7 Best Japanese TV Websites You Can Watch From Anywhere

Japanese TV is one of the most effective ways to learn Japanese. It exposes you to real conversations, everyday phrases, and the kind of natural speech you actually hear on the streets of Tokyo—not the slow, polished Japanese from textbooks.

The catch is access. Most Japanese TV channels are built for viewers inside Japan, which means if you’re in the USA, Brazil, or anywhere else, you’ll usually run into regional blocks the moment you press play.

To save you the trial and error, I tested seven Japanese TV websites that you can use from abroad. Below is what actually works, how to access each option, and what kind of Japanese you’ll be hearing when you watch.

How To Watch Japanese TV Channels From Abroad

Most Japanese TV channels are built for viewers inside Japan, not for users in other countries. The good news is that you still have a few solid ways to watch Japanese TV from anywhere in the world. Below are the three options that actually work—starting with the easiest.

Best Option: Use Lingopie (No VPN Needed)

If you want the simplest, most reliable way to watch Japanese content from anywhere in the world, Lingopie is the most practical option.

Unlike Japanese TV websites and regional streaming platforms, Lingopie isn’t geo-restricted. It works globally, without a VPN, regardless of whether you’re in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, or Southeast Asia. There’s no need to change your IP address, juggle servers, or worry about regional blocks suddenly breaking access.

Because everything is available in one place, you also avoid the usual setup friction—no separate accounts, no country-specific subscriptions, and no trial-and-error just to see what works in your location. You simply log in and watch.

In terms of consistency and ease of use from anywhere in the world, Lingopie removes the biggest barrier people face when trying to watch Japanese content abroad: access.

Option 2: Get a VPN for Japanese Channels

A VPN works by making websites think you’re browsing from Japan. By connecting to a Tokyo-based server, you can unlock content that’s normally blocked in your region, including NHK, Fuji TV, and other Japanese broadcasters.

That said, a VPN isn’t free. Reliable options usually cost between $5 and $12 per month. Free VPNs rarely work well for streaming—they’re slow, unstable, and often detected by Japanese TV sites.

There’s another catch: a VPN only removes the regional block. You’ll still need separate subscriptions for each Japanese streaming service you want to watch, which can add up quickly.

Option 3: Use a Japanese Streaming Service

Some Japanese streaming platforms are available internationally without a VPN and offer Japanese shows with subtitles. These can be convenient, especially if you’re already subscribed.

The downside is limited access. Most of these services carry a much smaller selection than what’s available inside Japan, often missing live TV, news programs, and newer reality shows.

They’re also rarely free. Paid subscriptions are the norm, while free options (if available at all) tend to include ads or older content.

Japanese TV Websites You Need To Try

Lingopie

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | Roku
Best for: Anyone learning Japanese who wants to watch real TV content

Lingopie is the only VOD service built specifically for learning Japanese through TV shows and movies. Unlike Netflix or Crunchyroll, every feature is designed to help you understand and remember what you're watching.

You can click words in the interactive dual subtitles to see definitions, save vocabulary automatically, and revisit it later. When dialogue gets fast (which it often does), you can slow it down. Grammar explanations are built into the experience, which makes it far more forgiving than watching raw Japanese TV.

NHK World

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | Roku
Best for: News junkies and anyone interested in Japanese culture and history

NHK World (or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is the international service from Japan’s public broadcaster. It’s completely free and works worldwide without a VPN. The content focuses on news, documentaries, science, and Japanese culture. Speech is generally clearer and slower than domestic Japanese TV, making it more approachable for intermediate learners. Most programs include English subtitles or English audio.

The limitation is that this isn’t the same content shown on regular NHK channels in Japan. It’s designed for international audiences, not for full immersion.

TVer

Available on: Web | iOS | Android
Best for: Advanced Japanese learners

TVer is a free service that lets you watch shows from Japanese TV networks like Fuji TV, TV Asahi, and TBS. It's owned by a consortium of Japanese broadcasters. The catch is it only works in Japan. You'll need a VPN with a Japanese IP address to access the content.

Shows are available for a limited time after they air - usually about a week. This isn't a full archive of past seasons. It's more like a catch-up service for recent broadcasts. Everything is in Japanese with no subtitles. In terms of language learning, it's best to consider this as a real-world listening resource once you already have a strong foundation.

JME TV

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | Roku
Best for: Japanese speakers who want live TV from Japan

JME TV carries live broadcasts and on-demand content from multiple Japanese networks. It’s aimed at Japanese expats and advanced learners. Language-wise, this is challenging. Shows move quickly, subtitles are rare, and there’s no learning support. You’ll also need a VPN for most content, which adds another layer of setup.

Crunchyroll

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | Roku
Best for: Anime fans

Crunchyroll specializes in anime. If that's what you're looking for, this is the best service available outside Japan. The library has thousands of anime shows, including new episodes that air the same day as in Japan. Content is organized by genre, making it easy to find what you want to watch.

Most shows have subtitles in multiple languages. Some also have dubbed audio. The free version has ads and limited access. You'll need to pay to watch everything and avoid commercial breaks.

Kaeri TV

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | Roku
Best for: People who want live Japanese TV with multiple channel options

Kaeri TV offers live Japanese TV channels and on-demand video. The service targets Japanese expats and language learners. Channel selection includes news, entertainment, and regional programming from different parts of Japan. You can watch what's broadcasting live right now or choose from recorded content.

Netflix

Available on: Web | iOS | Android
Best for: Casual viewers who already have Netflix

Netflix has a growing collection of Japanese shows and movies. The selection includes Japanese reality TV shows, dramas, documentaries, and anime. Content availability depends on which country you're in. Some Japanese shows like Alice In Borderland are available worldwide, but others are only offered in certain regions.

All content has subtitles in multiple languages. Many shows also have dubbed audio. The problem is that you can’t watch current Japanese TV programs since Netflix usually adds shows after they’ve finished airing in Japan.

Where’s The Best Place To Watch French TV?

If your goal is to actually watch Japanese TV regularly—not just once, not after troubleshooting, not depending on where you’re located—then the answer is simple: try Lingopie.

It’s the easiest way to turn Japanese shows into something you can come back to every day. No setup friction, no guessing what works in your country, no interruptions. Just consistent access to Japanese content, so you can watch more, understand more, and keep going without breaking momentum. Want to give it a try? Click below to get your free 7-day trial!

FAQ

Where can I watch Japanese TV?

You can watch Japanese TV on Lingopie, NHK World, Crunchyroll, Netflix, and TVer. Lingopie and NHK World work without a VPN from any country. Other services like TVer require a VPN to access Japanese TV channels from outside Japan.

How do I watch live Japanese TV?

You need a VPN and a service like TVer, JME TV, or Kaeri TV to watch live Japanese TV. The VPN changes your IP address to Japan so you can access live TV Japanese broadcasts. Most live Japanese TV services cost $18-20/month plus the VPN subscription.

How do you say TV show in Japanese?

TV show in Japanese is "terebi bangumi" (テレビ番組). "Terebi" means TV and "bangumi" means program. You can also use "dorama" (ドラマ) for dramas or "bangumi" alone for shows in general.

What are the best Japanese reality TV shows to watch?

Japanese reality TV shows like Terrace House, Ainori Love Wagon, and the original Japanese Wipeout TV show are popular with international viewers. You can find Japanese reality TV shows on Netflix, Lingopie, and some Japanese streaming services. Lingopie offers reality content specifically chosen for language learners.

Can I watch Japanese romance TV shows with English subtitles?

Yes, Lingopie offers Japanese romance TV shows with English subtitles. Lingopie’s dual subtitles are interactive so you can click words to learn while watching. You can also find Japanese romance TV shows on Crunchyroll and other streaming platforms depending on your region.