Top 9 Popular Streaming Services in Japan
Video subscription services have revolutionized modern entertainment, becoming an essential part of daily life for countless viewers. With their flexibility and vast content libraries, these platforms offer a tailored experience that aligns easily with diverse lifestyles. In Japan, a wide variety of subscription services are available, each distinguished by unique features and compelling offerings that cater to different preferences, from exclusive local content to global blockbusters.
This article highlights the most popular video subscription services in Japan, ranked by user popularity. It provides a detailed breakdown of each platform's standout features, content offerings, and the factors contributing to their widespread appeal. Whether you’re looking to explore a new service or struggling to decide which platform best suits your entertainment needs, this guide offers valuable insights to help you make an informed choice.
Popular Streaming Services (By Subscriber Count)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
- U-Next
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Abema Prime
- D-Anime Store
- DAZN
- FOD Premium
1. Amazon Prime Video
Image Source: Prime Video
Monthly fee: 600 JPY
Amazon Prime Video is a standout streaming platform in Japan, offering exceptional value at just 600 JPY per month. Beyond its extensive library of movies, TV dramas, and exclusive Amazon Originals, it bundles perks like free shipping and unlimited music streaming through Prime Music, making it far more than a video service. Its diverse content spans internationally acclaimed titles and tailored originals, ensuring something for everyone, while integration with Amazon’s ecosystem enhances convenience.
Combining affordability, premium content, and multi-service benefits, Amazon Prime Video has become a top choice for Japanese viewers seeking quality and versatility.
2. Netflix
Image Source: Netflix
Monthly fee: 890 – 2,290 JPY
Netflix stands out as a leader in video streaming, renowned for its vast library of high-quality original content, including critically acclaimed series, award-winning films, and innovative documentaries. Constantly updating its catalog, the platform ensures there’s always something new to discover, while its advanced recommendation algorithm curates personalized suggestions based on viewing habits. With an intuitive interface, seamless compatibility across devices, and the ability to create multiple profiles for personalized family use, Netflix delivers a user-friendly, tailored entertainment experience that continues to set the benchmark for streaming services worldwide.
3 U-Next
Image Source: U-Next
Monthly fee: 2,189 JPY
U-Next stands out for its expansive catalog of over 310,000 titles, encompassing a diverse range of genres such as movies, drama, animation, and variety shows. Its vast content library is a major draw, offering users an unparalleled selection compared to other streaming services. One of the platform’s key attractions is its quick access to the latest movie releases, keeping subscribers up to date with fresh content. Beyond video streaming, U-Next also offers unlimited e-book reading, enhancing the entertainment experience by broadening the range of media available. The service further boosts its appeal with a monthly points system, allowing users to access paid content at little to no additional cost, making it especially valuable for movie enthusiasts and those seeking a wide variety of entertainment options.
This combination of affordability, diversity, and convenience has made U-Next a popular choice for cost-conscious viewers.
4. Disney+
Image Source: https://disneyplus.disney.co.jp/
Monthly fee: 990 – 1,320 JPY
Disney+ delivers a treasure trove of exclusive content from beloved brands like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, making it a top choice for families seeking entertainment that appeals to both children and adults. The platform’s extensive library includes a rich selection of original series and films, offering unique content not available on other streaming services. Disney+ also prioritizes a premium viewing experience with high-definition streaming and superior sound quality, ensuring that every movie and show is enjoyed to its fullest on large screens.
With its diverse offerings and impeccable quality, Disney+ is an essential service for fans of these iconic franchises and anyone seeking top-tier family entertainment.
5. Hulu
Image Source: Hulu
Monthly fee: 1,026 JPY
Hulu boasts an impressive catalog of over 70,000 titles, including domestic and international films, dramas, and animations covering a wide array of genres. Its standout appeal lies in its robust selection of foreign dramas, offering the latest episodes shortly after their release, as well as its exclusive partnership with NTV, which grants access to a variety of popular terrestrial programs. This makes Hulu particularly appealing for viewers who enjoy both international series and local Japanese TV shows. The platform’s intuitive user interface and compatibility across multiple devices enhance accessibility, while its diverse content lineup ensures entertainment options for all ages, making it a favorite among families.
Through its blend of global and local programming, Hulu continues to be a go-to choice for versatile and convenient streaming.
6. Abema Prime
Image Source: https://news-prime.abema.tv/
Monthly fee: 960 JPY
Abema Prime stands out as a versatile streaming platform, offering a diverse selection of content across genres such as anime, variety shows, and drama. Its appeal lies in its exclusive AbemaTV original programs and limited-distribution content, providing viewers with unique, one-of-a-kind works unavailable on other platforms. The service also features a 24-hour live-streaming channel, enabling users to watch real-time broadcasts, a rarity among streaming services. Thanks to a user-friendly interface and multi-device compatibility, Abema Prime ensures easy access to its content. For those seeking an uninterrupted experience, the premium subscription eliminates advertisements, further enhancing the platform’s convenience and appeal, particularly for viewers who value exclusive and real-time entertainment.
7. D-Anime Store
Image Source: https://animestore.docomo.ne.jp/animestore/tp_pc
Monthly fee: 550 JPY
D-Anime Store is a dedicated streaming platform tailored specifically for anime enthusiasts, offering an extensive library of titles at an affordable price. Its vast selection spans everything from the latest releases to timeless classics, ensuring there’s something for every anime fan. One of its standout features is the swift availability of new episodes, allowing users to stay up to date with their favorite series in real-time. In addition to its comprehensive catalog, the platform also boasts exclusive original anime and theatrical productions, further enriching its appeal.
With high-quality streaming and a user-friendly interface, D-Anime Store has established itself as an essential service for those passionate about anime.
8. DAZN
Image Source: DAZN
Monthly fee: 980 – 3,200 JPY
DAZN stands out as a premier streaming platform dedicated entirely to sports, offering comprehensive live coverage of major events such as football, baseball, basketball, and more. Designed to cater to fans of real-time action, it also provides on-demand access to missed broadcasts and highlights, allowing users to catch up at their convenience. What sets DAZN apart is its unparalleled breadth of sports content, making it an indispensable choice for enthusiasts who want to stay connected to their favorite teams and events. The platform further enhances the viewing experience with multilingual support and high-definition streaming, ensuring accessibility and exceptional quality for a global audience.
For sports fans seeking both live excitement and flexibility, DAZN delivers a convenient and dynamic experience.
9. FOD Premium
Image Source: FOD
Monthly fee: 976 JPY
FOD Premium, offered by Fuji Television Network (Fuji TV), is a streaming service that provides an extensive selection of the network’s programs alongside exclusive original content. A key highlight is its unlimited access to beloved Fuji TV dramas and variety shows, making it a treasure trove for fans of Japanese television. Beyond video content, FOD Premium expands its entertainment offerings with unlimited access to e-books and magazines, appealing to users with diverse interests. The platform also features an impressive library of classic dramas and films, perfect for those seeking a nostalgic viewing experience. Regular updates with trending and newly released titles ensure a steady stream of fresh content, making FOD Premium a well-rounded and engaging option for viewers looking for variety and value.
Conclusion
Japan's video subscription market boasts an impressive array of services, each catering to different entertainment preferences and lifestyles. Whether you’re a fan of captivating films and dramas, exciting live sports, or family-friendly programs, there’s a platform tailored to meet your needs. For instance, Netflix and U-Next shine with their extensive libraries of movies and series, Disney+ offers a magical experience for families with its iconic franchises, while DAZN provides unparalleled access to live sports for avid fans.
Selecting a service that aligns with your viewing habits and interests elevates your entertainment experience. With such a wealth of options available, now is the perfect time to discover the subscription service that best complements your unique tastes.
