Anime lovers worldwide dream of watching their favorite shows as they air live on Japanese TV. Japan is the birthplace of some of the most popular anime, and many fans want to experience the excitement of watching it live, just like Japanese audiences. But for those outside of Japan, accessing these channels can be a bit tricky. Luckily, there are several ways to watch live Japanese TV channels for anime, from legal streaming services to VPNs and IPTV options. In this blog, we’ll cover how you can access these channels to watch live anime straight from Japan.
Legal Streaming Services
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to watch live anime is through legal streaming services. These platforms secure the rights to broadcast anime episodes shortly after they air in Japan, allowing you to enjoy new shows almost simultaneously with Japanese audiences.
1. Crunchyroll, Funimation, and HIDIVE
These platforms are known for offering fast simulcasts of anime, with episodes appearing within hours or days of their broadcast in Japan. If you’re not looking for live TV but want quick access to new anime episodes, these services are your best bet.
- Crunchyroll: Offers the largest collection of anime, including simulcasts of popular titles. It’s a top choice for anime fans worldwide.
- Funimation: Focuses on both anime dubs and simulcasts, with a vast library of anime to choose from.
- HIDIVE: Another great option with a smaller but unique selection of anime titles.
Pros: High-quality streams, available globally, affordable. Cons: You’re not watching live TV but slightly delayed simulcasts.
2. Netflix Japan
Netflix is home to several exclusive anime shows, many of which are not available in other regions. By accessing Netflix Japan, you can watch anime that is streamed directly for Japanese audiences. Keep in mind, though, that some of this content might not be available in your country due to licensing restrictions.
How to Access: Use a VPN (more on that below) to change your location to Japan, then log in to your existing Netflix account. You’ll instantly have access to Netflix Japan’s anime catalog.
VPN Services: Unlock Japanese TV Anywhere
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to mask your location and make it appear as though you’re browsing from a different country. This is extremely helpful for accessing geo-restricted content, including Japanese TV channels and anime streaming services.
1. What is a VPN and How Does It Work?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and reroutes your traffic through servers in different countries. If you choose a Japanese server, for example, it will look like you’re accessing the internet from Japan, unlocking Japanese TV channels and services that are otherwise unavailable abroad.
2. Choosing the Right VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal. When choosing a VPN, consider these factors:
- Speed: Watching live TV requires a fast, stable connection.
- Server Locations: Make sure the VPN has servers in Japan.
- Reliability: Some VPNs get blocked by streaming services, so pick one with a good track record.
Popular VPNs for accessing Japanese TV include:
3. Setting Up a VPN
Using a VPN to access live anime on Japanese TV is simple:
- Download and Install: Choose a VPN, download it, and install it on your device.
- Connect to a Japanese Server: Open the app and connect to a server located in Japan.
- Visit a Japanese TV Website: Once connected, visit a Japanese TV network’s site like NHK, TV Tokyo, or Fuji TV (we’ll go over these next) to watch anime live.
Japanese TV Network Websites and Apps
Several Japanese TV channels offer live streams of anime, but these are usually restricted to Japanese residents. With a VPN, you can easily bypass these restrictions and access the live streams.
1. NHK, TV Tokyo, Fuji TV
These are some of the most popular networks that broadcast anime. Here’s how you can access their live streams:
- NHK: Japan’s public broadcasting service that often airs family-friendly anime shows.
- TV Tokyo: Home to iconic anime series like Naruto, Boruto, and Pokémon.
- Fuji TV: Another major broadcaster that airs anime like One Piece and more.
2. Registration and Geo-blocking
Most of these sites require you to register and may block access if you’re outside Japan. With a VPN, this becomes a non-issue. Simply follow their registration process, and with a Japanese IP address, you can enjoy live anime from these networks.
Subscription-Based Japanese IPTV Services
If you want a more dedicated service for watching Japanese TV channels, IPTV services are an excellent option. These services provide access to a variety of Japanese channels, including those airing live anime.
1. What are Japanese IPTV Services?
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) allows you to watch live TV over the internet. Japanese IPTV services offer packages of Japanese channels, including the ones that broadcast anime.
Popular IPTV services include:
- Fuji TV on Demand
- DTV
- ABEMA
2. How to Subscribe and Watch
These services usually require a subscription, and some may need a Japanese payment method. Once subscribed, you can watch on a variety of devices like smart TVs, PCs, and mobile phones. Make sure to use a VPN if you’re outside Japan to access these services.
Free Streaming Options
For those looking for a budget-friendly way to watch Japanese TV channels for live anime, there are a few free options.
1. Free Japanese TV via Streaming Sites
There are websites that offer free (but often unofficial) streams of Japanese TV channels. Keep in mind that these might not always be legal or high-quality, and they may be riddled with ads.
2. Social Media and YouTube Live
Sometimes, live anime broadcasts can be found on YouTube or other social media platforms. However, the quality and legality of these streams are not guaranteed. It’s always best to stick with official methods where possible.
Conclusion
Watching live anime from Japanese TV channels is no longer limited to those living in Japan. With the rise of VPNs, streaming services, and IPTV options, anime fans around the world can enjoy live broadcasts alongside Japanese audiences. Whether you prefer using legal streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, setting up a VPN to unlock Japanese network sites, or subscribing to a Japanese IPTV service, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the method that works best for you, and start enjoying live anime today!
Read more related blogs:
- Best Anime Streaming Platforms: Where to Watch in 2024
- Anime Streaming in 2024: What’s New, What’s Popular, and Where to Watch
- Top Anime Streaming Apps for iOS and Android in 2024
Akane, known as akanecco._ on Instagram, is a passionate and experienced Anime creator specializing in anime content. With 317 engaging posts and a dedicated following of 12.7K, Akane has become a trusted authority in the anime community. Through detailed reviews, character explorations, and insightful analyses, Akane shares an extensive knowledge of anime, captivating and educating fans with every video. Follow Akane on Instagram to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of anime and join a community of like-minded enthusiasts here- Facebook and Pinterest.
