causes buffering and lag. Often, these proxies also require you to create an account and can put trackers on your device, thus compromising your privacy. You can easily avoid all these issues if you use a top-tier VPN to watch Netflix Japan safely. For instance, whale testing CyberGhost, I was pleased to find out that its Japan-optimized server unblocked my account and didn’t limit my speed or bandwidth. So, I could use it to watch all my favorite shows and movies without issues. Plus, CyberGhost offers industry-standard encryption and a strict no-logs policy, so it never compromises your privacy or security. You can test all of CyberGhost’s features completely risk-free. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, you can easily get a refund within 45 days. I tested this myself by asking for a refund over live chat, and they approved it within 5 minutes. Afterward, I had the money back in my account within 3 working days. Of course, you need a paid Netflix account for this to work as Netflix Japan is a paid service like Netflix US. Watch Netflix Japan with ExpressVPN
Enjoy Japanese TV Shows and Movies on Netflix
As a big anime fan, I need a reliable and trustworthy VPN to stream Japanese Netflix and watch my favorite shows and movies. Unfortunately, most VPNs do not work with Netflix Japan at all. A few offer Japanese servers, but they aren’t fast enough to deliver lag-free high-quality streaming. Thankfully, the VPNs I’ve picked out on this list are excellent for streaming Netflix Japan because of their fast connection speeds and massive server network. Out of the various options, ExpressVPN has to be my top choice. Its large network of servers in Japan makes it easy to access Japanese Netflix. Plus, you also get fast connection speeds to enjoy lag-free streams in HD. Best of all — you can try ExpressVPN with Netflix Japan risk-free. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, you can easily get a refund within the 30-day period.
