Top 9 Popular Streaming Services in Japan

Video subscription services have become central to modern entertainment, with many people choosing to use services that suit their lifestyle. Many video subscription services are also offered in Japan, each with its own unique features and attractions. 

This article introduces the most popular video subscription services with the highest number of users in a ranking format, and explains in detail the features of each service and the reasons for its high number of users. This should be useful information to those who want to try a new service or are unsure which service is right for them.

Popular Streaming Services (By Number of Subscribers)

1. Amazon Prime Video
2. Netflix
3. U-NEXT
4. Disney+
5. Hulu
6. Abema Premium
7. D Anime Store
8. FOD Premium
9. DAZN

1. Amazon Prime Video

Image Source: Prime Video

Monthly fee: 500 JPY

Amazon Prime Video is cost-effective, with a reasonable monthly fee of 500 JPY. An Amazon Prime membership conveniently offers many other benefits besides watching movies and dramas, such as free shipping and unlimited music streaming. Furthermore, the service offers a wide range of content genres, especially Amazon original content.

The main attraction of this service is that users can enjoy high-quality content at a low price. It also offers smooth integration with other Amazon services, making it highly convenient, another reason for its popularity.

2. Netflix

Image Source: Netflix

Monthly fee: 990-1,980 JPY

Netflix's greatest appeal is its wealth of original content. The quality of movies and dramas is exceptional, with Netflix original series and films receiving high praise worldwide . Users will never get bored as there is always something new to enjoy. It also has an excellent recommendation algorithm based on viewing history, making it easy to find the right film for you.

The user interface is easy to use and allows viewing on multiple devices. It is also suitable for family use, as multiple users can view content simultaneourly by creating multiple profiles.

3. U-NEXT

Image Source: U-NEXT

Monthly fee: 2,189 JPY

U-NEXT offers more than 310,000 domestic and international titles, covering a wide range of genres including movies, drama, animation and variety. In particular, users favour U-NEXT for its overwhelmingly large number of contents compared to other services.

Another attraction of U-NEXT is that the latest movies are delivered quickly, and the service is popular not only for its videos, but also for its unlimited e-book reading, which broadens the range of entertainment options. 

In addition, since points are awarded every month, paid content can also be enjoyed practically free of charge. It is regarded as highly cost-effective, especially for movie buffs and those who want to enjoy a diverse range of content.

4. Disney+

Image Source: Disney Plus

Monthly fee: 990 JPY

Disney+ offers exclusive content from brands such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. Particularly popular with families, there is a wealth of content for both children and adults. In addition, it also offers a wide range of original series and films, which are unique and cannot be found on other platforms. 

The service also supports high-definition streaming and high sound quality to enrich the viewing experience, making it ideal for viewing on big screens. This service is a must for Disney fans.

5. Hulu

Image Source: Hulu

Monthly fee: 1,026 JPY

Hulu offers more than 70,000 domestic and international films, dramas and animations, covering a wide range of genres. Hulu is particularly popular with users for its extensive line-up of foreign dramas, with the latest episodes available immediately, and its partnership with NTV means that Hulu also offers many popular terrestrial programmes, making it convenient for users who want to catch up on TV programmes.

 Furthermore, Hulu is also highly regarded for its user-friendly UI and the ability to watch on multiple devices. It is also popular with families, as it offers content that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

6. Abema Prime

Image Source: https://news-prime.abema.tv/

Monthly fee: 960 JPY

Abema Prime is a streaming service that covers a wide variety of genres such as anime, variety and drama. It is particularly attractive for its abundance of AbemaTV original programs and limited distribution content, allowing users to enjoy unique works that cannot be seen anywhere else. 

There is also a 24-hour live streaming channel that allows real-time viewing; the UI is easy to use and viewing is possible on multiple devices, making it highly convenient. Furthermore, the premium service, which does not display adverts, offers a pleasant viewing experience.

7. D-Anime Store

Image Source: D-Anime Store

Monthly fee: 550 JPY

D-Anime Store is a streaming service that specializes in anime, offering a wide range of titles at low prices. For anime fans, the appeal of this service is that it covers a wide range of works, from the latest releases to classic titles. In particular, the latest episodes are delivered quickly and can be missed, making it very convenient for users who want to enjoy anime in real time. 

The service also offers a wide range of original anime and theatre productions, making it an indispensable service for anime lovers. The easy-to-use interface and the ability to watch in high quality are also highly regarded.

8. DAZN

Image Source: Explore DAZN | DAZN US

Monthly fee: 1,925 JPY

DAZN is a sports-specialised streaming service with a full range of live broadcasts. In particular, major sporting events such as football, baseball and basketball can be enjoyed in real-time. The service also offers missed broadcasts and highlights, so even busy users can enjoy watching sporting events at their own pace. 

No other service covers so many events for sports fans, making it very attractive for users who value live action. Furthermore, the service is also highly regarded for its multilingual support and high quality viewing.

9. FOD Premium

Image Source: FOD

Monthly fee: 977 JPY

FOD Premium is a video distribution service provided by Fuji Television Network (Fuji TV) and offers many of the station's programmes and original content. Particularly attractive is the unlimited access to popular Fuji TV dramas and variety shows. It also comes with unlimited e-books and magazines, so you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment.

 There is also a wide range of classic dramas and movies from the past, which is recommended for those who want to enjoy nostalgic productions. Furthermore, the latest topical titles are added from time to time, so you can always enjoy new content.

Conclusion

The Japanese video subscription market offers a diverse and substantial range of services, each with its own unique strengths. Users can enjoy a richer entertainment experience by choosing a service that suits their viewing style and preferences.

 For example, Netflix and U-NEXT are perfect for film and drama lovers, Disney+ for families and DAZN for sports fans. Take advantage of these services to find the entertainment that suits you best. With so much choice, now is a good time to find the video subscription service that is right for you.