This article highlights Japanese-exclusive mobile games that are surprisingly in high demand overseas. Many English-speaking gamers go the extra mile—using VPNs and Japanese app store accounts—just to access and enjoy these titles.
Most Wanted Japanese Mobile Games Played with VPNs
| Game Title | Why It’s Popular | Platform |
| Uma Musume: Pretty Derby | Only downloadable and playable in Japan; requires VPN even to launch | iOS / Android |
| Heaven Burns Red | Emotional story-driven game by Key; highly praised by niche overseas fans | iOS / Android |
| Project SEKAI (Proseka) | Vocaloid rhythm game; JP server has exclusive songs/events | iOS / Android |
| Blue Archive (JP) | Global version exists, but many prefer JP for exclusive characters & early content | iOS / Android |
| Fate/Grand Order (JP) | JP server gets characters, events, and story chapters months earlier than EN version | iOS / Android |
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
A horse girl training & racing game with anime-quality storytelling and characters. Region-locked and only playable in Japan, this title has a huge international cult following.
Heaven Burns Red
A deeply emotional RPG created by the writers of Clannad and Angel Beats. Praised for its storytelling, visuals, and character development, it’s highly sought after by fans of dramatic JRPGs.
Project SEKAI (Proseka)
A rhythm game featuring Hatsune Miku and other Vocaloid characters. The Japanese version regularly gets exclusive songs, events, and collaborations far ahead of the global version.
Blue Archive (JP)
While the global version exists, many fans prefer the JP server for its faster updates, special banners, and early content releases. Popular among fans of tactical anime RPGs.
Fate/Grand Order (JP)
The original and most content-rich version of FGO. Events, new servants, and story arcs drop months earlier than the English version—making it the go-to for hardcore fans.
Why Do Gamers Use VPNs to Play Japanese Server Games?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Region-locked content | Games are unavailable in local app stores or blocked outside Japan |
| JP-exclusive events | Japan servers often get early or exclusive events and gacha banners |
| “Waifu/Husbando” culture | Japanese servers tend to have characters and storylines truer to the original culture |
| English release lags behind | Some content is released in Japan months (or years) before the global version |
What you can do by subscribing to a VPN
Tips for Playing These Games via VPN
- You must change your app store region to Japan to download most of these games
- VPN must be on when launching the game to avoid region errors
- APK sideloading (Android only) is possible but comes with risks — proceed at your own responsibility
- NordVPN: Perfect for users looking to balance affordability and performance.
- ExpressVPN: Ideal for users who prioritize blazing-fast internet speeds.
- SurfShark: Great for users who want reliable service on a budget.
Mobile Games Popular Among English-Speaking Players
Japanese mobile games are not just entertainment—they’re deep cultural exports. And while most are designed for domestic audiences, passionate fans abroad go to great lengths to experience them firsthand.
If you’re curious about any of the games listed above, be sure to look into the correct steps for using a VPN, switching your app store region, and setting up a Japanese device environment.
Happy gaming!
| Prices | Money-back Guarantee | Servers | Countries | Maximum devices supported | |
| Surfshark VPN | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
30 days | 3,200+ | 100 | Unlimited |
| Nord VPN | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
30 days | 5,800+ | 60 | 10 |
|
1-Month: $12.956-Months: $9.99/month12-Months: $6.67/month |
30 days |
3,000+ |
105 | 8 |
Surfshark: Affordable and High-Performance VPN
| Prices | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Servers | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 100 |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark combines outstanding performance with affordability. By opting for the 24-month plan, you can enjoy Surfshark’s services at a significantly lower cost compared to other VPN providers. One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited device connections, allowing you and your entire family to use all your devices simultaneously.
With over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, Surfshark gives you plenty of options for selecting your preferred virtual location. Whether you’re changing your IP address or enhancing your online privacy, Surfshark has you covered. Additionally, their 24/7 customer support team is available via live chat or email to assist you whenever needed. Surfshark also adheres to a strict no-log policy, ensuring your data and online activities remain private.
Getting started is simple—just register, download the app, and enjoy secure, unrestricted internet browsing.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN: The Perfect Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices | 1 Month: $11.99 12 Months: $4.99/month 24 Months: $3.99/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Servers | 5,800+ |
| Countries | 60 |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN stands out as the ultimate choice for those seeking a perfect balance between price, internet speed, and coverage. With a stellar reputation backed by consistently high reviews from leading experts, NordVPN has earned its position as one of the most popular VPNs in the world.
Featuring over 5,800 servers across 60 countries, NordVPN provides ample options for changing your virtual location and securing your online activities. Their 24/7 customer support team is always ready to assist you via email or live chat, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Additionally, NordVPN enforces a strict no-log policy, safeguarding your privacy at all times.
Getting started is quick and easy—simply register, download the app, and enjoy secure and unrestricted internet access.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN: Fast, Secure, and Trusted Worldwide
| Prices | 1-Month: $12.95 6-Months: $9.99/month 12-Months: $6.67/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 105 |
| Maximum devices supported | 8 |
ExpressVPN is widely recognized for its lightning-fast speeds, military-grade encryption, and unmatched reliability. Whether you’re streaming Japanese anime from abroad or simply browsing securely, ExpressVPN ensures seamless and private access.
With servers in 105 countries and powerful unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions with ease—perfect for watching region-locked anime content on platforms like Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll, and Hulu Japan.
ExpressVPN also boasts one of the most intuitive user interfaces in the VPN industry. Their 24/7 customer support is always available through live chat or email. Plus, their audited no-log policy guarantees your data stays private.
Setup is straightforward—just sign up, install the app, connect to a server in Japan, and start streaming without limits.
Try ExpressVPN Today!
Enjoy unrestricted access with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Comments