How to unblock and watch Japanese Netflix
Overview
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Table of Contents
We are living in the golden age of streaming, with absolutely loads of platforms hosting a massive library of content. We have literally thousands of movies and shows to choose from every night, and yet, it can still feel like there is nothing left to watch. We are spoilt for choice, but still not satisfied.
Not content with the wide range of streaming sites on offer, a lot of users are turning to VPNs to unlock extra content from around the world. These services can connect you to a server in another location to bypass the geo-restrictions of top sites like Netflix. With a VPN, you can even connect to a secure server in Japan and access a bunch of top dubbed movies and anime shows from this extremely popular library.
Before we get into the best VPNs for Japanese Netflix, we should probably make a few things clear. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs and the process of accessing this library.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are powerful security tools that protect your personal information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. With a VPN, all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats, so all of your activity is untraceable and secure.
Why do you need a VPN?
We know that a lot of people are only interested in VPNs for their ability to access extra movies and shows, but it's important to remember that these services are primarily designed to provide protection for your sensitive information. By encrypting all of your online traffic, VPNs help you to remain protected against cyber threats like hackers, surveillance software, and malware.
Then there is streaming. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a server in another country, so you can watch all your favourite content from that location. The process is quick and easy. You don't need to be a VPN expert. You can open up a whole new world of content in just a few clicks.
How do you watch Japanese Netflix with a VPN?
The process of accessing Japanese Netflix with a VPN is actually really simple:
Sign up to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Japan
Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the Japanese content library
You still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work, obviously. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.
What is the best VPN for Japanese Netflix?
There are a lot of VPN services out there that can reliably unblock Japanese Netflix, but which is the best for you? Everyone is different, but we've lined up something to suit every streamer. We've also highlighted the best deals on ExpressVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, NordVPN, and more.
These are the best VPNs for Japanese Netflix in 2025.
ExpressVPN
Best For Streaming
The Good & The Bad
- Strong connection speeds
- Reliable customer support
- Intuitive interface and app
- Large server network
- Not the cheapest service
Why We Like It
Read our full review of Express VPN.
ExpressVPN offers up a strong number of servers, with more than 3,000 located in 94 countries worldwide. This high-speed VPN also promises powerful online security, unlimited bandwidth, and a strift no-logging policy. It's a comprehensive service that shines when is comes to unlocking top streaming sites like Netflix.
ExpressVPN can also be set up at the router level so you can stream your favourite shows and movies on all sorts of different devices without having to install separate apps. ExpressVPN is easy to setup, with an intuitive app and interface.
Details
CyberGhost VPN
Best For Beginners
The Good & The Bad
- Intuitive app
- Up to seven simultaneous connections
- Large server network
- Streaming servers
- Customer support is not the most reliable
- Connection speeds are decent without being super impressive
Why We Like It
Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
CyberGhost VPN is one of the best services for cybersecurity beginners, but that doesn't mean it is short on streaming-friendly features. Users get access to over 6,200 servers worldwide, with unlimited bandwidth, AES 256-bit encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
CyberGhost VPN maintains dedicated streaming servers that are specially optimised for speed, reliability, and location. These servers are also capable of reliably unblocking Japanese Netflix.
Details
NordVPN
Best For Security
The Good & The Bad
- Advanced security features
- Up to six simultaneous connections
- Huge server network
- Easy to use
- Interface can be clunky to navigate
- Not cheap
Why We Like It
Read our full review of NordVPN.
NordVPN offers a massive network of servers and advanced security features, but more importantly, watching Netflix with NordVPN works without a hitch. Using NordVPN to access content on Japanese Netflix was as simple as firing up the NordVPN app and clicking on a dot on its server map. All of Japanese Netflix's shows and movies instantly became available upon login.
Other NordVPN highlights include top-notch encryption, protection from dangerous websites and malware, and a guarantee to not log or retain your data.
Details
Private Internet Access
Best For Server Network
The Good & The Bad
- Advanced security features
- Massive network of servers
- Strong connection speeds
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Interface has improved, but it's still not great
- Unusual login system
Why We Like It
Read our full review of Private Internet Access.
Private Internet Access keeps things simple with powerful encryption, strong connection speeds, and a massive network of streaming-friendly servers. The interface could be better and the log in process is a little weird, but there's really not a lot else to complain about.
You can also connect 10 devices simultaneously with the same plan, so you can stream on all your devices at the same time without compromising your security.
Details
Surfshark
Best For Multiple Devices
The Good & The Bad
- Unlimited number of connections
- Attractive and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable unblocking of most streaming sites
- Lacking some of the most advanced security features
Why We Like It
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for accessing Netflix, and that includes the Japanese library. Users get a wide range of impressive features including split tunnelling and enterprise-grade infrastructure, plus the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices with a single account. This is really useful if you stream on a lot of devices.
Surfshark is also an appealing option for beginners due to its attractive interface and intuitive apps.
Details
PureVPN
Best For Interface
The Good & The Bad
- Interface is slick
- Easy to use
- Good spread of streaming-friendly servers
- Cannot purchase additional simultaneous connections
- Inconsistent speeds
Why We Like It
PureVPN is far from perfect, but it offers a slick interface, large server network, and reliable customer service. Subscribers get around the clock assistance via live chat, support ticket, and email, which is great news for cybersecurity beginners.
PureVPN has a network of 2,000 servers in over 140 countries, providing advanced security features like split tunneling, 256-bit encryption, built-in ad blockers, kill switches, and much more. The intuitive interface has a separate tab for Netflix, making the streaming process that little bit easier.
Connection speeds are inconsistent, but Netflix access makes up for this.
Details
Topics Cybersecurity Netflix
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.
