How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan [Quick and Easy]
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Looking to learn how to bypass geo-restrictions and watch BBC iPlayer in Japan? You’re in the right place.
Sadly BBC iPlayer is blocked outside the UK. But there’s a way in.
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The trick is to disguise your location and make it seem you’re in the UK. That’s exactly what I’ll teach you to do in this guide.
Why do I need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan?
A VPN masks your real IP address and provides you with a UK-based one. This tricks BBC iPlayer into thinking you’re in the UK, granting you access.
BBC iPlayer is restricted to UK viewers due to licensing agreements. When you try to access it from Japan, the platform detects your Japanese IP address and blocks your access.
That’s why you’ll encounter the This content is not available error.
Moving on, let’s delve into the actual steps to access BBC iPlayer from Japan.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan
The VPN you use should have fast connection speeds, good server coverage in the UK, and the proven ability to unlock BBC iPlayer.
That’s why I recommend that you:
Use NordVPN
Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide:
- Sign up for NordVPN:
Start by visiting the NordVPN website and choosing a suitable subscription plan. - Download and install NordVPN:
Once you’ve registered, download the NordVPN application for your device and install it.
- Launch NordVPN:
Open the application and sign in using your NordVPN credentials.
- Connect to a UK server:
Open the app and type UK in the NordVPN search bar to view its servers in the country. The VPN offers multiple options in cities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Pick one and connect.
- Access BBC iPlayer:
With the VPN connection active, head over to the BBC iPlayer website or app.
📝 For live content and some on-demand shows too, BBC will ask if you have a TV license. Just confirming that you do, will grant you access.
And if you can’t find BBC iPlayer in the AppStore or Google Play, you may have to change your account’s country to the UK.
Now, here’s why I recommend using NordVPN:
Firstly, its impressive speed rates ensure smooth streaming. During my tests, I consistently achieved speeds of around 250 Mbps on its London servers. That’s great for 4K streaming and was a minimal drop from my base 258 Mbps connection.
This proves that NordVPN is fast and stable and doesn’t slow down your internet by a significant amount.
Moreover, NordVPN boasts over 440 servers in the UK.
Lastly, NordVPN’s Meshnet feature, which recently became free to use, is a great option if you reside in the UK and traveling to Japan.
In simple terms, Meshnet is like creating your own personal VPN. You can link for instance your phone to your computer in the UK. This lets you browse the web with your home IP.
This ensures uninterrupted access to BBC iPlayer.
NordVPN
Easily unblock BBC iPlayer from Japan! Connect to NordVPN to remove digital barriers!Is it legal to watch BBC iPlayer in Japan?
Yes. Using a VPN to watch BBC in Japan is not illegal. There are no laws in Japan that prohibit using VPN to watch foreign TV. However, you may breach BBC iPlayer’s terms of use.
This means that while you won’t face legal repercussions, BBC iPlayer can technically block or ban your account if they detect VPN usage.
However, in my years of using VPNs, I’ve never faced such issues, especially when using a high-quality service like NordVPN.
Which free VPN works with BBC iPlayer?
Technically, any VPN that has UK servers should work, but that’s not exactly how it goes. BBC iPlayer flags known VPN IPs, blocking access to their users. Premium VPNs have the resources needed to counteract these measures. Free ones, not so much.
That’s why free proxies and VPNs such as Hola VPN are not working with BBC iPlayer.
That said, a good option you can try for free is NordVPN’s Meshnet feature. This will allow you to use your home IP address from the UK abroad.
Conclusion
Watching BBC iPlayer from Japan might seem like a daunting task due to geo-restrictions, but with the right tools and steps, it’s pretty easy.
Many British shows and programs await you, and all you need is a reliable VPN to bridge the gap.
