Last Updated on September 13, 2026 by Walter
Quick answer: Japan gets a smaller Crunchyroll library than the US, so connect a VPN to a United States server and sign in to Crunchyroll again to load the fuller catalogue. Surfshark VPN is our pick here because it is cheap, has fast US servers, and covers unlimited devices. The whole setup takes about five minutes.
Being in Japan and finding that your Crunchyroll library is just a shadow of what it is elsewhere, especially the US, is a common frustration for anime fans. The fix is simpler than it looks: a Virtual Private Network (VPN) changes the country your connection appears to come from, so you can stream Crunchyroll in Japan with the catalogue you actually want.
This guide shows you exactly how to get a US IP address and stream the Crunchyroll anime catalogue from Japan, step by step.
Table of Contents
Watch Crunchyroll in Japan – Step-by-Step Guide
Want to unlock the fuller US Crunchyroll library in Japan? Follow these steps with Surfshark VPN:
- Sign up for Surfshark VPN.
- Install the Surfshark VPN app on your device (Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Fire TV – all supported).
- Connect to a United States (US) server.
- Open Crunchyroll in your browser or app and sign in.
- Start streaming the titles that were missing from your Japanese library.
That is the whole process – five steps and you are watching.
Why Can't I Watch Crunchyroll in Japan?
The reason the full Crunchyroll library is not available in Japan is geo-blocking. Streaming licences are sold region by region, and in practice the US holds rights to most simulcasts and catalogue titles while Japan – the country that produces the anime – misses out on a surprising number of them. To get around the Crunchyroll geo-restriction, you make your connection look like it is coming from a country with broader licensing, which is why a United States IP address is the key.
One important note: Crunchyroll knows VPNs exist. It blocks some known VPN ranges, so the cheap free services usually fail while paid providers rotate their addresses to keep working. That is the difference the step above depends on.
Why Surfshark VPN Works for Crunchyroll in Japan
Surfshark VPN is a strong pick for anyone watching Crunchyroll in Japan. It has plenty of fast US servers, which is exactly what smooth streaming needs, plus a strict no-logs policy for privacy and unlimited simultaneous connections so every device you own can be set up on one account. It is also one of the more affordable ways to unblock geo-restricted streaming.
5 Best VPNs for Crunchyroll in Japan [Easy Guide]:
Surfshark VPN
- Unlimited devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Plenty of US servers
Pros: Great value, reliably streams, super easy to use.
Cons: Speeds can vary slightly between servers.
NordVPN
- Over 7,000 servers worldwide
- Strong security features
Pros: Very fast, highly secure, huge server count.
Cons: The interface can be a little busy for newcomers.
ExpressVPN
- Servers in over 100 countries
- Excellent at unblocking content
Pros: Very reliable for streaming, fast speeds, a breeze to use.
Cons: Costs a bit more than some others.
CyberGhost
- Over 7,200 servers
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Servers tuned for streaming
Pros: Easy-to-use interface, great for beginners, good server variety.
Cons: Sometimes has trouble with certain geo-blocked services.
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN
- Over 29,000 servers
- Strong focus on privacy
Pros: Huge server network, highly customisable, good for advanced users.
Cons: The app interface might not be the most intuitive for everyone.
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Japan on Different Devices
Android Devices
- Download and install the Surfshark VPN app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and sign in to your account.
- Connect to a server located in the United States.
- Open the Crunchyroll app or website and start streaming.
iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad)
- Download and install the Surfshark VPN app from the App Store.
- Open the app and log in.
- Pick a US server and connect.
- Launch the Crunchyroll app or go to the website to watch.
PC/Windows
- Head to the Surfshark VPN website and download the Windows client.
- Install the application and log in.
- Select a server in the USA and connect.
- Open Crunchyroll's website and enjoy your anime.
Smart TV
- Set up your router to use Surfshark VPN, or install the VPN on a device connected to your TV.
- Connect Surfshark VPN to a US server.
- Open the Crunchyroll app on your Smart TV.
- Start watching the fuller library.
Apple TV
- Set up Surfshark VPN on your router or on a device that shares its internet with your Apple TV.
- Connect Surfshark VPN to a server in the United States.
- Download and open the Crunchyroll app from the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Start watching your favourite series.
Amazon Firestick
- Install the Surfshark VPN app from the Amazon Appstore.
- Launch the app and log in.
- Connect to a server based in the US.
- Open the Crunchyroll app on your Firestick and enjoy.
What Can You Watch on Crunchyroll in Japan?
With a US connection, the catalogue expands to include the big simulcasts and long-running titles that the Japanese library often lacks. A small sample of what becomes available:
| Popular Anime | Why It Is Worth It |
|---|---|
| One Piece | Hundreds of episodes, easier to marathon on the US catalogue. |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | Full season runs and simulcasts. |
| Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba | Complete arc coverage with subtitles and dubs. |
| Solo Leveling | Simulcast episodes as they air. |
| Chainsaw Man | Subbed and dubbed versions in one place. |
You can also pair Crunchyroll with a streaming guide for other services – see our Attack on Titan on Netflix walkthrough and Crunchyroll in South Korea.
FAQs: Watch Crunchyroll in Japan
Does Crunchyroll block VPN users in Japan?
Crunchyroll does try to block VPNs, but good providers like Surfshark VPN keep updating their IP addresses and servers to stay ahead of the blocks. If one US server fails, switch to another – it usually works immediately.
Is Crunchyroll free in Japan?
Crunchyroll has a free, ad-supported tier with a limited selection. The full library, the newest episodes and ad-free viewing need a premium subscription. Even on premium, the Japanese catalogue is noticeably smaller than the US one.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Crunchyroll in Japan?
Free VPNs are usually a poor fit for streaming. They have limited servers, slow speeds, data caps and often cannot get past Crunchyroll's VPN blocks. They can also compromise your privacy. A paid service is the reliable route.
Which server country is best for Crunchyroll?
The United States has the largest English Crunchyroll catalogue, so start there. If a specific title is missing, try the UK or Canada before switching providers.
Is it allowed to use a VPN with Crunchyroll?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but bypassing a regional restriction may conflict with Crunchyroll's Terms of Service. Check the terms and your local laws, and use it only for lawful viewing.
Wrapping Up: Watch Crunchyroll in Japan
Do not let geo-restrictions shrink your anime library any longer. With Surfshark VPN, a US server and a quick sign-in, you can unlock the fuller Crunchyroll catalogue from Japan and watch the titles that were out of reach. Set it up once and it keeps working.
Related posts:
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Andorra in 2026: Updated
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Belgium in 2026: Updated
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Bosnia in 2026: Full Guide
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Bulgaria in 2026: Updated
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Cyprus in 2026: Easy Guide
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Finland in 2026: Updated
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Greece in 2026: Tested
How to Watch Crunchyroll in Hungary in 2026: Updated