BBC iPlayer is a popular platform offering top British content like “Drill on Trial” Unfortunately if you’re in Japan, you won’t be able to access BBC iPlayer due to geo-restrictions. But don’t worry; there’s a solution!
To enjoy BBC iPlayer in Japan, you’ll need a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN. By switching your location to the UK, you can bypass the restrictions and stream your favorite shows, including “Home Sweet Rome” and “Couples Therapy“.
While there’s no plan for a BBC iPlayer release date in Japan, ExpressVPN’s optimized UK servers allow you to watch BBC iPlayer seamlessly. So, you won’t miss out on significant events like the Rowing World Championships and Ryder Cup 2023, available for live streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Now you can have the most reliable BBC iPlayer VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer and experience the best British television, no matter where you are in Japan. Get ready for unlimited entertainment with the best VPNs for streaming BBC iPlayer at your fingertips!
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan Easily in 2024? [Quick Steps]
BBC iPlayer doesn’t work outside the UK, but here’s how to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan with a VPN:
- Get a VPN with fast and stable servers in the UK. We recommend using ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN on your device and log in with your username and password.
- Connect to a server in the United Kingdom. (Recommend: Wembley)
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website or the BBC iPlayer app and sign in.
- Watch BBC shows, movies, as well as anime BBC iPlayer, in Japan in any country.
You’ll still need a VPN to subscribe to BBC iPlayer in Japan. Already have an account? Here’s how to download and watch BBC iPlayer in Japan on various devices.
How can I Watch BBC iPlayer Japan? [Video Tutorial]
It’s impossible to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan without VPN. We’ve included a well-detailed BBC iPlayer hack video showing you how to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan with our recommended VPN, ExpressVPN.
What are the Best VPNs for Streaming BBC iPlayer in Japan [Quick Overview]
It’s difficult to bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions, so you must test a few premium VPNs to find which VPN supports BBC iPlayer best. Luckily, we know everything about VPNs, and here are our top picks:
| ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | |
| Website | https://www.expressvpn.com | https://surfshark.com | https://nordvpn.com |
| Streaming Services |
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|
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| Apps | Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, Windows | macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 | Unlimited | 6 |
| Speed on 100Mbps Network | 92.26Mbps download speed and 89.45Mbps upload speed | 88.48Mbps download speed and 79.42Mbps upload speed | 93.42Mbps download speed and 87.68Mbps upload speed |
| Best Price | JPY 1029.45 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free | JPY 384.31 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | JPY 615.82 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend |
Learn more about these three VPNs in our in-depth analysis section.
Why do I need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan?
No, you cannot watch BBC iPlayer in Japan unless you subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN, as there’s no BBC iPlayer in Japan because of the geo-blocks.
While you can access the BBC iPlayer website to watch BBC Abroad free in Japan in 2024, any attempt to stream shows will be met with this error message:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”
This message appears because your IP address from Japan is blocked, preventing access to the BBC iPlayer library.
There are several methods of changing your IP address to a UK one to stream BBC iPlayer content, but a VPN offers the best solution. A VPN changes your location and secures your connection so no one can track your online activities.
Thus, the answer to how to watch BBC live in Japan is a VPN. BBC iPlayer is a region-restricted website only available in the United Kingdom. Luckily, you can stream BBC iPlayer in Japan free with ExpressVPN.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching BBC iPlayer in Japan?
A VPN is the best app for unblocking geo-restricted sites if you want to know how to use BBC iPlayer in Japan in other countries, such as to access BBC iPlayer in France without unnecessary interruptions. But, with so many VPN providers claiming to be the best, it can take time to decide which one to get.
If you’re wondering, “What VPN should I use for BBC iPlayer?”, to help you choose the best VPNs for watching BBC iPlayer in Japan, we’ve listed the main factors to consider while selecting a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer in Japan:
- Reliable Server Network: A VPN with a good server network, including reliable servers in the UK, should be considered. We’ve selected VPNs that have reliable servers in the UK.
- Faster Network Connections: Most VPN providers, especially free ones, have outdated protocols and take time while connecting to their servers. High-speed VPN must be used with modern protocols.
- Features and Security: Ideally, a VPN with an advanced encryption protocol must be used that ensure maximum online anonymity and security. A VPN should’ve features like AES 256-bit encryption protocols, DNS leak protection, and straightforward privacy policies.
- Doesn’t keep Logs: A VPN that ensures your browsing history is private and doesn’t keep any logs should be selected.
- Supported Apps for Different Streaming Devices: A VPN with compatible apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android should be selected to watch BBC iPlayer on all your favorite streaming devices without hassle.
- 24/7 Chat Support: We’ve checked that the VPNs have good customer support ratings so that you can resolve your issues quickly and ensure trouble-free streaming.
What are the Top 3 VPNs for BBC iPlayer in Japan in 2024? [In-Depth Analysis]
As we’ve seen, you cannot access BBC iPlayer in Japan without VPN, so you may worry about what VPN should I use for BBC iPlayer. After an extensive streaming exercise, we shortlisted the three best VPNs:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer in Japan
- Buffer-free streaming with zero disconnections
- 3000+ servers in 105 countries
- MediaStreamer feature
- Eight simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Get ExpressVPN if you’re looking for a VPN that never fails to unblock BBC iPlayer while offering fast connections and no server disconnections. It’s our recommended VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer in Japan through its five optimized UK servers. Overall, ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in 105 countries.
ExpressVPN easily unblocks BBC iPlayer in Japan.
ExpressVPN doesn’t have the most servers for streaming BBC iPlayer, but the five available options are enough to surpass your streaming needs. The servers can handle many users without any effect on the streaming experience. We connected to the Wembley server during testing and streamed The Tourist and Four Lives without delay.
The VPN offers lightning-quick connectivity supported by a network built for speed utilizing next-gen technology. ExpressVPN delivers 92.26Mbps download speed and 89.45Mbps upload speed on a 100Mbps network.
ExpressVPN offers fast connection speeds on our 100 Mbps connection speed.
ExpressVPN offers advanced security features like running its Private DNS on every server to make your connections faster and safer. It also provides the best-in-class encryption with the AES-256 standard and Lightway Protocol.
ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for Linux, Mac, Android, Windows, iOS devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. It supports five simultaneous connections, but you can install it on a router to cover all your devices.
Get ExpressVPN for JPY 1029.45 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Recommended Servers:
- London
- East London
- Wembley
2. Surfshark – Affordable VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries
- Affordable rates of JPY 384.31 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Decent connection speeds
Surfshark is an affordable VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer in Japan, as you can get it for JPY 384.31 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark quickly unblocks BBC iPlayer in Japan in any country.
This VPN proves you don’t have to spend much money to access geo-restricted websites. Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, with 360 in the United Kingdom.
We connected to a server in Manchester that unblocked BBC iPlayer immediately, allowing us to stream The Responder and the latest episodes of Killing Eve.
Surfshark’s unblocking capability is on par with the pricier VPNs and unblocks YouTube TV in Japan and Mexico. It has a Smart DNS feature that allows you to unblock these and more streaming services on devices without a VPN app.
The VPN isn’t the fastest on our 100Mbps network but delivers fast speeds for an uninterrupted streaming experience. Surfshark records 88.48Mbps download speed and 79.42Mbps upload speed.
Surfshark’s speed test results on our 100 Mbps connection speed.
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, meaning you can install it on all your devices without a VPN. The VPN has Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux operating systems. The Smart DNS feature allows access to BBC iPlayer on Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Roku, etc.
Onn security, Surfshark secures your data with industry-leading AES-256-GCM encryption and the secure IKEv2/IPsec protocol.
Recommended Servers:
- Manchester
- London
- Glasgow
3. NordVPN – Fastest VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan
- Delivers the fastest connections speeds for streaming BBC iPlayer
- Six simultaneous connections
- 6000+ servers in 61 countries
- NordLynx protocol
- Strict no-logs policy
NordVPN offers over 90 Mbps speeds to stream BBC iPlayer in Japan without buffering, making NordVPN the fastest VPN BBC iPlayer. The VPN records 93.42Mbps download speed and 87.68Mbps upload speed, the fastest speeds from our tests.
NordVPN is the fastest VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer in Japan in any country.
NordVPN speed test results on our 100 Mbps connection impressed us the most. We recorded the following speeds:
NordVPN’s connection speeds are the fastest!
NordVPN has the most servers for streaming BBC iPlayer in Japan, with 440+ in the United Kingdom. The NordLynx protocol for high connection speeds powers these servers. NordVPN has 6000+ servers in 61 countries worldwide to meet your streaming needs.
The NordVPN London servers give us the best connection, and we had no problems streaming Murder on Blackpool Express or the Traitors.
NordVPN is a highly-compatible VPN and works on your favorite streaming device. The VPN supports Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android operating systems.
It has the SmartPlay feature, its version of Smart DNS to work on other devices like gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), Raspberry Pi, Roku, etc. Also, you can connect six devices simultaneously on a single account. You can watch BBC iPlayer Abroad free without VPN in Switzerland, BBC iPlayer in Spain, or the Netherlands on different devices simultaneously without any significant drop in connection speed.
NordVPN is a security-conscious VPN that secures your connection with a Kill Switch if the connection to the VPN server drops. You also get obfuscated servers to add an extra layer of security to your connection and 256-bit encryption at a price of JPY 615.82 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.
Which VPN Works for BBC iPlayer free in Japan?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to stream BBC iPlayer in Japan, but we are totally against them because they are unsafe and slow.
Many VPNs offer access to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan free, but they offer a poor streaming experience. Streaming requires much bandwidth, and the free VPN servers are filled to the brim, leading to excruciating slow connections.
Free VPNs aren’t safe as they make money off their users by tracking, recording, and selling their online data. If the price concerns you, you can simply leverage the 30-day money-back guarantee with ExpressVPN! If you’re also wondering about BBC iPlayer free trial then you must know it’s a free platform so you don’t have to worry about BBC iPlayer subscription cost either.
Can I Watch BBC News in Japan Using a VPN?
If you’re wondering, “Will a VPN allow me to watch BBC?” fortunately, will be able to watch BBC News using a VPN in Japan. You must subscribe to a VPN and connect to a UK server to watch BBC News on the BBC iPlayer or bbc.co.uk.
It depends on what BBC version you want to stream, its global program or the one showcasing the country’s local affairs. You can only access bbc.com outside the UK to stream the international version.
We recommend using ExpressVPN as it has reliable UK servers that do not impact your internet connection. You have access to international news through bbc.com. If you prefer access to 24-hour UK news, you have to use BBC iPlayer or bbc.co.uk using a VPN and a UK server.
How to Subscribe to BBC iPlayer in Japan? [Easy Steps]
The BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform for live and catch-up TV from all of BBC’s Channels. The channels include BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News, cBBC, and Radio 1. Here’s how to subscribe to BBC iPlayer in Japan:
- Sign up for a BBC iPlayer VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Log in and connect to a server in the UK. Choose the Wembley server.
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website and select the “Sign In” option.
Head to BBC iPlayer website and click Sign In.
- A new page will appear; click the “Register Now” option.
Register for a BBC iPlayer account.
- Provide the required personal information and use this postal code, E1 OAA, for East London.
Enter the required information to register for a BBC iPlayer account.
- Enter all your details and finish by clicking the “Register” button. Verify the account by clicking the link sent to your email, and you’re done.
Pro Tip: You don’t need a TV license when streaming BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN but click “Yes” if a notification asks if you have one.
What Devices Are Compatible With BBC iPlayer in Japan?
You can watch BBC iPlayer in Japan free with ExpressVPN on various devices as follows:
| Chromecast | iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod 6) |
| PS4, PS3 | Xbox 360 and Xbox One |
| PS3 | Android devices (smart TV, Tablet, Phone) |
| Windows | Firestick |
| Mac | Apple TV |
| Different Smart TV brands | Roku |
How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan on Devices?
After connecting to a UK server, you can stream BBC iPlayer from the app or the website. Here’s how to download the BBC iPlayer app in Japan in any country on various devices:
How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan on iPhone?
Here’s how to download BBC iPlayer in Japan in any country on an iOS device:
- Launch the ExpressVPN app and connect to a server in the UK. (Recommended: Wembley)
- Go to Settings of your iOS device and click on your profile.
- Select Media and Purchases > Country/Region >, change to the UK, and Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Enter the requested information and provide any valid UK address.
- Go to App Store to download the BBC iPlayer app.
- Log in and enjoy your BBC iPlayer iPhone experience in Japan.
How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer App in Japan on Android?
Planning to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan live on Android? Follow the easy steps below:
- Sign in to Google Play Store on an Android device with two or more Gmail accounts.
- Launch ExpressVPN and connect to a UK server. (Recommended: Wembley)
- Go to Play Store and search for the BBC iPlayer app. You’ll notice the app won’t show up, so switch to a different account without closing Play Store.
- Search for the BBC iPlayer app again. Download and install it.
- Log in and start streaming.
How to Get BBC iPlayer in Japan on Your Computer or Laptop?
You don’t have to install the BBC iPlayer app in Japan on a Windows or Mac laptop or computer. Log in to the site via a browser as follows:
- Fire up ExpressVPN and connect to a UK server. (Recommended: Wembley)
- Go to bbc.co.uk.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Search for your favorite show, film, or documentary on BBC iPlayer and start streaming.
How do I get BBC iPlayer on my Roku in Japan?
BBC iPlayer is present on the Roku Channel Store, but you can only access it with a British-origin account. Here’s how to install BBC iPlayer in Japan on Roku:
- Reset your Roku device.
- Install ExpressVPN on your Wi-Fi router and connect to a UK server. (Recommended: Wembley)
- Connect your Roku device to your smart TV and sign up for a UK account.
- Go to the Roku Channel Store to get BBC iPlayer.
- Launch the app, sign in, and enjoy your BBC iPlayer Roku streaming experience in Japan.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan on Firestick in 2024?
Here are the steps to get BBC iPlayer in Japan on a Firestick:
- Go to the Developer Options under Firestick Settings to allow installation from unknown sources.
- Install the Downloader app on your Firestick.
- Launch the app and use it to install the ExpressVPN app.
- Open ExpressVPN and connect to a server in the UK. (Recommended: Wembley)
- Restart the Amazon Fire Stick to apply the changes.
- Install the BBC iPlayer app, sign in and stream BBC iPlayer in Japan on Firestick.
How do I get BBC iPlayer on my Apple TV in Japan?
BBC iPlayer works on Apple TV in Japan, and here are the steps to follow:
- Connect the Apple TV device to your TV.
- Go to Settings, General, then Region.
- Switch to the UK (Recommended Server: Wembley) and provide the requested information.
- After changing locations, go to the App Store and download the BBC iPlayer app.
- Install the app.
- Set up ExpressVPN to your home router and connect to a UK server.
- Sign in to BBC iPlayer on Apple TV and stream your favorites.
How do I get BBC iPlayer on my Smart TV in Japan?
BBC iPlayer works on a smart TV, and here’s how to download the app in Japan:
- Change your intelligent TV region to the United Kingdom. (Recommended Server: Wembley)
- Configure ExpressVPN to your router on the same Wi-Fi.
- Get the BBC iPlayer app.
- Fire up the BBC iPlayer app and add it you’re your favourite channels list.
- Launch it and log in.
- Stream your BBC iPlayer favorites in Japan on a smart TV
What’s the Best Content to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Japan in 2024?
BBC iPlayer has a lot of content on the platform with plenty to watch as follows:
What are the Best Shows on BBC iPlayer?
You can watch BBC shows in Japan with ExpressVPN, including BBC iPlayer Peaky Blinders. Here are some of the top BBC iPlayer shows:
What are the Best Movies on BBC iPlayer?
You’ll have plenty of options on BBC iPlayer if you like streaming movies, and here are some great BBC iPlayer Films you can watch:
What Sports can you Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan?
Here are some of the Live Sports events to stream on the BBC iPlayer in Japan with ExpressVPN:
| The Ashes | Africa Cup of Nations |
| World Athletics Championships | MOTD2 |
| Under 20 Six Nations Championship | Six Nations Round 1 |
| United Rugby Championship Round 11 |
What Channels are on BBC iPlayer?
Here are the channels available on BBC iPlayer to stream in Japan:
| BBC One | BBC Two |
| BBC Three | BBC Four |
| CBeebies | CBBC |
| BBC News | BBC Parliament |
| BBC Alba | S4C |
| BBC Scotland | Radio1 |
What’s New on BBC iPlayer in March 2024?
Here’s a list of the latest releases for you to explore on BBC iPlayer in March 2024:
Why can’t I Watch BBC iPlayer even with VPN in Japan?
BBC iPlayer works in Japan with a VPN, but you might experience some issues while streaming. Try these fixes to get rid of all “BBC iPlayer not working” errors:
- BBC iPlayer has blacklisted the servers used by your VPN provider – switch to ExpressVPN to get the best unblocking capability.
- BBC iPlayer identifying your location – clear your browser cookies to eliminate any information showing your location.
- If your GPS location and IP address don’t match – use a VPN with secure protocols and enhanced encryption.
- BBC iPlayer has updated its geo-blocking system to a regularly updated VPN provider.
- The IP address is leaking – sign up for a VPN that covers the entire traffic of your device.
If the above steps don’t work for you, then you can check our in-depth guide about various methods to fix BBC iPlayer not working issues in Japan.
FAQs
Is BBC iPlayer free to stream in Japan?
Can I use BBC iPlayer in Japan?
Is it legal to stream BBC iPlayer with a VPN in Japan?
Can I watch BBC iPlayer in Japan free without VPN?
I just pressed yes on BBC iPlayer in Japan when it asked if I have a license. Is there a problem with it?
Can I play BBC iPlayer downloaded content in Japan?
How to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan on a non-Smart TV?
Wrapping It Up!
Sadly, you cannot watch BBC iPlayer in Japan because it’s only available in Britain. BBC iPlayer is an incredible streaming service and is a favorite for many UK residents, but it is geo-restricted.
Also, the best part about this service is you can easily delete BBC iPlayer account anytime and anywhere.
However, you can switch your location with a VPN to stream BBC iPlayer shows like Rillington Place, The Woman in the Wall, etc. Subscribe to ExpressVPN, our recommended VPN, for the best BBC iPlayer streaming experience in Japan in any country.
