How to Watch NHK On Demand From Outside Japan in 2023
- Quick Guide: How to Watch NHK On Demand With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Best VPNs to Watch NHK On Demand From Anywhere in 2023
- ExpressVPN — Exceptional Speeds for Watching NHK On Demand in UHD
- CyberGhost — Extensive Network in Japan to Access NHK On Demand From Anywhere
- Private Internet Access — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Watching NHK On Demand
- NordVPN — Easy Router Setup to Watch NHK On Devices That Don’t Support VPNs
- Surfshark — Stream NHK On Demand on All Your Favorite Devices
- Where Can I Watch NHK On Demand Online?
- How To Set up a VPN To Watch NHK on Demand
- FAQs on Watching NHK On Demand With a VPN
- Watch NHK On Demand in Minutes
I love watching Japanese TV shows on NHK On Demand, so I was disappointed that I couldn't access the platform when traveling outside Japan. Fortunately, I know a simple solution to unblock it from anywhere — a VPN.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you enjoy your favorite Japanese content by changing your IP address to a location of your choice. This way, you can trick NHK On Demand into thinking you’re in Japan.
After trying out dozens of VPNs, ExpressVPN impressed me the most. Its reliable server network and fast speeds are ideal for streaming NHK On Demand uninterrupted. It even has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you're not 100% happy with it.
Quick Guide: How to Watch NHK On Demand With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its impressive speeds and ability to access NHK On Demand with ease. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day refund period.
- Connect to a server in Japan. This will give you a Japanese IP address and allow you to access NHK On Demand.
- Start watching NHK On Demand. Grab your popcorn, open NHK On Demand, and enjoy your favorite Japanese shows.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch NHK On Demand
Due to licensing restrictions, NHK On Demand is only available in Japan. When you try accessing the platform, it checks your IP address to determine your location. If you don’t have a Japanese IP, you can’t access content on NHK On Demand. You’ll get the following error message, which translates to: “An error occurred. Not available from your region.”
エラーが発生しました
お使いの地域からはご利用いただけません.
A VPN lets you change your virtual location so you can watch NHK from anywhere. All you need to do is connect to a server in Japan. The VPN redirects your traffic through its servers in that region and gives you an IP from there. That way, when NHK On Demand checks your IP address, it sees the Japanese one, so it lets you access its content.
Best VPNs to Watch NHK On Demand From Anywhere in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Exceptional Speeds for Watching NHK On Demand in UHD
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
| Best feature | Impressive speeds for uninterrupted streaming of NHK On Demand |
| Speed | Only a 10% speed loss — fastest among all the VPNs I tested |
| Server network | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, including Tokyo, Shibuya, and Yokohama |
| Compatible with | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and more |
ExpressVPN’s high-speed servers make it an excellent choice for watching NHK On Demand, even over long distances. I tested 5 of its servers in Japan, and they all averaged above 75 Mbps even though I was 8,000 km away. This is significantly faster than the 5 Mbps required for HD streaming. I got the fastest speeds using ExpressVPN’s Lightway UDP protocol — it uses less code, which makes it faster.
ExpressVPN slowed my speeds by just 10% — many VPNs drop your speeds by over 20%
You can enjoy smooth, uninterrupted streaming since ExpressVPN frequently changes its servers' IP addresses, making it difficult for NHK On Demand to keep track of and block them. The process involves regularly adding new IP addresses to their pool and retiring old ones.
It also has custom router software that lets you stream NHK On Demand on any WiFi-connected device, even if it’s incompatible with VPNs. You can find detailed instructions on its website — it took me about 10 minutes to install it on my Netgear router. I added my LG TV to the router and watched a few episodes of Chimudondon.
I was slightly disappointed with the pricey plans, starting at $6.67/month. Fortunately, you can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s active deals to unlock lower prices. These discounts allowed me to save 49% on the 12-month subscription and get 3 months free.
A 30-day money-back guarantee backs all plans, so you can try ExpressVPN with complete peace of mind. To test the refund policy's trustworthiness, I contacted its friendly, 24/7 customer support team via live chat to cancel. The process was straightforward, and I had my money back in my bank account after 3 days.
2. CyberGhost — Extensive Network in Japan to Access NHK On Demand From Anywhere
| Best feature | 100+ servers in Japan to reliably unblock NHK wherever you are |
| Speed | A 14% speed loss, great for streaming without buffering |
| Server network | 9,487 servers in 91 countries to bypass tough geo-restrictions |
| Compatible with | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and more |
CyberGhost's extensive range of servers in Japan means you have plenty of options for watching NHK On Demand. With thousands of IP addresses, the streaming platform will have difficulty detecting and blocking the VPN. A large network also minimizes the risk of server congestion slowing down your streaming speed.
Like ExpressVPN, its speeds are fast enough for streaming without buffering, offering unlimited bandwidth and traffic. So, you can watch as much NHK ON Demand as you want without worrying about data caps. I got an average download speed of 74 Mbps when I tested its servers in Japan.
My connection remained stable the whole time I was streaming
CyberGhost’s simple and intuitive apps make it easy to use, even if you’re a beginner. Installing the app on my Windows laptop took me less than 3 minutes. You can also use the search bar to quickly find a server in Japan, which you can then bookmark as a favorite server.
It also has a Smart DNS feature that lets you watch NHK on devices that don’t natively support VPNs. CyberGhost’s website provides detailed instructions on how to set up the Smart DNS on different devices. It took me about 15 minutes to set it up on my PlayStation 4 and watch NHK On Demand. This feature also works on smart TVs, Apple TVs, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii.
One drawback is that the VPN doesn't work in countries with strict censorship, like China. However, that's only a concern if you live in or plan to visit the country. You can use CyberGhost on up to 7 devices simultaneously. Plus, its long-term plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
3. Private Internet Access — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Watching NHK On Demand
| Best feature | A specialized Japan server designed for seamless streaming |
| Speed | Only a 15% speed loss when using its Japan streaming server |
| Server network | 29,650 servers in 84 countries, including Japan |
| Compatible with | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and more |
Private Internet Access (PIA) has a Japan streaming-optimized server that reliably unblocks NHK On Demand. While its regular Tokyo servers can also access NHK, I found that the optimized server for Japan loaded faster. You can locate it by typing "Streaming" into the search bar and then save it as a favorite.
I didn’t experience any buffering using the Japan Streaming-Optimized server
With its next-generation servers designed for stable connections and fast speeds, I streamed movies on NHK On Demand without delays. It also uses 10 Gbps network cards to provide more bandwidth and faster connections. When I tested its Tokyo servers, my speeds were sufficient for uninterrupted streaming.
Additionally, PIA allows you to customize your encryption settings for better speeds. Select the OpenVPN protocol and choose AES 128-bit encryption — it's faster because there are fewer layers of encryption. If you’re new to VPNs, this process can seem complicated. Luckily, the app comes preconfigured, so you can start watching NHK On Demand without tinkering with any settings.
It comes with unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The refund period is a great way to watch NHK On Demand risk-free with PIA. Getting a refund was easy. I filled out a simple contact form, got a confirmation via email after an hour, and received my full refund in my bank account after 5 days.
4. NordVPN — Easy Router Setup to Watch NHK On Devices That Don’t Support VPNs
| Best feature | Install the VPN on your router to stream NHK on your smart TV |
| Speed | A 19% speed loss, fast enough for streaming |
| Server network | 5,640 servers in 60 countries, including Japan |
| Compatible with | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and more |
Installing NordVPN on your router is easy, so you can stream on devices that aren't natively compatible with VPNs. It took me about 10 minutes. I followed the step-by-step instructions on its website for my Netgear router. After connecting to the Japan server, I could watch Maiagare! on my LG TV, which doesn’t typically work with VPNs.
Speeds are also great for watching NHK On Demand, thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. This is a lightweight VPN protocol that NordVPN designed to deliver faster connections. When I connected to Japan servers using the NordLynx protocol, I consistently achieved high speeds above 70 Mbps. My only complaint was that sometimes it took too long to establish a connection. But you can get around this by restarting the VPN app.
Choose the NordLynx protocol for the best streaming experience
There's even a dedicated IP for Japan (Tokyo), which is less likely to get blocked by NHK. Since this IP is exclusive to you, it won’t look suspicious to NHK’s IP blocking software. You need to pay a bit extra for a dedicated IP subscription.
You can try all NordVPN’s features for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee, available on all plans. If you change your mind, simply cancel your subscription and claim a refund via 24/7 live chat. I tried this and received the money in my bank account after 7 days.
5. Surfshark — Stream NHK On Demand on All Your Favorite Devices
| Best feature | Enjoy your favorite NHK shows on an unlimited number of devices |
| Speed | 23% speed loss, good enough for watching NHK On Demand |
| Server network | 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including Tokyo |
| Compatible with | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and more |
Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription. This is handy when you have a large household so everyone can stream their favorite shows. Its performance remained stable even when I connected Surfshark on multiple devices simultaneously, including my Windows laptop, iPhone, Android tablet, and my brother’s iPhone and Mac. It comfortably handled streaming on all devices without buffering.
Even for individuals with limited knowledge about VPNs, I discovered that the apps provided by the service were user-friendly. All you have to do is open the app, enter "Japan" in the search bar, and select one of the accessible servers to establish a connection and begin streaming NHK On Demand.
Use the search bar to quickly find a Japan server
You can watch NHK on any network, thanks to Surfshark’s NoBorders mode. This is useful when using a restricted network, like your school or work network. When Surfshark detects that you’re on a restricted network, it activates NoBorders mode, allowing you to connect to the VPN and watch NHK On Demand.
Its short-term plans are expensive, but long-term subscriptions cost only $2.30/month. Additionally, a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try Surfshark at no risk. I put this to the test by requesting a refund via email. There was no back-and-forth, and I had the full reimbursement to my credit card within a week.
Where Can I Watch NHK On Demand Online?
NHK On Demand is only available in Japan, so you’ll need a VPN to watch it while outside the country. To get unlimited access to its entire library, you’ll have to pay for a monthly subscription, which is 990 yen. You can stream using its website or its app, which is available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and more. You can also access the platform on Amazon Fire TV and Roku.
How To Set up a VPN To Watch NHK on Demand
If you don’t already have an NHK On Demand subscription, note that you’ll need a Japanese payment method to pay for a subscription. If you already have a subscription, here’s how to set up a VPN to watch NHK On Demand from anywhere.
How to Set up a VPN on Your PC to Access NHK On Demand
- Get a VPN. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN due to its excellent speeds that allow you to watch NHK On Demand in UHD without buffering. Plus, you can try it risk-free since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server in Japan. This gives you a Japanese IP, so you can access the platform.
- Log into NHK On Demand. Open the NHK On Demand website and use your account details to log in.
- Start watching your favorite shows on NHK On Demand.
How to Set up a VPN on Your Mobile Device to Access NHK On Demand
The setup process below works for both iOS and Android devices:
- Download a VPN from the App Store or Play Store. ExpressVPN is my top choice due to its highly reliable servers in Japan and its remarkable speeds.
- Connect to a server in Japan. NHK is only available in Japan, so you need to connect to a Japan server to get a Japanese IP address.
- Change your app store location. Go to your iPhone’s settings app for iOS or the Play Store settings on Android and change the country to Japan.
- Download the NHK On Demand app. Go to your app store, download and install the app, and create or log in to your existing account.
- Start streaming NHK on your mobile device.
FAQs on Watching NHK On Demand With a VPN
Is watching NHK On Demand outside Japan with a VPN legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, but some countries, like China, have laws against VPN use. So, you should familiarize yourself with local laws before using one. Remember, a VPN's primary purpose is to keep you safe online. It's also worth noting that using a VPN may also go against the terms of service of NHK On Demand. So, be sure to review the Ts&Cs, too.
Is it possible to watch NHK On Demand in the US or abroad?
Yes, you can watch NHK On Demand in the US, but you need a Japanese IP address. The easiest way to get one is to use a high-quality VPN with servers in Japan. First, launch your VPN and connect to a Japan server. You'll then have a Japanese IP, and can access your NHK On Demand account from anywhere.
How can I watch NHK On Demand on TV?
NHK On Demand has an app you can download on Android or Apple TV. If the app isn’t available for your TV, you can install it on your smartphone and then cast your phone’s screen to your TV. Alternatively, you can install a VPN on your router and allow your TV to connect to NHK On Demand via a Japanese IP.
Can I watch NHK On Demand abroad with a free VPN?
It’s doubtful that a free VPN will allow you to watch NHK outside Japan. Many don’t have servers in Japan. Even those that do, their small server networks make them prone to overcrowding, resulting in annoyingly slow speeds. A reliable VPN with a money-back guarantee is a better alternative that allows you to stream NHK On Demand safely and without interruptions.
Many free services also log your data and sell it to advertisers. Others can even infect your device with malware.
Watch NHK On Demand in Minutes
In order to stay updated with your beloved Japanese shows while traveling, you require a VPN that can provide you with a Japanese IP address. By doing so, you can securely stream NHK On Demand from any location.
My top pick for watching NHK On Demand is ExpressVPN. It was the fastest VPN I had tested, and I could stream Japanese movies and series without buffering. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching NHK On Demand…
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About the Author
Kelvin is a writer and cyber-safety researcher at vpnMentor, whose expertise in the latest online security tools aids readers in keeping them safe from hackers and online snoops.
