How to Watch Japanese Anime Outside Japan Posted May 12, 2022

Japan is a beautiful country filled with wonderful people. In addition, the Asian nation has a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries.
Anime and manga are arguably Japan's biggest cultural export. Many people worldwide love anime shows and discuss them openly. Several anime-based merchandises attract millions of buyers.
However, while anime is incredibly popular, not everyone can watch it. This is because some of these anime shows are restricted to Japanese audiences. In addition, some shows are accessible to other countries or regions, while others are restricted from streaming.
Although such a situation is not pleasant for Japanese anime lovers not resident in the country, all hope is not lost. You can watch Japanese anime wherever you are in the world with ease.
Are you wondering how you can watch Japanese anime from anywhere in the world? This article provides answers to your question and so much more.
Why Can't I Watch Japanese Anime From Anywhere?
People outside of Japan can watch some of the country's popular anime shows. However, streaming platforms like Netflix restrict some Japanese content, including animes, to only those living in the country. Therefore, when such restrictions are in place, people outside Japan won't have access to Japanese anime shows.
Streaming platforms and television stations restrict some of these anime shows because they are subject to Intellectual Property Licensing. With the licensing, streaming platforms can't broadcast such anime shows outside Japan. If they do so, they will be guilty of breaching licensing regulations and fall short of the law.
How Can I Bypass Restrictions And Watch Japanese Anime Shows?
Although people living outside Japan may not have access to some of its anime shows, they can still watch them nonetheless. The way out of the conundrum is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and watch your favorite Japanese anime shows anywhere. It gives you a virtual Japanese IP address, making the streaming platform believe you are in Japan. Thus, you will have access to Japanese TV, streaming websites, and anime shows restricted to outsiders.
However, before accessing a Japanese server or IP address to watch your favorite anime shows, you should perform the following actions:
- 1. Find a good and reputable VPN service provider.
- 2. Download the VPN and install it on your device.
- 3. Start the VPN application
- 4. Go to settings
- 5. Select a Japanese server from the VPN provider's list of servers
- 6. Minimize the VPN app and visit the streaming site or platform with anime shows you want to watch.
- 7. Enjoy watching your favorite anime shows without hitches
What Features Should I Consider Before Choosing a Good VPN For Japanese Anime?
Although there are many VPN service providers globally, not all of them are reputable. In addition, not all VPN service providers can allow you to access restricted Japanese anime shows. Therefore, before choosing a VPN provider, look out for the following features:
Japanese servers
You need to have a Japanese IP address to access geo-restricted anime shows from the country. Hence, the VPN provider you subscribe to should have Japanese servers. If it doesn't have Japanese servers, then it is no use.
Speed
A good VPN service provider should have a fast speed to allow users to stream or download without lags. Usually, VPNs slow down internet speed because of the different processes needed to secure users' internet activities. However, reputable VPN services ensure minimal speed reduction, allowing users to carry on their internet activities with ease.
Privacy
A good VPN provider should keep its users' data private. Therefore, subscribe to VPN providers with no-log policies. They keep their users' online activities hidden and don't share their information with third parties. Consequently, you can browse, stream, or download anonymously.
Bandwidth
A good VPN should have unlimited bandwidth to allow its users to stream without restrictions. Therefore, subscribe to VPN platforms with unhindered bandwidth.
Pricing
Although VPNs are helpful, you shouldn't have to break the bank to pay for their services. Therefore, when looking for a VPN provider, it should be one with an excellent service delivery but also affordable.
Can I Use A Free VPN To Watch Japanese Anime?
There are thousands of free VPNs available that allow users to stream Japanese anime. These free VPNs are appealing, but it is unsafe to use them to stream anime shows in Japan.
Free VPNs are ill-advised because many of them share their users' data with third parties. Furthermore, since they don't charge users for their services, they profit by selling their data to companies. Hence, you get bombarded with ads and other obstructions when using the services.
Also, you will experience lag when using a free VPN. This is because many of them have limited bandwidth. In addition, they also have data caps, meaning you can't stream or download shows for long.
Free VPNs don't offer the security protections premium service providers have. Therefore, you are not entirely safe from cybercriminals. In addition, free VPNs have limited servers in very few locations, meaning you may not even have access to a Japanese server to stream your favorite anime shows.
Recommended VPNs for Watching Japanese Anime
Since free VPNs are not advisable, here are five top-rated VPN services you can trust with all your Japanese anime needs:
- 1. ExpressVPN
- 2. NordVPN
- 3. SurfShark
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. UltraVPN
These premium VPN servers are affordable and tick all the boxes of a VPN provider. In addition, they also have money-back guarantees, meaning you can subscribe to the service for a particular period and opt out if you don't enjoy what you get.
Conclusion
Japan is a culturally diverse country with multiple fascinating aspects. One of its most popular exports is anime, which is now a global trend.
However, many people don't have access to Japanese anime because of geo-restrictions. This article showed how to watch your favorite Japanese anime shows from anywhere in the world using a VPN.