- How to Watch Japanese Anime Abroad
- Why Is Japanese Anime Geo-Restricted?
- Best VPNs for Watching Japanese Anime
- Surfshark: Affordable and High-Performance VPN
- NordVPN: The Perfect Balance of Price and Internet Speed
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Watch Japanese Anime Abroad with a VPN
- Best Streaming Platforms for Watching Japanese Anime
- Common Issues When Using a VPN for Anime
- Legal Considerations: Can You Use a VPN to Watch Japanese Anime?
- Comparing Free vs Paid VPNs for Watching Anime
- Which VPN Works Best for Each Anime Streaming Site?
- How to Change Your Region to Watch Anime
- Final Thoughts
- What you can do by subscribing to a VPN
How to Watch Japanese Anime Abroad
Japanese anime is loved worldwide, but licensing restrictions often limit access to certain streaming services based on location. If you want to watch exclusive anime content from Japan, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the best solution. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about accessing Japanese anime from abroad.
Why Is Japanese Anime Geo-Restricted?
Streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix Japan, Funimation, Hulu Japan, and dAnime Store offer different anime libraries depending on the country. Due to licensing agreements, some of the best anime series are only available in Japan, making it difficult for international fans to enjoy them legally.
Best VPNs for Watching Japanese Anime
A VPN allows you to connect to a Japanese server and change your IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing from Japan. Here are the top VPNs for streaming anime:
- NordVPN – Best for speed and security
- ExpressVPN – Fastest streaming experience
- Surfshark – Budget-friendly with unlimited connections
| 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 |
| Hide.me | 1-Month: $9.95 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
30 days | 3,500+ | 91 | 10 |
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
Each of these VPNs is capable of unblocking Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll Japan, Funimation Japan, Hulu Japan, and more.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Watch Japanese Anime Abroad with a VPN
- Choose a VPN provider – Select a VPN known for bypassing geo-restrictions (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark).
- Download and Install the VPN – Install the app on your device (PC, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV).
- Connect to a Japanese Server – Open the VPN app and choose a server located in Japan.
- Clear Cookies and Cache – This ensures Netflix or other streaming services don’t detect your previous location.
- Log in to Your Streaming Service – Access Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Hulu Japan.
- Enjoy Watching Japanese Anime – Browse the extensive collection of exclusive anime content!
🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re using a smart TV or gaming console, you may need to set up the VPN on your router or use Smart DNS to access Japanese anime streaming services.
Best Streaming Platforms for Watching Japanese Anime
Different platforms offer different selections of anime. Here’s a breakdown of the best services:
| Streaming Service | Exclusive Features |
|---|---|
| Netflix Japan | Large selection of exclusive anime (e.g., Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen) |
| Crunchyroll Japan | Simulcasts and exclusive shows |
| Funimation Japan | Extensive anime catalog with dubs and subs |
| Hulu Japan | Great variety of anime series and live-action adaptations |
| dAnime Store | One of Japan’s largest anime libraries |
Each of these platforms may have geo-restrictions, but using a VPN can help bypass them.
Common Issues When Using a VPN for Anime
Even with a VPN, you may run into problems. Here’s how to fix them:
- Netflix Detects Your VPN → Switch to a different Japanese server or clear your browser cookies.
- Slow Streaming Speeds → Choose a high-speed VPN like ExpressVPN and connect to a fast server.
- VPN Not Working on Mobile Apps → Use a browser instead of the app or enable VPN’s split tunneling feature.
- Anime Streaming Sites Blocking VPNs → Look for VPNs with obfuscated servers to bypass VPN blocks.
For more troubleshooting tips, check out How to use a VPN to access Japanese anime sites.
Legal Considerations: Can You Use a VPN to Watch Japanese Anime?
Many fans wonder, Is it legal to use a VPN for anime streaming? While VPN usage is legal in most countries, some streaming platforms may prohibit it in their terms of service. However, no laws explicitly forbid using a VPN to access geo-blocked content.
Learn more: Can I use a VPN to watch Japanese anime legally?
Comparing Free vs Paid VPNs for Watching Anime
Free VPNs may seem appealing, but they have limitations:
| Feature | Free VPN | Paid VPN |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Server Locations | Limited | Many |
| Security | Weak | Strong |
| Streaming Access | Unreliable | Reliable |
Read more: Free vs paid VPNs for watching anime
Which VPN Works Best for Each Anime Streaming Site?
Different VPNs perform better with specific streaming platforms:
| Streaming Site | Best VPN |
| Netflix Japan | NordVPN |
| Crunchyroll Japan | ExpressVPN |
| Funimation Japan | Surfshark |
| Hulu Japan | NordVPN |
How to Change Your Region to Watch Anime
If an anime is unavailable in your region, follow these steps:
- Use a VPN to change your virtual location.
- Clear cookies to remove location-based tracking.
- Restart the streaming service and check if the content is unlocked.
More details: How to change your region to watch anime
Final Thoughts
Watching Japanese anime abroad is easier than ever with a VPN. By choosing a reliable VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, you can unlock geo-restricted content, enjoy HD streaming, and protect your privacy. Whether you want to stream on Netflix Japan, Crunchyroll, or Hulu Japan, using a VPN is the best way to access your favorite anime.
➡️ Get a VPN today and start watching Japanese anime without restrictions!
What you can do by subscribing to a VPN
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