How to Listen to Radiko from Abroad (Best Method in 2024)

Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Walter

Do you want to listen to your favorite Japanese radio and learn how to Listen to Radiko from Abroad? High-rising buildings have taken over the archipelagos of Japan because of the scarcity of land resources. Radio broadcasts have been negatively affected by this architectural compromise. Radiko, an internet radio station, was created to serve the Japanese community.

Radiko service, which is digitally enabled, should now be accessible to all users with an internet connection. But that is not the Japanese reality. Japan is strict about copyright protection. The “IP Simulcast Radio Council”, which regulates Radiko's internet broadcasts, limits them to specific broadcast targets.

Radiko uses geotagging to determine if a user has access to their programs. This means that the IP address and GPS information are spied on. Radiko's geotagging means that radio listeners outside Japan's target area are not able to hear their programs. This is a problem for Japanese expatriates and Japanese immigrants who enjoy listening to Radiko from abroad.

How to listen to Radiko using a VPN

Radiko's geotagging technology is well understood and can be bypassed with a VPN. Turn off the location feature if your device broadcasts GPS data. You will need to subscribe to VPN services that will temporarily assign a Japanese IP to your device.

Radiko now sees you in the role of a user who is trying to access their program from Japan using the VPN service. Your new IP address is the reason. It is important to sign up for a VPN provider that has servers in Japan. Anything else will result in you being geo-blocked from Radiko.

Here are some tips to help you access Radiko using a VPN.

• Find a VPN provider that has servers in Japan, we recommend NordVPN
• Install the VPN app
• Connect to one the VPN's Japanese Servers
• Start listening to Radiko on your browser by visiting the Radiko website

Top VPNs to Listen to Radiko From Outside Japan

We have compared the pros and cons of various top VPN providers. We have put our efforts into this section. Here is a list with seven of the best VPNs that will allow you to listen to Radiko's audio from outside Japan.

1. NordVPN

It was definitely the fastest of our tests

• Servers that are extremely fast
• Amazing security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblock streaming platforms

Radiko's VPN list places NordVPN first. NordVPN, a new entrant in the VPN market is aggressively pursuing the top spot with many exciting capabilities. One of the most notable features is the ability for subscribers to pay using Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency makes it easy to protect the privacy of VPN users by removing the information required for traditional payment channels.

NordVPN boasts over 50,000 servers in almost 60 countries. NordVPN has a total of 5,000+ servers. 82 of these servers are located in Japan. You have 82 fast-speed VPN server options when you use NordVPN for Radiko. You can switch between high-traffic and less congested NordVPN servers with this large number.

NordVPN is the best option if you are one of the Radiko listeners that listens to radio programs on their iOS or Android phones. NordVPN offers smartphone-friendly plans that allow you to connect up to six simultaneous accounts. NordVPN's unlimited bandwidth allows for seamless streaming of Radiko from both Windows and Linux. NordVPN's 256-bit AES encryption ensures anonymity.

NordVPN can also be used to access similar shows like Japanese Netflix and Japanese Hulu.

Get the best deal: $2.93/month (Save 68% and get 3 months free).

Listen to Radiko from Abroad With Nord VPN

2. SurfShark

Best for connecting multiple devices

• Multiple simultaneous connections allowed
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• More than 3000 servers

Surfshark claims the second position on our list. Surfshark has approximately 3500 servers across 60 countries. Some of these servers are physically located in Japan. Surfshark is able to assign Japanese IP addresses for Radiko listeners who are not in Japan. Surfshark not only bypasses Radiko's geotagging but also offers high-speed internet connections that are required to stream live internet radio broadcasts.

Surfshark allows multiple devices to be used on one subscription plan. A two-way relationship is established between your device and another device connected to the internet. Your device is actively sharing information with other devices on the network that could be exploited by cyber attackers. Surfshark is on alert, however. Surfshark's impregnable AES256-bit encryption technology makes it virtually impossible to compromise your online security. Surfshark VPN is your best choice for data integrity, when you use Radiko over VPN.

Radiko users are unlikely to use their VPN subscription only for streaming internet radio. Surfshark's DoubleVPN feature protects Radiko users from sending sensitive information over the internet.

Surfshark users may have difficulty installing the browser extension or client app. Radiko listeners may also find it difficult to choose the best Japanese server. Therefore, a chatbot that is available 24/7 is available. Surfshark browser extensions and applications are very user-friendly. There are apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Mac. There is no limit on how many devices you can connect simultaneously to Surfshark, in case you don't know.

Listen to Radiko from Abroad With Surfshark

3. PIA

Our tests show that the server reached the greatest extent

• Amazing unblocking power
• WireGuard supports the protocol
• Decent streaming speed
• Subscriptions at affordable prices

Private Internet Access is abbreviated PIA. Private Internet, the owner of CyberGhost, recently purchased this VPN. The PIA VPN overhaul saw the expansion of its server network. The server network grew from the original 3,300 servers located in 30 countries to more than 17,000 locations in 75+ countries.

PIA does not only focus on the numbers, but also how Radiko listeners benefit from the fast connection speed. This provider supports the most recent VPN protocol. PIA offers detailed tutorials that explain how to set Windows, Linux, and Mac up, as well as how to use browser extensions such as Opera, Chrome, and Firefox.

An entire family of Japanese expatriates may use a PIA for Radiko programs. PIA can support up to ten devices simultaneously. Open source code is available for all PIA browser extensions and apps. To make it more user-friendly, developers can copy the code. You can choose encryption or authentication methods through the PIA interface. If you have any questions, the 24/7 customer service can help you.

As mentioned, PIA supports both AES-128 encryption technology and 256 encryption technology. You can choose between the two. If you are concerned about Radiko streaming speed, you can choose to turn off encryption completely. PIA VPN does not have DNS protection. However, ISPs often offer DNS protection to their subscribers. Any data leakage can be eliminated by using the custom DNS.

Radiko listeners will find PIA to be a good choice because it has many other protection features, such as an Automatic Kill Switch.

Best Offer: 1.94 EUR/month (saved 83%)

Visit PIA

4. UltraVPN

Based on our tests, the easiest to use

• You get a 30-day guarantee of your money back
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Subscribe to a cheap subscription plan. Start at $6.99 and save 22%

UltraVPN is highly recommended for new users of VPN. UltraVPN's features are pre-installed and do not require any tweaking by the user. Installing and using the VPN app should not be difficult for any Japanese expat wishing to access Radiko from abroad.

UltraVPN boasts over 1000 servers across more than 100 countries. It is possible to obtain a Japanese IP address from their Japanese servers for streaming Radiko radio. This vast network of servers allows for high-speed internet connections and high bandwidth to stream high-quality radio.

UltraVPN offers the same security features as top VPN services. UltraVPN offers the Kill Switch, which must be turned on manually. AES256 encryption and zero-logging policy provide anonymity. UltraVPN has its DNS servers, just like PIA to protect your IP address.

UltraVPN has you covered, whether you're looking to listen to Radiko on your Windows, Mac or Android, iOS, iOS, or SmartTVs. UltraVPN subscriptions allow you to use up to six devices. We recommend that Japanese citizens in China try the UltraVPN 30-day money-back trial before purchasing a full subscription. This is due to the ban on VPN use in China.

5. CyberGhost

Best money-back guarantee

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• More than 7000 reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Secure features that are tough

CyberGhost's high-speed connection makes it an excellent choice for Radiko. CyberGhost's network of 6000+ servers in 90 countries makes it possible to provide high-speed connections. Radiko users can quickly obtain a local IP address because their servers are located in Japan.

CyberGhost offers the highest level of security, just like other VPNs in this recommendation. CyberGhost's Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and 256-bit AES encryption ensure online security. Customers can contact customer support 24 hours a day if they have any questions.

CyberGhost use has been blocked by Chinese cyber-surveillance agencies, similar to UltraVPN. If you want to access Radiko in China, please choose another provider. CyberGhost works however seamlessly from many locations.

6. Trust.Zone

The best VPN with a free version

• Offers dedicated IP addresses
• Allows torrenting, P2P file sharing
• Great pricing
• Free version available

Trust.Zone may not be well-known, but that does not diminish its value as a great VPN service for Radiko. Trust.Zone has four pricing options. This makes it one of the most affordable services in terms of rate. These are just a few of the unique features that make Trust.Zone stand out.

Trust.Zone makes it easy to listen to your Radiko favorite programs. Privacy and security are not concerns. They offer 256-bit AES military grade encryption and accept Bitcoin payments – enough to give users anonymity. Trust.Zone also has its headquarters in Seychelles. This protects the user data log from the surveillance teams of 14-eye countries.

Trust.Zone has over 1000+ high-speed servers located in 85+ countries around the world. The number of users is growing daily. Radiko users can stream radio programs with the same speed and bandwidth this vast network provides. Radiko users outside Japan love Trust.Zone's budget-friendly features.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a VPN provider for Radiko

You can find hundreds of VPN apps in your phone's app store. Only a handful of these apps, even the most reliable, have the required features to stream Radiko from distant locations.

These are the most important factors to consider before you make a decision on a VPN.

VPN Servers in Japan: Physical Presence

“Physical presence” here refers to the presence of the provider's server(s), in Japanese territory. By connecting to these servers from outside of Japan, the VPN user can automatically obtain a Japanese IP address and, by extension, unblock Radiko.

Speed of connection

Providers that restrict or limit users' data bandwidth and connection speed should be avoided. Streaming services need a fast internet connection with unlimited bandwidth. You can avoid buffering connections and the stress that comes with them.

Privacy and Security for Users

Radiko's geoblock can be bypassed by a VPN, but it is only one aspect of a VPN. The integrity of data sent from your device must also be protected. Look out for VPNs that offer privacy and standard security features. Kill Switch, DNS Leak Protection, and 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption are examples of such qualities.

Service charges

VPN services that have servers in Japan are the most reliable and cost-effective. Many VPN services offer flexible subscription plans that users can choose from. We recommend the money-back guarantee option if you are only using a VPN for Radiko.

Most Common Questions about Listening to Radiko Outside Japan

What VPN can I use to listen to Radiko from outside Japan?

You can use a VPN to listen to Radiko from outside Japan. We do not recommend them. Although some VPNs are free and can be used to unblock Radiko's website, they do not offer servers in Japan. Many free VPN services limit your access to their servers, and you can only use a small number of them. They also limit your data and bandwidth. This can impact the quality of your Radiko connection. Hackers can also use free VPN services without your knowledge to infect your devices. While you can use a free VPN service, we recommend that you use a paid one.

Which VPN is best for listening to Radiko from outside Japan?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to listen to Radiko outside Japan. It has a network of servers in Tokyo, Yokohama and other locations. A VPN can't unblock Radiko if it doesn't have servers in Japan. ExpressVPN's Japanese servers run lightning-fast Lightway Protocol and other quick protocols. Radiko will be very easy to listen to outside Japan. ExpressVPN's security and privacy features ensure that your data is protected and you remain anonymous online.

Is it illegal to use a VPN for Radiko listening outside Japan?

It is legal to use a VPN for Radiko listening outside Japan. VPN use is not restricted in many countries. You can use a VPN in these countries without fear of harassment or restriction from law enforcement. VPN use in countries that prohibit or restrict it could be dangerous. Radiko will inform you if a VPN is illegal or legal in the country where you live.

Is a VPN going to slow down my connection speed to Radiko?

If you use low-rated paid VPNs, or free VPNs, your Radiko connection speed will be affected. Although a VPN can slow down your connection speed, premium VPN services are highly rated and offer lower speeds. These VPNs won't make any difference in your speed, and you won't even notice it. You will most likely notice it with other VPNs.

Conclusion

Radiko is an aggregation of a number of Japanese radio stations. This makes it a hotspot for many interesting and original programs. Our VPN recommendations list can be used to bypass Radiko's geo-restrictions. Follow this guide to enjoy seamless radio streaming with Radiko!

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