Listen to Your Favorite Seiyuu! How to Access Japanese Radio (Radiko) Live from Abroad

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Introduction

If you are a fan of Japanese anime, you probably love the voice actors (Seiyuu) like Mamoru Miyano, Hiroshi Kamiya, Kana Hanazawa, or Saori Hayami.

But did you know that most popular Seiyuu host their own weekly radio shows? On these shows, they don’t act as characters. They talk about their private lives, behind-the-scenes stories of anime recording, and read fan mails.

The standard way to listen to radio in Japan is an app called “Radiko”. However, if you try to access radiko.jp from outside Japan, you will see this error:

“Service is not available in your area.”

(The Solution) In this guide, I will show you how to bypass this restriction and listen to Japanese radio live (or catch up later) using a VPN.

What is Radiko?

Radiko is the official platform for streaming Japanese radio stations. It has two powerful features for fans:

  1. Live Streaming: Listen to radio stations (like Tokyo FM, Bunka Hoso, Nippon Broadcasting) in real-time.
  2. Time Free (タイムフリー): Missed a show? You can listen to the recording for free within 7 days after the broadcast. (This is huge for overseas fans in different time zones!)

Step 1: Get a VPN (Strict Requirement)

Radiko has one of the strictest geo-blocks in Japan. Many cheap or free VPNs are detected and blocked immediately. You need a premium VPN that constantly updates its Japanese server IPs.

  • Recommended: [NordVPN] (Link) or [Surfshark] (Link)
  • Why these two? Because they have many servers in Tokyo, which gives you access to the best anime radio stations.

Step 2: Access Radiko (Web vs App)

There are two ways to listen. The Web Browser method is easier, but the App method is better for mobile listening.

Method A: Listen on Web Browser (PC/Mobile) – Easiest

  1. Turn on your VPN and connect to a Japan server.
  2. Open your browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge).
  3. Go to https://radiko.jp/.
  4. If the site loads and shows Japanese text instead of an error, you are successful!
  5. Click “Live” or search for your favorite show.

Method B: Listen on Smartphone App (iOS/Android) – Best Experience

To download the Radiko app, you need access to the Japanese App Store or Google Play Store. (If you search in the US store, Radiko will not appear).

  1. Create a Japanese Account: You need to switch your store region to Japan. [>> Guide: How to Create a Japanese App Store Account & Buy Gift Cards] (Link to your Gift Card article)
  2. Download Radiko: Search for “radiko” in the Japanese store and install.
  3. Connect VPN: Turn on the VPN (Japan) BEFORE opening the app.
  4. Launch: The app will check your location (GPS/IP). If the VPN works, it will let you in.

⚠️ Important Note for Android Users: Radiko on Android sometimes checks GPS. You might need a “Fake GPS” app along with the VPN. iOS users are usually fine with just a VPN.

Best Stations for Seiyuu & Anime Fans

Once you are in, which station should you choose? Most VPN servers are located in Tokyo, so you will have access to the “Kanto Area” (Tokyo) stations for free.

  • Bunka Hoso (文化放送 – JOQR):
    • The Holy Land of Anime Radio.
    • Look for the “A&G” (Anime & Game) zone.
    • Famous shows: Shows by huge Seiyuu usually air here on weekend nights.
  • Nippon Broadcasting (ニッポン放送 – JOLF):
    • Famous for “All Night Nippon”.
    • Popular artists like Gen Hoshino or huge idol groups often host late-night shows here.
  • Tokyo FM:
    • More music-focused and stylish. Good for J-Pop fans.

“Radiko Premium”: Do You Need It?

The free version only lets you listen to stations in the area where your VPN server is located (usually Tokyo). If you want to listen to a local station in Osaka or Hokkaido, you need “Radiko Premium” (about 385 yen/month).

  • For 90% of fans: The Free version (Tokyo area) is enough because most famous Seiyuu shows are recorded in Tokyo.
  • How to pay: If you want Premium, you can pay via PayPal or with the Japanese iTunes/Google Play credit you bought. [>> Buy Japanese Gift Cards Here] (Link to Gift Card article)

Conclusion

Listening to Japanese radio is the best way to feel closer to your favorite stars and improve your Japanese listening skills (Choukai). Don’t let borders stop you.

Ready to tune in?

  1. Get a reliable VPN: [Get Surfshark]
  2. (Optional) Get a Japanese Store Account: [Read Guide] (Link)
  3. Enjoy the show!

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