Are you wondering how to watch Abema TV outside Japan to catch up on your favorite anime or live events? It is quite common to encounter the Abema TV region lock when you are away from home, leaving you unable to access the content you love. Many people look for the best VPN for Abema TV to get a Japanese IP address and finally watch Japanese TV abroad without restrictions. If you want to access Abema TV premium overseas or are curious about using a free VPN for Abema TV, this guide is for you. By following a few simple steps, you can overcome these digital borders and enjoy seamless streaming from anywhere in the world.
Whether you are a Japanese expatriate missing the unique vibe of local variety shows, a language student practicing through immersion, or a die-hard anime fan wanting to see the latest episode of Dandadan or Demon Slayer the moment it airs, the struggle is real. The search for a reliable way to bypass these blocks often leads to confusing technical jargon, but I have broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. Accessing the Japanese internet doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can transform your laptop or smartphone into a portal directly to Tokyo’s broadcasting center.
VPN Life is operated by the SNI team, which has extensive experience living and conducting business in China. Our team members are based in various Chinese cities, including Tianjin, Suzhou, Yuyao, and Nanchang, where they use VPNs as part of their daily work and personal lives. In addition to these home bases, we also verify VPN connection stability across different network environments in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen during business trips.
Based on this rigorous, on-the-ground testing, we confirm which services are currently functional. For the latest status and connection speeds, please refer to our verified report: [VPNs That Actually Work in China:Verified Results (Confirmed by Our Local Team)]
The Reason Why Abema TV Says “Not Available in Your Area” Is “Licensing Rights”
When you open Abema TV from abroad and see the error message “Sorry… このサービスはお住まいの地域からはご利用になれません (This service is not available in your area)”. It can be quite disappointing. This happens because of strictly defined copyright and licensing agreements that govern the entertainment industry.
The anime, dramas, movies, and sports events (like MLB or professional wrestling) broadcast on Abema TV are protected by “distribution rights.” These rights are usually sold on a country-by-country basis. For instance, while Abema TV may have the right to broadcast a specific anime in Japan, a different company like Crunchyroll or Netflix might hold the exclusive rights to that same show in the United States or Europe. Since Abema TV acquires the rights specifically for the Japanese market, they are legally obligated to restrict access to users outside of Japan. This mechanism is known as geo-blocking, and it is a standard practice for streaming services worldwide to remain compliant with international law and contractual obligations.
Why the restriction exists
If Abema allowed international viewers to watch content they only have Japanese rights for, they would be in breach of contract. This could lead to massive fines or the loss of their broadcasting licenses. Therefore, their security systems are designed to be as airtight as possible to satisfy content owners.
While some Abema original programs, like certain reality shows or news segments, may occasionally be available globally, the vast majority of premium and licensed content is strictly locked to Japan. This is not a choice made by Abema to be difficult, but a necessary legal measure to honor their contracts with content creators and production committees. Please make sure to check the official Abema TV website for their specific terms of service.
Abema TV Determines Your Location Based on Your “IP Address”
You might wonder how Abema TV knows you are not in Japan the moment you click on their site. The secret lies in your “IP address,” which is essentially your digital footprint.
Every time you connect to the internet, your provider assigns you an IP address, which acts like a digital home address. This address contains information about which country and which internet service provider (ISP) you are using. Abema’s servers check this address instantly; if it belongs to a Japanese ISP like NTT, SoftBank, or KDDI, you are allowed in. If it belongs to a provider outside Japan, the connection is blocked immediately.
In recent years, Abema has significantly improved its detection systems. They don’t just look for “non-Japanese” IPs; they also use a method called ASN filtering. This allows them to identify and block IP addresses that belong to common commercial data centers. Many low-quality VPN services rent their servers from these data centers. Because thousands of people might be using the same data center IP, Abema can easily flag it as “suspicious” and block it even if it technically shows a location in Tokyo. This is why many “cheap” or “unverified” tools fail to bypass the Abema TV firewall.
Using a VPN Makes Accessing Abema TV From Abroad Possible!
This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in as the ultimate solution. Let me explain how it works in simple terms, as I’ve used this method countless times to stay connected to my favorite Japanese channels.
A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” between your device and a server located in Japan. When you connect to a Japanese VPN server, your real IP address is hidden, and you are assigned a new one from the server’s location. To Abema TV, it looks like you are browsing from a regular household within Japan. This allows you to bypass the geo-restrictions and enjoy the same content as if you were sitting in a Tokyo cafe. Additionally, a VPN provides a layer of privacy that prevents your ISP from tracking your specific browsing habits.
A note on quality: Not all VPNs are created equal. Because Abema is very aggressive in blocking VPNs, you need a provider that frequently refreshes its IP addresses and uses “obfuscation” technology. This technology masks VPN traffic to look like regular web traffic, making it much harder for Abema’s security systems to detect and block the connection.
VPNs were originally designed for enterprise-level security. Because they encrypt your data, they are also great for staying safe while using public Wi-Fi in hotels or airports during your travels! It’s always better to be safe than sorry when accessing your accounts on the go.
How to Watch Abema TV Outside Japan Using a VPN
To access Abema TV from outside of Japan, you need to follow three key steps. These steps ensure seamless access to the service even if you are not in Japan.
STEP1. Register with 12vpn
To register with 12VPX, click the “Sign Up Now” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
Additionally, you can get 30% off your purchase by using our site’s exclusive coupon code: nsspirit.
STEP2. Connect to a VPN server in Japan
After registering with 12vpn, download and launch the app. Next, connect to a server in Japan, such as Osaka or Tokyo.
We tried a server in Osaka, Japan. It works well.
STEP3. Access Abema and watch your favorite program
With your VPN connection active, navigate to https://abema.tv/. You’ll be able to water TV programs just as you were in Japan.
The Best VPN Services for Accessing Abema TV outside Japa
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
| 12VPX | UCSS | ExpressVPN | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $27.99 12-Months: $12.50/month 24-Months: $10.00/month | UCSS Lite 1-Month: $29.00 UCSS 3-Months: $12.00-$70.00/month UCSS 12-Months: $9.00-$52.50/month | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14 days | None | 30 days |
| Countries | 31 | 18+ | 105 |
| Servers | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | 3,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 6 | 3 | 12 |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Ultra Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging (Excluding Korean servers) | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 Email Support | 24/7 Email Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
12VPX (12VPN): VPN Renowned for Stability in China [Subscription Available from China!]
| Prices | 1-Month: $27.99 12-Months: $12.50/month 24-Months: $10.00/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14 days |
| Countries | 31 |
| Servers | Not disclosed |
| Maximum devices supported | 6 |
12VPX is a VPN provider based in the Netherlands, particularly well-regarded for its reliable performance for users in China. A key strength is its dedicated link, allowing users to subscribe even from within China.
- Quick to adapt to internet restrictions in China
- Responsive customer support
- Can subscribe from within China via a dedicated link
- Generous 6 simultaneous connections
- Easy to operate via Google Chrome extension
- Relatively expensive
- Primarily need a VPN for use in China.
\14 day Money-Back Guarantee/
UCSS: VPN Optimized for China with a Reputation for High-Speed Connections
| Prices | UCSS Lite 1-Month: $29.00 UCSS 3-Months: $12.00-$70.00/month UCSS 12-Months: $9.00-$52.50/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | None |
| Countries | 18+ |
| Servers | Not disclosed |
| Maximum devices supported | 3 |
UCSS is a service operated by a South Korea-based security company, functioning more accurately as a Shadowsocks provider rather than a traditional VPN. It is reportedly managed by a multinational team of experts.
The service is specifically optimized for use in internet-restricted environments like China, priding itself on delivering stable connections and high-speed communication.
- Fast and stable connections
- Optimized for use in China
- High level of security
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Relatively expensive
- Data usage limits apply
- No money-back guarantee or free trial
- Fewer simultaneous connections
- Want to fully enjoy streaming services like Netflix while in China.
- Are looking to play online games in China without interruption.
- Require a consistently stable internet connection for work in China.
＼Achieve a Seamless Online Experience!／
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Excellent speed and stability
- Fast and user-friendly app
- Strict no-logs policy
- Wide range of server countries
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions I get from people trying to set up their international streaming experience. Please remember that final decisions should be made based on your own research and the latest official information.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, also known as a Virtual Private Network, serves as a fortified bridge between your device and the vast world of the internet. It is a shield that protects your online activities and is widely used to ensure confidentiality and security.>> What is a VPN?
What else can a VPN be used for?
In addition to bypassing geographical content restrictions like accessing Abema TV from out of Japan, a VPN can also enhance your online privacy and security. Furthermore, it can be used to save money on subscription services like YouTube Premium and Netflix by allowing you to subscribe from regions where prices are lower. >>VPN Use Cases
Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
The use of a VPN may also be restricted by Chinese regulations and policies, so it needs to be used with caution. But as far as individuals are concerned, it is unlikely that they will be caught if they are just accessing the internet across borders, playing games or browsing the web for personal use. >> Is it Legal to Use a VPN in China?
Can I use a free VPN?
We recommend opting for paid VPN services for better privacy and security. Free VPNs may not provide clear information on how they manage log traffic data, and there’s a higher chance they might track your data. Paid VPNs typically offer superior performance, more features, and enhanced security.>> Free VPNs vs. Paid VPNs
Does using a VPN to access Abema TV cause real-time data delays?
It’s true that VPNs, by their nature, add an additional step in accessing websites, which can impact connection speed. However, a high-quality VPN service can minimize this effect significantly, providing a nearly latency-free internet experience. To avoid potential delays, it’s advisable to select a VPN known for its excellent speed and performance, as indicated by positive user feedback and high ratings. This way, you can ensure a smoother browsing experience, even when accessing sites like YouTube from restricted regions.
Conclusion
Abema TV offers an incredible window into Japanese culture, providing access to everything from the latest anime simulcasts to high-stakes sports and unique variety shows. While digital borders can be frustrating, they are not impenetrable. By using a high-quality VPN with a proven track record in Japan, like MillenVPN or NordVPN, you can virtually relocate yourself to Tokyo and enjoy everything the platform has to offer.
The setup takes less than 10 minutes, and the result is a massive library of entertainment right at your fingertips. Whether you are a student using Japanese TV to improve your listening skills or a fan who doesn’t want to wait weeks for localized releases, the world of Abema is now within your reach. Always ensure you are using these tools responsibly and check the official guidelines of the services you use. Happy streaming!
- Register with a VPN
- Download and Launch the App, then Connect to a VPN server in Japan
- Access Abema