How to watch NHK in the USA

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:

That’s it! you can now browse and select shows to start streaming.

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:

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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.

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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.

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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

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why is my VPN not working with NHK?” answer=”

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get your VPN working with NHK:

• Connect to a different server: Sometimes, specific servers or IPs might be blacklisted and not work properly with NHK. Try connecting to a different server, preferably one in Japan.
• Try an alternative browser: Browser-specific issues can occasionally cause problems. Switching to a different browser might help resolve the issue.
• Clear your browser cache: Cached data can sometimes interfere with streaming services. Clear your browser cache and cookies, and try accessing NHK again.
• Check your internet connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and fast enough for streaming. Restart your router or contact your ISP if needed.
• Update your VPN software: Make sure you’re using the latest version of your VPN software. Outdated software can cause connectivity issues.

If these steps don’t work, consider reaching out to your VPN’s customer support for further assistance. They might have specific solutions for your issue.

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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Will a VPN affect my streaming quality when watching NHK?” answer=”

Using a premium VPN shouldn’t noticeably impact your streaming quality when watching NHK, but the effect can vary depending on a few key factors:

• Server distance: The physical distance between your location and the VPN server can significantly affect your streaming speed. The farther away the server is from you, the more latency and potential slowdown you may experience.
• Server load: If a VPN server is experiencing high traffic with many users connected simultaneously, it can result in slower speeds for everyone on that server. This can lead to buffering or interruptions during streaming.
• VPN quality: The quality of your VPN service matters. Premium VPNs typically have superior infrastructure, optimized servers, and better bandwidth management, which can minimize speed loss compared to free or lower-quality options.
• Internet speed: Your base internet speed also plays a crucial role in streaming quality. If your internet connection is already on the slower side, adding a VPN could amplify pre-existing lags and buffering.

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Using a VPN itself is legal in most countries, but using it to access restricted content is a bit of a gray area. NHK’s terms of service don’t allow the use of VPNs to access their content from outside Japan, but we haven’t seen anyone getting into trouble doing it. 

So, while you might not face any legal repercussions, NHK can suspend your account if they catch on.

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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I use a VPN on any device to watch NHK in the USA?” answer=”

Yes, the VPNs we recommend offer apps for all popular devices and platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and even smart TVs. 

Additionally, most VPNs also provide browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox and can be configured on routers for comprehensive protection across all your devices. This ensures you can watch NHK on any device you prefer.

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