Bilibili, often referred to as B Site is a leading Chinese online video platform. It caters to various interests including dramas, movies, anime, music, documentaries, and video games. The platform is a hub for diverse content from science and technology to entertainment.
Unfortunately, Bilibili’s extensive library is geo-blocked outside China, and attempts to access it in Japan often result in a geo-restriction error. Fortunately, using a VPN such as ExpressVPN can help circumvent these limitations, allowing you to enjoy Bilibili’s content in Japan just as if you were in China.
This guide will show you how to choose the ideal VPN, enabling you to access your favorite Bilibili shows in Japan with simple steps. Let’s dive into how to watch Bilibili in Japan.
How to Watch Bilibili in Japan [Quick Guide]
To watch Bilibili in Japan, follow this quick guide:
- Subscribe to a high-quality VPN that offers optimized Chinese servers (ExpressVPN is my top choice).
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Sign in using your account credentials.
- Connect to the Chinese server. I suggest connecting to the Hong Kong-2 server.
- Visit the Bilibili website and enjoy its content in Japan!
Note: Take advantage of ExpressVPN’s special deal costing - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free!
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Bilibili in Japan?
Is Bilibili available in Japan? Due to geo-restrictions, direct access to Bilibili’s content outside China is limited.
Nonetheless, attempting to access Bilibili in Japan without a VPN connection will result in the following geo-restriction error message on your screen:
“非常抱歉，根据版权方要求
您所在的地区无法观看本片”
Geo-restrictions on Bilibili in–Japan.
However, using a VPN legally to mask your IP address as if browsing from China provides a simple workaround, allowing you to bypass these restrictions and access Bilibili effectively in Japan.
ExpressVPN is a dependable option, consistently bypassing these blocks to provide seamless streaming.
The Best VPNs to get Bilibili in Japan (Quick Overview)
Here’s a brief guide to the best VPNs for streaming Bilibili in Japan:
ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN to Access Bilibili in Japan
This service boasts over 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, including two server locations in Hong Kong. It allows for 8 simultaneous connections and provides exceptional unblocking abilities.
➔ Get ExpressVPN for JPY 1047.17 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free
Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN to get Bilibili in Japan
Provides access to over 3200+ servers in more than 100+ countries, featuring numerous servers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond, ensuring Bilibili can be unblocked efficiently.
➔ Get Surfshark for JPY 390.92 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN – Largest Server network VPN to Watch Bilibili in Japan
Boasts over 6000+ ultra-fast servers located in 61 countries, with more than 70 servers situated in Hong Kong.
➔ Get NordVPN for JPY 626.42 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.
Is Bilibili free of cost?
Bilibili serves up a mix of free and subscription-based content, covering everything from user-generated material to animations and gaming videos, available without charge. For those curious about how much is Bilibili subscription costs, the platform offers “VIP” memberships, providing perks like ad-free viewing, quicker video playback, and exclusive content access.
While plenty of Bilibili’s offerings are free, opting for a premium membership unlocks extra features and premium content for enthusiasts seeking more.
The Best VPNs to get Bilibili in Japan
I tested 20+ VPN services to find the best VPNs to get Bilibili in Japan. I evaluated each based on their reliable servers in China, speed, user experience, customer service, security features, compatible devices, simultaneous connections, price, and much more.
ExpressVPN: Recommended VPN to Access Bilibili in Japan
ExpressVPN is the recommended VPN to access Bilibili in Japan because of its lightning-fast speed and highly optimized servers in China. It has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including servers in China (Hong Kong).
I connected to the Hong Kong – 2 server on ExpressVPN to access Bilibili in Japan. My streaming experience was awesome, as there wasn’t any speed buffer.
ExpressVPN unblocked Bilibili in Japan.
It offered us an amazing download speed of 89.42 and an upload speed 84.64 on a 100 Mbps connection.
ExpressVPN speed test.
ExpressVPN is a secured VPN offering control-channel and data-channel encryption, private DNS, kill switch, split tunneling, no connection or activity logs, and a Threat Manager.
You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously on one ExpressVPN account. It has dedicated apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Kindle, and routers.
For devices that do not have built-in VPN support, ExpressVPN offers the MediaStreamer feature. Using this feature, you can easily watch Bilibili on TV.
Exclusive Deal:
Streamingrant readers can get ExpressVPN in only JPY 1047.17 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: Budget-Friendly VPN to get Bilibili in Japan
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN to get Bilibili in Japan. In addition to the low price, it allows you to connect unlimited devices at a time, making it cheaper. The cost of Surfshark is JPY 390.92 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.
It has 3200+ servers globally in 100+ countries, including China (Hong Kong). I connected to the Hong Kong server on Surfshark to video stream Bilibili in Japan.
Surfshark unblocked Bilibili in Japan.
On running a speed test, it provided us with a download speed of 88.48 and an upload speed of 79.42 on a 100 Mbps connection.
Surfshark speed test.
It has impressive security features like a strict no-record policy, camouflage mode, private DNS, kill switch, leak protection, and 100% RAM-only servers.
Surfshark does not limit bandwidth or device use. Its app can be used on macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. It offers a free 7-day trial on iOS and Android devices.
Surfshark also offers 30 days refund policy and 24/7 live customer support. Despite its low prices, this VPN is a great option with all the best-in-class features.
Exclusive Deal:
Streamingrant readers can enjoy Surfshark for only JPY 390.92 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN: Largest Server network VPN to Watch Bilibili in Japan
NordVPN offers the largest server network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries, making it one of my recommended VPNs. This number includes optimized servers in China, too.
I connected to the Hong Kong server on NordVPN to watch Bilibili in Japan.
NordVPN unblocked Bilibili in Japan.
The speed test results were great. The download speed was 86.49, and the upload speed was 79.42 on a 100 Mbps connection.
NordVPN speed test.
NordVPN offers secure Bilibili streaming with features like DoubleVPN, a no-log policy, threat protection, a kill switch, Onion Over VPN, and advanced encryption. This makes it a top choice for accessing Bilibili on NordVPN.
On one NordVPN account, you can connect six devices at a time, such as iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Exclusive Deal:
Streamingrant readers get this Bilibili VPN for only JPY 626.42 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Bilibili in Japan?
Using a free VPN to access Bilibili in Japan raises the question: where is Bilibili app available? Unfortunately, free VPNs often lack servers in China, leading to access challenges. Moreover, they’re prone to network slowdowns, slow speeds, and data caps, which can limit streaming time on geo-restricted platforms like Bilibili.
More critically, they pose security risks by using ads and tracking to monetize user data, which can compromise privacy.
For a safer and more reliable streaming experience, opting for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is recommended. Premium VPNs provide stable connections, fast speeds, and robust security features, ensuring uninterrupted access to Bilibili and other services.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Bilibili in Japan
As not all VPN providers are capable of working with Bilibili in Japan, I have shared the criteria on how to choose the best VPN for bilibili:
- Server Availability: Select a VPN with servers in China to easily unblock Bilibili in the USA, ensuring it has optimized servers globally for accessing various streaming services.
- Speed: Opt for a VPN with high-speed servers to support smooth streaming in 4K. Use a service that excels in speed tests for the best performance.
- Security: Prioritize digital privacy by avoiding free or inferior VPNs, which may sell your data. Stick with trusted, premium VPNs for safety.
- User-Friendly App: Choose a VPN offering easy-to-use apps across major devices, minimizing technical difficulties.
- Simultaneous Connections: Premium VPNs permit multiple devices to connect, allowing you to share your subscription with friends or family for collective streaming or device protection.
How to Watch Bilibili in Japan on Your Device?
Using the Bilibili app or website, you can watch Bilibili in Japan on your device. First, you’ll need to connect to the Chinese server on a VPN; otherwise, you won’t be able to watch its content.
The following devices are compatible with watching Bilibili TV:
| iOS | Android |
| Windows | macOS |
| Play Station | Xbox |
How to watch Bilibili in Japan on iOS?
Follow these simple steps and learn how to stream on Bilibili in Japan on my iPhone:
- Purchase a subscription to a reliable VPN service. My choice is ExpressVPN for its strong servers in China.
- Install and launch the VPN application on the iPhone.
- Link to the China server. My suggestion is to use the Hong Kong-2 server on ExpressVPN.
- Log out of your iCloud account.
- Create a new account, choosing China as your location.
- Sign in with your new account.
- Find the Bilibili app on the App Store and download it on your iPhone.
- Log in to watch Bilibili on your iPhone. Enjoy!
How to watch Bilibili in Japan on my Android?
Here is a quick guide on how to watch Bilibili in Japan on Android:
- Get a VPN service that offers reliable and speedy Chinese servers. I suggest using xpressVPN.
- Install the VPN application on your Android devices.
- Sign in and connect to the server in China. The Hong kong-2 server works perfectly on ExpressVPN.
- Now, sign up for a new account (Google). Choose China as your location.
- Sign in on the Google Play Store with your new account credentials.
- On the Play Store, search for the Bilibili Japan app.
- Download and install the app on your Android device.
- Sign in. Enjoy streaming your favorite TV shows on Bilibili!
How to watch Bilibili in Japan on Windows?
Check these simple steps on how to get Bilibili in Japan using a browser:
- Sign up for a premium VPN service. (ExpressVPN is the best).
- Install the VPN service on your device and log in.
- From the list of servers, connect to the China server. Hong kong-2 server is recommended.
- Go to the Bilibili website on your web browser.
- Log in and enjoy!
Reddit Discussion: Elira’s Debut on Bilibili
Elira is debuting in Bilibili (same Chinese website as Vox)
byu/ant451123 inNijisanji
The Reddit discussion revolves around Elira’s debut on Bilibili, a Chinese streaming platform, sparking debates on her potential success and reasons behind the move. Some users express skepticism due to past controversies, while others speculate on the dynamics of the Chinese audience and its impact on Elira’s career.
What to Watch on Bilibili in Japan in 2024?
Bilibili, accessible in Japan, offers an impressive array of user-generated content and TV shows, primarily in Chinese or Japanese. The platform covers a wide range of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
| Action | Sci-fi |
| Comedy | Sports |
| Adventure | Music |
| History | Food |
| Magic | Slice of Life |
| Fantasy | Mystery |
| Romance | Horror |
Best Shows on Bilibili in Japan in 2024
Here is the list of the best shows on Bilibili in Japan in 2024:
| Detective Conan | TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You – S2 |
| Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc | Fox Spirit Matchmaker |
| Tokyo Mew Mew Mew | Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible |
| Scissor Seven | Fairies Album |
| Link Click | Love Live! Superstar! |
| The Promised Neverland | Tales of Demons and Gods |
Best Movies are on Bilibili in Japan in 2024
The following movies are on Bilibili in Japan in 2024:
| Ghostbusters: Answer the Call 2016 | Cosmopolitan |
| Eleventh Time | Water |
| Bean Agent | First Love This Little Thing |
| Beyond the Cloud, the Promised Place | Sharknado |
| Batman: The Dark Knight | No Way Up |
Why Bilibili Isn’t Working in Japan [Troubleshooting Tips]
If you’re encountering issues with Bilibili, you might wonder how to download Bilibili app in Japan as part of troubleshooting. Here are strategies to help address common problems:
- Switch off the VPN and reconnect to acquire a fresh Chinese IP address.
- Before trying again, clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history.
- Turn off the GPS or any services that use GPS on your mobile device.
- Disconnect from your current VPN server and connect to a different one.
- Reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support for assistance.
Alternative Methods to Unblock Bilibili in Japan [Smart DNS Proxy]
If you’d rather not use a VPN to navigate Bilibili’s geo-restrictions, consider a smart proxy as an alternative. Though not as secure as VPNs, smart proxies can bypass geo-blocks by changing your device’s DNS settings to route through a server in the desired country.
Despite smart proxies being a viable workaround, a VPN remains the recommended choice for secure and reliable streaming on Bilibili due to its enhanced security features.
Free VPNs to Avoid for Bilibili in Japan:
When it comes to Bilibili in Japan, there are a few free VPNs you might want to steer clear of:
- Zenmate: When I checked out Zenmate, I found it had both free and paid plans. But the free version could slow down my speed and limit my access to servers. Plus, those pesky ads and potential data collection made me wary.
- BolehVPN: BolehVPN is known for its premium services, but its free plan might not cut it. With speed and server limitations, streaming on Bilibili could be a struggle.
- Hola VPN: Heard of Hola VPN? It’s free and all, but there’s a catch. Your idle resources might be shared with others on the network, raising privacy concerns. Not the safest bet for streaming on Bilibili in Japan.
What Other Streaming Services to Watch in Japan?
Here are the other streaming services you can watch in Japan in April 2024:
| TVB in Japan | ViuTV in Japan |
| BBC iPlayer in Japan | Chinese TV in Japan |
| Thai TV in Japan | ATRESplayer in Japan |
| Foxtel Go in Japan | STV Player in Japan |
| Mediaset Play in Japan | Sky Sports in Japan |
FAQs: Bilibili in Japan
Is Bilibili available in Japan?
Is it legal to watch Bilibili in Japan with a VPN?
Is Bilibili safe {in Japan?
Is bilibili free to use?
Wrapping Up!
Bilibili has become the preferred app for streaming aficionados in Japan who desire access to a wide variety of content on one platform. As a leading Chinese streaming service, it has grown to nearly a hundred million active users, making it a top choice for those looking to watch Bilibili in Japan.
I hope this guide has answered your questions about how to watch Bilibili in Japan. By subscribing to a top-tier VPN service such as ExpressVPN, you can seamlessly enjoy your favorite Bilibili content without concerns about Bilibili available countries.
Harris Edwards
