Best VPNs for watching Japanese Netflix content abroad in 2025

Netflix’s libraries hold different content in different countries, so if you’re traveling, you’ll lose access to the Japanese library and some of its titles. But, not to worry, with the right VPN connected to a Japanese server, Netflix Japan’s vast library—which contains an unmatched selection of anime —becomes available no matter where your travels take you.

To access Netflix Japan, you’ll need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to switch your virtual location to Japan. A VPN encrypts a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in your chosen location. By connecting to a VPN server in Japan, you can browse the web as if you lived in the country and access tons of Japan-only websites, apps, services, and content.

Only a few VPN providers can reliably bypass the ban, while the rest remain locked out. We tested several providers and found out which VPNs work with Netflix Japan. If you’re short on time, here’s a straightforward list of the best VPNs for watching Japanese Netflix from abroad:

1. NordVPN Our top choice VPN for Japanese Netflix. Has excellent speeds, a huge range of security features, and a no-logs policy. Popular with anime fans who want uninterrupted access to Netflix and other popular streaming services. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netflix Japan.
2. Surfshark The best budget option for unrestricted access to Netflix Japan. Quick and highly versatile, with strong security and privacy features. No connection limit, so you can enjoy Japanese titles on any streaming device.
3. Total VPN Works well with Netflix Japan and other streaming services. Fast servers in 85+ countries. Strong security and low-cost subscriptions. Offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and a ticket system.
4. ProtonVPN Connect to servers in 120+ countries, including Japan. Robust encryption, live chat support 24/7, and advanced features for techy users. Permits up to 10 connections at the same time. 
5. ExpressVPN Fast servers in Japan, consistent access to Netflix and most other major platforms without any buffering issues. Great privacy and security credentials, including 256-bit AES encryption and a no-logs policy.
6. IPVanish Works consistently with Netflix Japan, Netflix US, and other international platforms. It has good month-by-month price, fast server speeds, and no device limits.
7. CyberGhost A beginner-friendly VPN with servers in 100+ countries, and plenty designed for watching Japanese TV. Follows a strict no-logs policy and delivers a strong set of security features.
8. PureVPN This VPN is reliable, affordable, and great for streaming Netflix Japan. Uses powerful encryption and doesn’t keep any logs your activities.
9. PrivateVPN Small provider with excellent accessing ability. Servers in Japan for a Japanese IP address. Can access Netflix Japan from anywhere. Has 256-bit encryption and works great with mobile devices.

How to get Japanese Netflix from anywhere

Here’s how to watch Japanese Netflix from anywhere:

1. Sign up for a Netflix account if you don’t yet have one.
2. Pick a VPN provider from our list below. For speed and reliability, our first choice is NordVPN.
3. Open the Netflix website or app as you usually would. You should be automatically redirected to the Japanese version. Log in now — if you do it later, you may see an incorrect login error, despite your details being correct.
4. In your VPN, connect to a server back home in Japan to get a Japanese IP address.
5. If you encounter any issues, clear your cookies and try again, or try a different server. If the problems persist, contact your VPN’s customer service team for more assistance.

Best VPNs for Netflix Japan: a snapshot of features

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Netflix Japan.

Our criteria for choosing the best VPNs for watching Japanese Netflix

Our list of the best VPN service providers for Netflix Japan is based on scoring each provider on various criteria. We’ve summarized these below, but you can explore the data in full later in the article.

• Speed: We specifically tested how fast each provider’s Japanese servers were over a day. We used a home broadband connection to simulate the average user’s experience.
• Netflix region access: We scored providers based on how many different Netflix regions they could access in addition to Japan. We combined this score with one of our resident experts’ scores.
• Security and privacy: Providers were evaluated against 16 security and privacy criteria. These included whether they logged user activity and the encryption used to protect data in transit.
• Ease of use: Ideally, the whole experience of using a VPN should be stress-free. We compare providers’ relative ease of use using ten metrics, ranging from user-friendliness to support for routers.
• Value for money: To find which providers offered good value, we looked beyond just the monthly fees. This involved checking each VPNs’ lowest price, its connection limit, and whether any discounts are available.

Want to know more? You can learn more about our testing process and the results of those tests in the methodology section later on. First, let’s take a look at the VPNs that made the list.

Best VPNs for watching Japanese Netflix

Let’s take a detailed look at our recommended providers for watching Japanese Netflix content from anywhere.

Here’s our list of the top VPNs for Netflix Japan: 

1. NordVPN

Dec 2025 works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for accessing Netflix content. It works with Netflix Japan and numerous other countries, including Netflix UK, Netflix France, and the US. There are servers in 120+ countries, with around 130 to choose from in Japan alone. Users can connect up to 10 devices at a time and speak with customer support staff at any time via the 24/7 live chat service.

NordVPN also works with Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Paramount Plus, and many more. The company says that its SmartPlay technology is key to its streaming abilities, but it doesn’t provide details about what this might involve. The key thing is that it works.

We tested the speed of NordVPN’s Japan servers over a day. To gauge the average user’s experience, we used a home broadband connection with an average download speed of 51.68 Mbps. You can see the results below.

NordVPN was not only fast but incredibly consistent. Netflix recommends a download speed of 15 Mbps for streaming in UHD. NordVPN’s average speed over the day was 40.55 Mbps, comfortably above the 15 Mbps Netflix recommends for streaming 4K content without any interruptions.

This service pays close attention to your privacy and it shows. Its apps include a variety of security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and automatic IPv6 and DNS leak protection. There are also special obfuscated servers and a proprietary protocol named NordWhisper in case you need to bypass extreme censorship.

The provider’s Double VPN servers route traffic through an additional VPN server to increase encryption, while the Onion Over VPN servers provide one-click access to the secure Tor network. Other features include a dark web monitor, which issues an alert if any of your sensitive personal information is found online, and app-based split tunneling. Public Wi-Fi protection is optional, as is the kill switch, which can be set up so that only certain apps disconnect if the VPN connection fails.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux (command line or GUI). If you need to connect more devices or want to stream Netflix Japan on a VPN-incompatible device, you can configure a NordVPN connection on some home routers. Check the NordVPN website for instructions and a list of compatible devices.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX JAPAN:NordVPN is our first choice. It’s extremely fast and doesn’t compromise on security. It works with Netflix and similar platforms with ease. It comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out the full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for streaming Netflix JP. Its network includes more than 4,500 servers in 100+ countries. This includes Japan, where it has 62 servers available in Tokyo. Finding servers is easy—just scroll through the list of countries on the app’s dashboard or enter a country name in the search bar. What’s more, this is one of the only VPNs that allows you to connect every device you own at the same time. There’s even 24/7 live chat in case you need assistance.

Once connected, users can access a wide range of streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Max, and BBC iPlayer. We connected to a server in Japan and were able to stream Netflix Japan without issue. The provider also works with Netflix in the US, UK, Australia, and more.

So just how fast is this service? We carried out several speed tests to determine what speeds users might expect while connected to one of Surfshark’s servers in Japan.

Surfshark’s speeds increased slightly throughout the day. The average speed was 39.56 Mbps, which is fast enough to torrent, make video calls, play online games, or stream Netflix Japan in the best available quality.

Despite its low price, this is actually one of the best VPNs around where security is concerned. It prevents DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, uses unbreakable AES-256 encryption, and offers a kill switch that’ll stop sending data if you lose connection unexpectedly. Surfshark also blocks ads and trackers automatically, swaps your IP address regularly, and can sidestep the world’s toughest digital censorship.

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that offer static IP addresses. These are available via dedicated servers in Japan, Germany, Singapore, the UK, the Netherlands, and the US.

One of the more unusual features is the Alternative ID tool. This allows users to generate personas with a name, date of birth, and address. Addresses are available in the US, Denmark, Portugal, Brazil, Australia, and Germany.

Subscriptions are decently priced if you’re happy to take on a two-year plan. This costs the equivalent of $2.19 a month and includes unlimited device connections. This makes it a particularly cost-effective option for those in larger households.

Apps are available for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Unusually among VPN providers, the Linux app has a full GUI. This is great if you’re new to Linux and are not yet command-lining everything.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark manages to provide impressive speeds, security, and unblocking ability while remaining affordable. Better still, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

Total VPN is a user-friendly service that makes it as straightforward as possible to connect to a Japanese server. The app’s dashboard has a list of available servers on one side. Clicking ‘Japan’ establishes a connection. It’s as simple as that. Once connected, you’ll have no trouble accessing Netflix Japan. The provider also works with various other regional Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, South Korea, and Australia.

In addition to Japan, Total VPN has servers in a further 84+ countries. This includes Russia and China — countries not typically supported by mainstream VPN providers.

To find out what sort of speeds users might expect while connected, we carried out three speed tests using Total VPN’s servers in Japan. You can see the results below.

The provider performed solidly throughout the day, with an average overall speed of 39.4 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for streaming Netflix Japan in UHD.

Total VPN shields your activities from prying eyes thanks to its powerful 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. While it uses the WireGuard protocol by default, you can also use this VPN’s proprietary protocol, Hydra, which can help you evade VPN blocks in restrictive countries. There’s also split tunneling functionality (though this only applies to websites, not apps). Total VPN follows a strict no-logs policy but we’d like to see it audited like some of its rivals have been.

One of the most appealing aspects of Total VPN is its price. A one-year plan costs the equivalent of $1.59 a month, Better still, it includes free ad-blocking and antivirus software. Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and tvOS.

SECURE AND FAST:Total VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and has built-in leak protection. It’s great for streaming Netflix and is fast enough to do so in UHD. Subscriptions include free antivirus software and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

works with Netflix JapanTested Dec 2025

ProtonVPN has an excellent reputation and provides everything you need to stay secure online. The company itself is based in Switzerland, which has no mandatory data retention laws and strong privacy protections. It’s not the cheapest service, but it is one of the very safest and most well-suited to whistleblowers and activists.

But what about people who want to access Netflix and, in particular, Netflix Japan? The good news is that ProtonVPN works with multiple Netflix libraries. We had no problems streaming Netflix Japan, the UK, and the US during testing. ProtonVPN works with a variety of other platforms too, including Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and BBC iPlayer.

We tested its speeds over the course of a day while connected to a server in Tokyo. We used a home broadband connection to simulate an average user’s experience of using the service to stream Netflix Japan.

ProtonVPN achieved a very respectable overall average of 38.3 Mbps. As with the above providers, this is more than fast enough for smoothly streaming Netflix Japan in UHD. Speeds were a little more variable, however, with a difference of 6.85 Mbps between the slowest and fastest speeds.

Over the years, ProtonVPN has been expanding its server network. It now has one of the largest networks in the business, comprising 15,000 servers in 120+ countries. In Japan, it has around 80 servers in Tokyo and Osaka. Users can choose between individual servers rather than being limited solely to a choice of cities. You can also choose a Secure Core server — these bare metal servers are housed in high-security data centers so that it’s virtually impossible for them to be tampered with.

ProtonVPN’s security offering is extremely robust. To begin with, it uses unbreakable 256-bit encryption, backed up by a kill switch and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Not only that, it blocks ads and trackers automatically and refuses to keep any logs of your activities. Nestled among the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol options is the Stealth protocol, which you can use to obfuscate your traffic. Note that this doesn’t work in China. DNS and IPv6 leak protection are enabled by default. Having carried out our own leak tests, we can confirm that these work as they should and that there are no WebRTC or IPv4 leaks either.

Unlike most other providers, all of ProtonVPN’s apps are open-source, which means their code is available for the public to scrutinize. Supported platforms include iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. All of these apps have a full GUI. You can also manually install this VPN most routers.

ADVANCED FEATURES:ProtonVPN has advanced features suitable for techy users. Connect to servers in 122+ countries, including Japan. Robust encryption to stream Netflix privately at work or on campus. Live chat support is available 24/7. 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

ExpressVPN has secure, RAM-only servers in 105+ countries. Notably, it has four locations in Japan (Tokyo, Shibuya, Yokohama, and Osaka), which is more than most of its rivals. This is great not just for Netflix, but for watching Japanese TV in general. Our team was able to access Netflix UK, US, Germany, Spain, and South Korea, as well as popular Japanese platforms like Lemino and Hulu Japan.

The first server we tried didn’t allow us to access Netflix Japan, but the second did. This is pretty normal among VPN providers, so don’t be surprised if you need to adopt a trial-and-error approach. The customer support team can be reached via ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat and can point you to working servers if needed.

The main questions is whether ExpressVPN is actually fast enough to provide a decent streaming experience. We tested ExpressVPN’s speed over the course of a day while connected to a server in Osaka. You can see how it performed in the chart below.

ExpressVPN delivered an average speed of 33.5 Mbps. That might not be the fastest we’ve seen but it’s significantly more than is needed for streaming 4K content on Netflix Japan without any issues. You could even torrent or game, provided your base connection speeds are halfway decent.

This service boasts a clutter-free, streamlined design that’s perfect for novices. The main page has a quick connect button and recently used locations so you can start streaming as quickly as possible. ExpressVPN’s settings menus are equally intuitive, with an explanation of what each option does, and checkboxes for toggling on various features.

You have nothing to worry about on the privacy front either. ExpressVPN uses uncrackable AES-256 encryption and prevents any data from leaking out over IPv6 or DNS. There’s also a kill switch, and a tool that lets you block trackers, ads, or adult content. This VPN has been audited on several occasions and does not keep any logs that could identify you. Best of all, ExpressVPN completely reinstalls its operating system on each server, every week to ensure maximum privacy.

Recently, ExpressVPN introduced a tiered subscription system so that users can choose the level of features they require according to their budget and security needs. Prices range from $3.49 per month for the basic plan, up to $7.49 a month for pro. With these plans, users can connect 10-14 devices simultaneously. 

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The Linux app is command-line only, but nevertheless easy to set up and use. This VPN also has its own custom firmware for routers, plus a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer that lets you watch US TV on Smart TVs and game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, without the need for a full VPN app.

SECURE AND PRIVATE:ExpressVPN is a solid all-rounder. It can reliably access Netflix Japan and most other popular streaming services. Fast speeds for buffer-free HD viewing and good security and privacy. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

IPVanish has spent the last few years expanding its network, improving its performance, and becoming more reliable where streaming is concerned. This provider has 3,200 self-owned servers in 100+ countries worldwide, including Japan. You can see the current load and ping of each, and choose a server individually rather than simply selecting a location and being assigned one.

We tried accessing Netflix Japan while connected to an IPVanish server in Tokyo. It worked right off the bat. We also tried UK and US servers to see if we could access international Netflix libraries. Again, we had no problems. IPVanish works with a wide selection of other platforms too, including Disney Plus, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Our team tested IPVanish’s servers in Osaka three times: once in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. This allowed us to measure not just this VPN’s performance but also how much slowdown you can expect during busier periods like evenings or weekends. Take a look at our results:

Speeds were a little variable but decent nonetheless. Overall, the provider averaged 35.3 Mbps, which was marginally faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. Needless to say, you shouldn’t have any issues streaming Netflix Japan abroad.

IPVanish doesn’t favor the minimalist app interface popular with some providers. Instead, it provides lots of connection information. This includes a real-time graph of data uploaded and downloaded, a map with the current server location illuminated, and the connection protocol in use.

Features include a kill switch, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, automatic Wi-Fi protection, and app-based and IP-based split tunneling. IPVanish says that it keeps no logs of which servers users access, where they are located, and what they do while connected. This has been verified via independent audit.

The user can choose between the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 connection protocols. Those opting for OpenVPN get access to the Scramble function, which obfuscates user traffic and enables it to evade some VPN blocks. We say ‘some’ because it didn’t work in China the last time we tested it.

DNS and IPv6 leak protection are enabled by default. We tested this out, while also testing for any IPv4 and WebRTC leaks. IPVanish was resoundingly leak-proof, which is great for anyone who doesn’t unwittingly want to expose their true location while streaming Netflix Japan.

Subscriptions are priced at the lower end of the market, with a two-year plan costing the equivalent of $2.19 a month. This lets users connect as many devices as they want simultaneously and also gives them access to a SOCKS5 proxy. Apps are available for Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Android, with manual installation required for routers and Linux systems.

SUPER FAST VPN:IPVanish uses the WireGuard protocol by default and offers fast speeds for streaming 4K content. Securely access Netflix US and Netflix Japan. Connect all of your devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

CyberGhost is an extremely easy to use VPN with a network spanning more than 100 countries. This provider has no problem accessing stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix Japan and will actually tell you which servers are best for viewing almost a dozen regional catalogs. There are also specially-optimized servers for gaming, torrenting, and maximizing your privacy. Users can connect up to seven devices at once and get help using this VPN’s 24/7 live chat service.

But what about speed? Is this still one of the fastest VPNs on the market? To find out, our team performed three speed tests at different times of day while using CyberGhost’s Japanese servers. Here are our results:

Speeds varied between a low of 31.4 Mbps and a high of 34.94 Mbps, and were at all times fast enough for streaming Netflix Japan in UHD. However, CyberGhost’s average download speed of 33 Mbps places the provider nearer the bottom than the top when compared to the other providers in this list.

CyberGhost helps simplify the streaming process still further with its Smart Rules feature. This lets you tell CyberGhost to automatically open and connect to a specific server location whenever you open certain apps. For instance, you could have this VPN automatically pick a Japanese server when you open Netflix, simplifying things and saving you a little bit of time.

This provider has a great set of security features too. For starters, there’s automatic Wi-Fi protection so that you never use a public network without the VPN active. Additionally, CyberGhost makes use of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, all of which are considered secure at the tiem of writing. This VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has been audited multiple times for your peace of mind.

CyberGhost apps are available for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). The provider also has apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Alternatively, you can manually install this VPN on most routers. Subscriptions are cheap, with a two-year plan costing the equivalent of $2.19 a month.

TAILOR-MADE FOR STREAMING:CyberGhost has a vast server network and works with numerous streaming platforms — including Netflix Japan. Great for beginners and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

works with Netflix JapanTested Dec 2025

PureVPN is a reliable and versatile service that operates more than 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries (including Japan). It’s also a fantastic option for accessing the Japanese Netflix catalogs while on vacation, plus it works with major international services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. Up to 10 devices can be protected at the same time, and 24/7 customer support is available over live chat, though hopefully you’ll never need to take advantage of this.

Tucked away in the Shortcuts tab of the server selection page are PureVPN’s streaming servers. By default, there are some designed for watching Netflix USA, Canada, Japan, France, the UK, and Italy. However, if you find a server that works with a different library, you can manually add a shortcut for easier access in future.

In our most recent lab tests, PureVPN was one of the fastest VPNs. We wanted to find out whether this was the case when specifically connected to a server in Japan and in a non-lab environment. To this end, we carried out three speed tests over the course of a day using a home broadband connection.

PureVPN clocked speeds of between 30.69 Mbps and 38.35 Mbps, with an overall average of 33.5 Mbps. So while it wasn’t the fastest, it’s still suitable for streaming Netflix Japan in UHD.

PureVPN apps are easy for beginners to get to grips with, though there’s a little more to initially take in. However, most people will only need to use the Location and Settings menus for day-to-day use.

Everything sounds great so far, but can PureVPN really keep your online activities secure? Well, it uses unbreakable AES-256 encryption, backed up by a kill switch and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, so the answer is yes. Further, this VPN refuses to keep logs of your activities, only uses industry-approved protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN), and obfuscates traffic by default. Last but not least, it offers split tunneling functionality and automatic tracker-blocking.

PureVPN has its own apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux (GUI or command-line). Its website also provides manual setup guides for a wide range of routers. Subscriptions are excellent value — primarily because PureVPN offers a five-year plan. This works out at the equivalent of $2.16 a month and is great for anyone who prefers to keep a tight grip on their finances.

FAST & CHEAP:PureVPN is a highly impressive VPN to stream Netflix Japan on a budget. It’s reliable and easy to use on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. Strong no-logs policy and rock-solid AES-256 encryption. Comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. PrivateVPN

works with netflix japanTested Dec 2025

PrivateVPN might not be as well known as some of the services above but it’s well worth considering. This provider operates more than 200 servers in 63 countries and has no problems whatsoever sidestepping regional restrictions. In fact, as well as letting you watch Netflix Japan from abroad, it works with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and BBC iPlayer. You can connect 10 devices at once, and if you ever run into trouble, live chat-based support is available during European business hours.

PrivateVPN helpfully lists the ping time next to each server, giving users a good indication of how fast connections are likely to be. The server in Tokyo, for example, had a ping rate of 266ms, which reflects the distance between the UK and Japan. We tested its speeds over the course of a day on a regular home broadband connection with an average download speed of 51.68 Mbps.

Speeds slowed a little throughout the day, but met the requirements for streaming in UHD. However, you might want to use HD of FHD if you’re competing with others in your household for bandwidth and have a relatively slow base connection speed. It’s possible to improve PrivateVPN’s speeds by lowering the level of encryption used on user-generated traffic. We’ll discuss this again shortly.

The provider’s apps are easy to use, with a dashboard that comes in two ‘views’: simple and advanced. The simple view consists of a connection button and an option to change locations. It’s great for not intimidating VPN beginners.

Those who wish to tailor their connection can do so via the ‘advanced view’ dashboard. The first thing to note here is that there’s a drop-down menu next to ‘OpenVPN encryption’. This allows users to switch from 256-bit to 128-bit encryption. Because this requires less computing power, it can add a few Mbps to download speeds. It’s a good option for the majority of people, as 128-bit is still very secure.

Encryption is only the beginning, however. PrivateVPN blocks DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks by default and includes a Stealth VPN feature that can help you browse safely in countries with extreme censorship, like China. It doesn’t keep any logs of your activities, comes with a customizable kill switch, and includes both split tunneling and port forwarding as standard. Just be aware that one of its supported protocols, PPTP is no longer considered secure; you’d be better off using OpenVPN.

Subscriptions are about as cheap as they come, with a three-year plan costing the equivalent of $2 a month. PrivateVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Manual router configuration is possible, with the added bonus that support staff are able to provide remote help via TeamViewer.

EFFECTIVE AND SECURE:PrivateVPN is great value, security-conscious, and able to access Netflix Japan. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Using a free VPN to watch Netflix Japan

We’ve heard of a few Japanese proxies that can access Netflix Japan, but the free ones are likely too congested or unreliable to stream in anything resembling decent quality. At any rate, you’ll need to be able to read Japanese to register and use them. Free VPN services generally lack the bandwidth to stream video without tons of buffering, and many of them impose low data limits to try and get you to upgrade to a paid plan anyway.

We generally recommend avoiding free VPN services. Even if you don’t have to fork over payment details, free VPN services are not charitable entities. They often make a profit by collecting data from your browsing habits and selling it to third-party advertising agencies. Some inject ads into your web browser, while others even carry malware payloads to infect your device.

In any case, it’s unlikely that a free VPN has the resources to bypass Netflix’s firewall reliably.

What’s the difference between US Netflix and Netflix Japan?

Netflix’s American and Japanese libraries are roughly the same size, with 7,338 titles in Japan (2,900 TV shows and 4,438 movies) versus 7,101 titles in the US (2,864 TV shows and 5,237 movies). However, the actual content that’s available is significantly different. For instance, Netflix subscribers in Japan can stream new episodes of currently-airing anime weekly, often well before the same shows air overseas.

Here are a few of the high-profile anime currently available on Netflix Japan:

• Spy X Family
• Chainsaw Man
• Haikyuu
• Dan Da Dan
• My Hero Academia
• One Punch Man
• The Apothecary Diaries
• Attack on Titan
• My Dress Up Darling
• The Summer Hikaru Died

But it might surprise you to know that there are also quite a few Western titles included in the Japanese library that you won’t find in the US catalog! Let’s take a look at some of the best:

• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
• Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League
• Down By Law
• Gran Turismo
• Renfield
• Bros

So it’s always worth checking for differences in countries’ Netflix libraries!

Subtitles and dubbing on Netflix Japan

If you don’t speak Japanese, finding subtitles or dubbed voices for anime on Netflix Japan can be a bit hit and miss. Subtitles are more common than dubbing, for sure, but many titles have neither. We suggest you take advantage of a VPN’s free trial or money-back guarantee period to watch Netflix Japan and check to see whether subtitles or dubbing are available for the show you want to watch.

To get subtitles on Netflix, start playing a movie or show, then select ‘Audio & Subtitles’ on your screen and choose from the languages shown, or choose ‘Other’ for more options.

How to get Japanese subtitles on Netflix

To get Japanese subtitles on Netflix, start playing a movie or show, then select ‘Audio & Subtitles’ on your screen. If Japanese isn’t listed, you can choose ‘Other’ for more options. If Japanese still isn’t available, you might need to change your profile language to Japanese. This could make Japanese subtitles available for some content.

However, the availability of Japanese subtitles can depend on your location, the specific title you’re watching, and your device. Some older devices before 2014 may not support subtitles for some languages, including Japanese.

If the above does not work, you can use external subtitle services like Subscene or OpenSubtitles to download a Japanese subtitle file and add it to your media player while watching Netflix as a last resort.

Still seeing the Netflix proxy error? Try this:

If you signed up for one of the VPNs we recommended above but still see the Netflix proxy error when you try to stream video, try the following:

1. Log out of any Google accounts, including Chrome browser. Google caches your IP address and can reveal your true location to Netflix.
2. Disable GPS and any other location-based services on your device and browser. If you’ve given Netflix permission to use your location in the past, you’ll need to disable the permission in your browser settings.
3. Clear your browser cookies, cache, and temp files. We’ve got tutorials for both clearing your cache and clearing your cookies for all the major operating systems.
4. Disable IPv6. This is mainly for Windows 10 users but may cause problems on other operating systems as well. In Windows 10, you can disable IPv6 in your Wi-Fi properties.
5. Flush your DNS cache. In Windows, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command: ipconfig /flushdns
6. Change your device’s time zone to the country in which you’re trying to watch Netflix. Japan’s time zone is UTC+9.
7. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network and can access the router, rename the Wi-Fi network, or SSID. Add “_nomap” to the end of the network name, without quotation marks. This will opt your Wi-Fi network out of Google’s geolocation services. You will need to reconnect your device to the updated network to regain internet access.
8. Disconnect and reconnect to the server location to see if you can get a different IP address.

Watching Netflix Japan with a VPN: FAQs