With a VPN, you can watch Japanese TV shows for free on Japan’s official catch-up streaming services.
- TVer
- TBS FREE
- NTV Free (TADA）
- The Online TX
- NHK+
Due to broadcasting rights, the content on these websites is only available to viewers within Japan. However, a VPN allows you to bypass these geographical restrictions and watch from anywhere.
- Sign up for a VPN service. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and install the VPN app, then connect to a server in Japan.
- Access your desired Japanese streaming website and start watching.
Where to Watch Japanese TV Shows for Free
You can watch many Japanese TV programs for free on the following official streaming platforms.
- TVer
- TBS FREE
- NTV Free (TADA）
- The Online TX
- NHK+
Please be aware that these services are ad-supported. You can expect commercials, typically lasting between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, to play at the beginning and middle of the videos.
TVer
TVer is one of Japan’s largest free video-on-demand platforms, operated as a joint venture by the country’s major commercial broadcasters, including Nippon TV, TV Asahi, TBS, TV Tokyo, and Fuji TV.
It allows users to watch the latest episodes of many TV shows, either live as they air in Japan or on-demand for about a week after the broadcast. In addition to current dramas and variety shows, TVer offers a wide library of other content, including anime, documentaries, news, and sports. This makes it an excellent all-in-one service for watching content from multiple Japanese broadcasters.
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not required |
| Availability | Typically for 7 days after the original air date |
| Subtitles | Japanese closed captions (CC) are available on select programs |
When you first use TVer, you may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire with your birth year, gender, and postal code. You will need to enter a valid postal code from Japan to access the service. After entering the information, click the button labeled “回答する” (Respond) to start watching.
Example Japanese postal code: [130-0001]
TBS FREE
TBS FREE is the official, free video-on-demand service provided by the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS). It specializes exclusively in content from the TBS network.
The service primarily offers catch-up viewing of the latest episodes of TBS programs, which are generally available for about one week after their original air date. In addition, TBS FREE features a library of past content, including classic dramas, original shows, news specials, and documentaries from the network’s archives.
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not required |
| Availability | Typically for 7 days after the original air date |
| Subtitles | Japanese closed captions (CC) are available on select programs |
NTV Free (TADA）
NTV Free (TADA) is the official, free video-on-demand service from Nippon Television (NTV), featuring content exclusively from its own network.
The platform provides catch-up viewing for the latest episodes of most NTV shows, typically making them available for one week after their television broadcast. While its library is more focused than larger platforms, NTV Free (TADA) offers a unique selection of short-form programs, with some lasting around 10 minutes. The service also includes classic comedies, anime, and sports from the NTV archives, making it a good choice for viewers who enjoy shorter content.
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not required |
| Availability | Typically for 7 days after the original air date |
| Subtitles | Japanese closed captions (CC) are not available |
The Online TX
The Online TX is the official, free video-on-demand service from TV TOKYO (TX).
It allows users to watch the latest episodes of most TV TOKYO programs on a catch-up basis, with content typically available for one week following the original broadcast. TV TOKYO is known for its distinct programming, which often differs from other major Japanese networks. The platform’s library reflects this, with a strong focus on popular anime series as well as unique variety shows, dramas, and business-oriented programs.
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not required |
| Availability | Typically for 7 days after the original air date |
| Subtitles | Japanese closed captions (CC) are not available |
NHK+
NHK+ (NHK Plus) is the official online streaming service from Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).
As Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK offers a wide range of high-quality programs, including impartial news, in-depth documentaries, educational content, and sports. The network is particularly famous for its prestigious annual historical dramas (known as Taiga dramas), which are a cornerstone of its programming.
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not required for live viewing (see note below) |
| Availability | Live stream + 7-day catch-up (for registered users only) |
| Subtitles | Japanese closed captions (CC) are available |
Using NHK+ is different from the commercial services because of its registration system, which is linked to Japan’s domestic TV license fees.
- Live Streaming: You can watch programs live as they air in Japan without an account. However, a message prompting you to register will be displayed on the screen.
- On-Demand / Catch-up Viewing: To watch shows after they have aired, you must complete a full user registration. This process is designed for residents of Japan and is generally not possible for users outside the country.
For most viewers connecting with a VPN, it is best to treat NHK+ as a live-streaming service. This means you need to know the exact time a program airs in Japan.
For example, a popular historical drama might air at the following time:
| Time Zone | Broadcast Time |
|---|---|
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | Sunday, 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM |
| Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) | Sunday, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM |
How Does a VPN Enables You to Watch Japanese TV Shows from Any Location?
Using a VPN enables you to mask your location, and access Japanese websites as if you were in Japan.
Japanese websites determine screen content based on IP address. So, if you access Japanese websites from outside of Japan, Japanese screen content will not be displayed. However, if you access Japanese websites via an internet provider in Japan, screen content for Japan will be shown.
If you access Japanese websites via VPN servers in Japan, your IP address will actually appear like this. By using a VPN, the website will treat you as if you are browsing from Japan, regardless of where you are.
For more detailed about VPNs, please refer to the following articles.
How to Watch Japanese TV Shows for Free with a VPN
Using a VPN to watch Japanese TV from anywhere in the world is straightforward. Here is a simple, three-step guide to get you started.
- Sign up for a VPN service. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and install the VPN app, then connect to a server in Japan.
- Access your desired Japanese streaming website and start watching.
When choosing a VPN, one of the first decisions is whether to use a free or a paid service. While the offer of a free service is tempting, it’s crucial to understand the key differences, especially regarding your privacy and security.
Free VPNs We strongly recommend against using most free VPNs to protect your privacy. The business models of free providers are often not transparent. To cover their costs, some are known to make money by tracking your Browse activity and selling that personal data to third parties.
Paid VPNs Reputable paid VPN services are funded directly by customer subscriptions. This allows them to make user privacy their top priority. Key benefits of a trusted paid service often include:
- Money-Back Guarantees: Most top-tier paid VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free. For example, ExpressVPN offers a full refund within the first 30 days if you are not satisfied.
- Strict No-Logs Policies: Leading providers adhere to a verified “no-logs policy.” This means they do not collect or store any activity logs, connection logs, or any data that could be used to identify you.
It is always good practice to stay informed, as a provider’s policies can change. We recommend reviewing the most current privacy policy of any service before using it.
STEP1. Sign up for a VPN service
To register with ExpressVPN, click the “Claim Exclusive Deal” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
STEP2. Download and install the VPN app, then connect to a server in Japan
After registering with ExpressVPN, download and launch the app. Next, click “…” in the app and type “Japan” in the search box. Now, you can find a server in Japan.
Select a server and click the power icon in the middle. Now, you can connect to a server in Japan.
STEP3. Access your desired Japanese streaming website and start watching
You will need to be connected to a VPN server in Japan when you access a Japanese streaming website, so that it will treat you as if you are accessing it from Japan.
For example, if you access TVer via a VPN server in Japan, you will see the screen shown below. Select the TV program you want to watch, and enjoy!
The Best VPN Services for Watching Japanese TV Shows from Outside of Japan
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 | 118 | 100 |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 7,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Excellent speed and stability
- Fast and user-friendly app
- Strict no-logs policy
- Wide range of server countries
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 118 |
| Servers | 7,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN’s excellent service, and balance of price, internet speed, servers, and countries, has allowed it to gain the greatest market share in the world. Overall, NordVPN consistently receives great reviews from leading experts. NordVPN has more than 5,800 servers in 60 countries, so you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. You can et help and advice from our friendly customer support team through email or live chat for your 24/7. And NordVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- World's most popular VPN by new user subscriptions
- Large number of available servers
- Competitive pricing
- Strict no-logs policy
- User-friendly dedicated apps
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Short-term plans can be relatively costly
- Want to balance price and internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Performance with a Lower Price
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 100 |
| Servers | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark offers impressive performance with a lower price. You can get Surfshark much cheaper than other services if you apply for the 24-month plan. Furthermore, Surfshark has no connection limits. So, you and your family can connect and use all your devices simultaneously. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Just like the other VPNs, you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. Customer support experts are there for you 24/7, if you need a helping hand with them via live chat or email. And SurfsharkVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Affordable price (cheaper than NordVPN & ExpressVPN)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (ideal for families)
- Large number of available servers
- Speeds comparable to top-tier providers
- Strict no-logs policy
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Less effective at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Limited service history / Less established
- Who are budget conscious and want to want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQs
Is it legal to watch Japanese TV shows from outside of Japan?
Using VPNs to watch Japanese TV shows from outside of Japan is legal. VPNs are widely used by individuals to protect their private information and other online activity.
Are there other benefits of using a VPN any other than streaming?
Yes, in addition to bypassing geographical content restrictions, a VPN can also enhance your online privacy and security. Furthermore, it can be used to save money on subscription services like YouTube Premium and Netflix by allowing you to subscribe from regions where prices are lower.
Conclusion
As we’ve shown, a VPN makes it simple to watch Japanese television for free, even when you are outside of Japan. By connecting through a Japanese server, you can bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy your favorite programs on official streaming platforms like TVer, TBS FREE, NTV Free (TADA), The Online TX, and NHK+.
To recap, the process is straightforward:
- Sign up for a VPN service. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and install the VPN app, then connect to a server in Japan.
- Access your desired Japanese streaming website and start watching.