The frustration of stumbling upon a show you’re eager to watch, only to find it’s locked behind a virtual border, is something Japanese content fans know all too well. Whether it’s a gripping NHK taiga drama or a highly-anticipated anime release, geo-restrictions can quickly take the joy out of international viewing.
Thankfully, you can use a VPN to get around these virtual roadblocks. After testing dozens of different VPNs, my team and I found that ExpressVPN stands out above the rest. Why? With lightning-fast speeds, multiple Japanese servers, and optimized connections for streaming, it ensures lag-free NHK streaming.
ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free before purchasing a subscription plan. When it comes to streaming NHK globally, ExpressVPN's Japanese servers and consistently fast speeds make it the perfect solution for an unrestricted viewing experience.
However, before you make a decision, make sure you check out our in-depth reviews later in this article to ensure you get the best VPN for your needs.
How to watch NHK in the USA with a VPN?
To watch NHK in the USA using a VPN, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a reliable VPN: Select a VPN that offers strong performance for streaming Japanese TV. We recommend ExpressVPN for its fast speed, robust security, and exceptional unblocking capabilities.
- Download and install the VPN: After choosing your VPN, sign up for a subscription plan that fits your needs. Download the VPN application for your device and install it by following the prompts.
- Connect to a Japanese server: Launch the VPN app and log in with your account credentials. Then, choose a server located in Japan to obtain a Japanese IP address, which is essential for accessing NHK content.
- Log into NHK: Once connected, visit the NHK website or open the NHK app. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one.
That’s it! you can now browse and select shows to start streaming.
| Additional tips: If you encounter buffering or loading issues, connect to a different server or try these troubleshooting tips. |
What are the best VPNs to watch NHK in the USA?
To get you started, here is a quick look at the best VPNs for unblocking NHK in the USA:
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for watching NHK in the USA. With its proprietary Lightway protocol and military-grade encryption, ExpressVPN ensures smooth streaming without compromising your security.
- NordVPN - Fast connection speeds with specialty servers for lag-free streaming. NordVPN has a proven no-logs policy and 24/7 support, making it a solid choice for privacy-conscious users.
- Surfshark - Budget-friendly with unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark delivers fast speeds for streaming NHK. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads for a smoother viewing experience.
- Private Internet Access - Offers customizable apps and multiple servers in Japan for consistent access to your favorite NHK shows.
- CyberGhost VPN - User-friendly with automation tools and unlimited bandwidth, CyberGhost unblocks NHK with its extensive server network in Japan.
- PrivateVPN - Beginner-friendly with high-speed servers in Japan, you’ll have no issues watching NHK, Nippon TV, and Tokyo MX.
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Not every VPN can reliably access NHK in the USA. While many providers claim to bypass geo-restrictions, many struggle with slow speeds and inconsistent connections. Here’s what we looked for in our top recommendations:
- Large server network in Japan, the USA, and globally
- Obfuscation technology to bypass geo-blocks
- Fast speeds for streaming
- Advanced security features
- Easy to use
- Good value for money
We evaluated each VPN across multiple server locations and trading sessions. If you want to know more about our criteria, read our detailed VPN testing methodology later in the article.
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost VPN | PrivateVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost VPN | PrivateVPN |
| Ranking for NHK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Free trial | ||||||
| Total servers | 3000 | 6200 | 3200 | 3386 | 11625 | 200 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
Deep Dive: Best VPNs to watch NHK in the USA
Here is our detailed analysis of the best VPNs for watching NHK in the USA, so you can determine which VPN provider ticks all of your boxes.
ExpressVPN is our #1 choice for NHK due to its high-speed, reliable connections and numerous servers in Japan. ExpressVPN is our top choice for watching NHK in the USA, offering a blend of speed, reliability, and security. It features a large network of over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries, including multiple locations in Japan, such as Osaka, Tokyo, and Yokohama. Its high-speed servers ensure a smooth and lag-free streaming experience, so you can enjoy your favorite shows on NHK without buffering. In addition to its streaming prowess, ExpressVPN is also highly secure. It uses the industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your online activities from prying eyes. You also get protection against DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks, along with an automated kill-switch to prevent data exposure if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and regularly undergoes third-party audits to verify its security and privacy claims. The VPN provides native apps for a number of streaming devices, including Apple TV, Android TV, and FireTV stick. The apps prioritize functionality over aesthetics and support up to eight simultaneous connections with a single subscription. If your device doesn’t support VPNs, you can still use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS feature to watch geo-restricted movies and TV shows on NHK. This feature masks your location but doesn’t provide the same level of protection as a VPN. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 support via live chat and email. While priced higher than some alternatives, the comprehensive feature set and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for streaming NHK and other Japanese channels without interruptions. NordVPN delivers fast speeds and specialty servers to enhance streaming quality, making it a strong contender for watching NHK abroad. NordVPN boasts a vast network of 7,200+ servers, with over 130 servers located in Japan alone, making it an excellent choice for accessing NHK in the USA. The VPN provides high speeds on all its Japanese servers, with some specialty servers optimized specifically for P2P file-sharing and others designed to navigate strict internet restrictions. We successfully bypassed NHK regional restrictions on multiple Japanese servers during our test. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on a single license, allowing you to protect all your gadgets at once. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited more than once. Your personal information is protected with 256-bit AES encryption, complemented by DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automated kill-switch, and Double VPN servers for additional security. NordVPN provides native apps for various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV, along with browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Setting up the VPN on routers requires manual instructions, which can be less convenient for VPN beginners. However, the service offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, ensuring any assistance you may need during the setup process. Surfshark stands out for its fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for streaming NHK on multiple devices at once. Surfshark is a rapidly expanding VPN with over 3,200 servers across Japan and 99+ other countries. With 62+ servers in Japan alone, Surfshark gives you ample options for accessing NHK and other popular Japanese channels like Nippon TV and TV Tokyo. In our tests, Surfshark led the pack with the fastest speeds making it ideal for HD streaming without the lag or buffering that could interrupt your viewing experience. Whether you want to follow the latest NHK news broadcasts or indulge in Japanese dramas, you’ll get a smooth and uninterrupted experience. A standout feature of Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous device connections, meaning you can watch NHK on as many devices as you want at once. The provider also takes security seriously, implementing 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a useful kill-switch. If you want extra privacy, Surfshark also provides MultiHop (Double VPN) connections which adds an extra layer of protection by routing your traffic through multiple servers. Surfshark’s user-friendly apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as streaming devices like Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also install the VPN on a compatible router for network-wide protection. The router configuration might call for some technical know-how, but Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat and email support ensure help is always available. Private Internet Access (PIA) has customizable apps and a Japanese server network to ensure reliable access to NHK On Demand and other popular Japanese channels. PIA provides reliable access to Japanese content from the USA without interruptions. The VPN ensures a high degree of customization by offering multiple protocols and variable encryption options—allowing you to choose between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption standards based on your needs. This flexibility means that you can opt for lighter encryption to maximize speed or choose the robust 256-bit encryption when top-level security is your priority. Like the other VPNs on our list, PIA operates under a strict no-logs policy that has been proven to be true even in court. Combined with its extensive global network of over 35,000 servers, PIA allows seamless access to NHK from anywhere in the world. PIA further enhances your experience with a built-in ad-blocker (MACE) that removes unwanted ads and trackers for a cleaner and faster streaming experience. Supporting unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA is a cost-effective option if you want to watch NHK on multiple gadgets at once. CyberGhost VPN’s automation tools and unlimited bandwidth make it perfect for streaming NHK, with 232+ servers in Japan. CyberGhost is a top choice for streaming, with a focus on both speed and security. It boasts an impressive 11,500+ servers in more than 100 countries, including 232+ servers in Japan. Its network also includes servers specifically optimized for streaming, which ensures lag-free access to channels like NHK and Tokyo MX. It provides strong security and privacy features, including a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, robust 256-bit AES encryption, and a strict no-logs policy to keep your data secure. You also get independently managed NoSpy servers which minimize third-party interference and further strengthen data privacy. Although CyberGhost supports up to seven simultaneous device connections, which is lower than some competitors, it remains ideal for individuals and families with moderate device needs. You can connect to Japanese servers using CyberGhost’s native apps on Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, iOS, and all popular streaming platforms. PrivateVPN is a budget-friendly option for watching NHK in the USA. With servers in Japan, it reliably unblocks all major Japanese streaming platforms. Despite being a smaller provider, it stands out for its strong unblocking capabilities and impressive speeds powered by its High-Quality Network (HQN). You can connect to any of its 200+ servers across 63+ countries, including Japan, to access NHK and other popular channels like Nippon TV and Fuji TV. PrivateVPN prioritizes privacy with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill-switch, and DNS leak protection. In our tests, PrivateVPN’s leak protection feature performed exceptionally, successfully preventing any IP and DNS leaks. The company claims to operate under a no-logs policy but it hasn’t undergone any third-party security audit to verify those claims. The provider also supports greater anonymity by requiring minimal personal information at sign-up. You can use a burner email to create an account and pay via Bitcoin without revealing your identity. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections, PrivateVPN is ideal if you want consistent streaming on multiple devices. You can install the VPN on all popular devices and platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android TV, and even some routers. 1. ExpressVPN
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Testing methodology: How we chose VPNs for watching NHK in the USA
Selecting the right VPN can be challenging, especially for streaming anime and manga or accessing blocked websites. We used comprehensive criteria to evaluate VPNs and shortlist the best providers for watching NHK in the USA.
- Japanese servers: We prioritized VPNs with multiple servers in Japan, essential for streaming NHK by acquiring a local IP address.
- Streaming speeds: We evaluated the VPNs based on their ability to maintain fast and consistent speeds. Our recommended VPNs prevent interruptions, buffering, or lag while watching high-definition NHK series and anime.
- Device compatibility: We examined the versatility of each VPN to ensure that you can easily install and use them on various devices and platforms.
- Security and privacy: We scrutinized the security features of each VPN and only chose VPNs with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and protections like a kill-switch to secure your data.
- Customer support: Robust customer support, especially 24/7 assistance, is critical for resolving technical issues quickly.
- Value for money: We analyzed subscription prices, free trials, money-back guarantees, and device support to ensure affordability and enhanced value.
With these criteria in mind, we recommended VPNs that meet the technical requirements for streaming NHK, while being secure and cost-effective. You can read more about our VPN testing process here.
Can I use a free VPN to watch NHK in the USA?
Yes, it’s possible to watch NHK in the USA with a free VPN, but there are significant limitations. To start, most free VPNs don’t provide servers in Japan, and those that do are often overcrowded, leading to slow connection speeds and frustrating delays.
Free VPNs also struggle with bypassing geographic restrictions, which means you may have difficulty accessing NHK and other international streaming platforms like Netflix.
Another major drawback of free VPNs is the lack of robust security measures. Many free VPNs omit essential protections, such as encryption and a kill-switch, and some display intrusive ads or even log your data to sell to third parties.
If budget is a concern, consider trying a premium VPN with a limited free plan. Our recommended freemium VPNs offer better security and reliably unblock NHK than typical free VPNs.
Why isn’t NHK available in the US?
If you attempt to access NHK from outside Japan, you’ll likely encounter a geo-block message restricting your access to the website.
These restrictions stem from strict licensing agreements and broadcast rights that dictate where and how NHK’s content can be shown. To honor these agreements with content creators and distributors, NHK enforces regional restrictions that allow streaming access exclusively within Japan.
How to watch NHK in the USA FAQs