Japanese streaming services like d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and ABEMA are often region-locked to Japan. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you bypass these geo-restrictions, and many users have successfully used this method to stream anime from overseas.
Why You Need a VPN
Most Japanese anime streaming services restrict access to users within Japan due to licensing agreements. When you try to access them from abroad, you'll likely see a "not available in your region" message. A VPN routes your connection through a Japanese server, which can allow you to access these services as if you were in Japan.
3 Steps to Start Watching
- Install a VPN app and create an account
- Connect to a server in Japan
- Visit the streaming service and enjoy anime
Streaming Services Reported to Work
The following services have been widely reported by users to work with VPN connections. However, availability may change at any time.
- d Anime Store — ¥550/month. Japan's largest anime-focused catalog
- U-NEXT — ¥2,189/month. Extensive anime plus movies and drama
- ABEMA — Free tier available (Premium ¥960/month). Great for catch-up streaming
- DMM TV — ¥550/month. Strong in anime and 2.5D content
- Netflix Japan — Many exclusive anime titles in the Japanese library
- Amazon Prime Video — Some anime titles are Japan-region exclusive
Why We Recommend NordVPN
AniHeat recommends NordVPN as the VPN service for streaming anime.
- Multiple high-speed servers in Japan for stable streaming
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and browser extensions
- Encrypted connections keep you safe on public Wi-Fi
The link below is an affiliate link.
Try NordVPNImportant Notice
While VPN usage itself is legal, please review the terms of service for each streaming platform. Links on this page include affiliate links. Access via VPN is not guaranteed for all services and availability may change without notice.