How to Watch Showtime in Japan [Updated Feb 2024]

Wondering, “Can I use Showtime in Japan?” Yes, you can. This blog is a perfect guide to help you watch Showtime in Japan in 2024. So let’s not keep you waiting and find out how to get Showtime in Japan with a VPN.

Showtime is a US-based VOD streaming service that offers countless shows and movies, including Couples Therapy, A Love Song, Baby Boom, Black Snake Moan, and Changing Lanes. Unfortunately, Showtime is blocked in Japan, and to watch its content, you need to use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

Don’t know how to use a VPN? Let us help you with that. We also put together a list of the top 3 VPN services to make it simple for you. Read along and find easy steps to watch Showtime in Japan:


How to Watch Showtime in Japan in 2024 (Easy Guide)

If you are here to know, How can I watch Showtime in Japan? Following are the steps you must follow to watch Showtime in Japan in 2023.

  1. Subscribe to a robust VPN; ExpressVPN is our top recommendation due to its blistering-fast speed!
  2. Download the VPN app and Sign in.
  3. Connect to a server from the US (preferably New York).
  4. Visit the Showtime website and sign in with your credentials.
  5. Voila! Now you can stream Showtime in Japan hassle-free.

Note: Showtime is simple to use, free for the first 30 days, and only $10.99 monthly. Create a Showtime account to get started, and you’ll also have access to more fantastic exclusives from Showtime.


Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Showtime in Japan?

You need a VPN to bypass Showtime’s geo-restrictions and watch it in Japan.

So, does Showtime work with VPN? Yes, it does. Showtime is geo-blocked in Japan because of the copyright policies and licensing agreements and can only be accessed with the help of a premium Showtime VPN like ExpressVPN.

Therefore, when you try watching Showtime in Japan without a VPN, you will be instantly blocked by the service and come across the following Showtime error message:

“SERVER ERROR

SHOWTIME is accessible for viewing solely in the United States and its territories and possessions.”

showtime-geo-error-in-Japan

You will be blocked instantly if you try to access Showtime without a VPN!

A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is the best way to stream your favorite shows and movies on Showtime USA. It is a technological tool that lets you bypass the bots that detect international traffic on their site and prevents users from trying to access their content abroad.

A VPN will conceal your IP address and replace it with one of their own, based on your selected region. Your traffic will then be encrypted, and it will look like you are a resident of US, tricking the site and allowing access to people residing in UK or people trying to access Showtime Sverige.

Moreover, you can watch other channels like SyFy USA or Mubi tv from anywhere using a VPN.


How Can I Subscribe to Showtime in Japan?

With a Showtime membership, you can access various content, including award-winning Showtime original series, must-see films, ground-breaking documentaries, belly-laughing comedy specials, intense sports, and much more, instantly and without interruption.

  1. Subscribe to a robust VPN; ExpressVPN is our top recommendation due to its blistering-fast speed!
  2. Download the VPN app and Sign in.
  3. Connect to a server from the US (preferably New York).
  4. Open Showtime‘s official website on your device.
  5. Simply click “Start Your Free Trial.”
  6. Create a Showtime account, fill out your billing information, and register for a free trial by following the on-screen instructions.
  7. Your membership will continue after the free trial expires.
  8. You may also buy Showtime gift cards from anywhere online.
  9. Redeem the card on Showtime and watch your favorite programs.

Showtime is a US-only platform, its payment methods are also strictly US-based.

It will only register payment from a PayPal account or credit card of a US resident. The only way you can stream Showtime for free from abroad is by using gift cards!

So how much does it cost to get Showtime? There’s a detailed explanation of Showtime’s cost later in the guide!


What are the Best VPNs to Watch Showtime in Japan in 2024?

We tested 50+ VPN services for unblocking Showtime in Japan, among which we chose 3. These VPNs were chosen based on the highest security features, unblocking capabilities, and countless servers. The top VPNs are:

ExpressVPN: The Fastest VPN to Watch Showtime in Japan

ExpressVPN is the best VPN that works with Showtime in Japan, due to its fast speeds and 25 server locations in the US. On a 100 Mbps connection, it averages at 89.78 Mbps in downloads.

showtime-unblocked-with-ExpressVPN-in-Japan

We opted for ExpressVPN’s New York server and unblocked Showtime instantly!

We tested the New York server, and the VPN unblocked Showtime in Japan immediately. ExpressVPN offers a total of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries.

According to our test results, it gave us an 89.78 Mbps download speed, and 82.22 Mbps upload speed which is enough for high-end streaming.

expressvpn-speed-test-outside-us

ExpressVPN provided us with a super-fast speed!

The New York server worked well for us; however, the Chicago server should be avoided because it is the slowest one!

ExpressVPN has a Media Streamer (Smart DNS) option that allows it to connect to any devices or operating systems that don’t have a specific VPN app.

It offers support for Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows. Moreover, ExpressVPN is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Firestick, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, and Smart TV.

ExpressVPN also helps you to watch Fox TV, ABC, and HBO Max in Japan.

With ExpressVPN subscription you can watch movies and shows on different streaming channels like The Traitors Australia on TenPlay, The Traitors Australia on TenPlay, The Traitors Australia on TenPlay, The Traitors Australia on TenPlay, The Traitors Australia on TenPlay, 90 Day: The Last Resort on Freeve etc. It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account which cost JP¥1008.43/mo (US$6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark: Pocket-friendly VPN to Unblock Showtime in Japan

Surfshark is the most affordable choice for accessing Showtime in Japan. It comes with a price tag of JP¥376.46/mo (US$2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

showtime-unblocked-with-surfshark-in-Japan

We connected to Surfshark’s Chicago server and unblocked Showtime instantly!

We tested Surfshark’s US servers and found the Chicago server to be the fastest and the Buffalo server to be the slowest; the latter should be avoided at any cost!

For connectivity, users have access to 3200+ servers in 100+ countries including 600+ US servers in 23+ cities.

On a standard 100 Mbps connection, Surfshark gave us a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps. The difference in speeds might seem significant, but rest assured, Surfshark’s servers don’t affect your streaming experience.

surfshark-speed-test-outside-us

Our streaming experience with Surfshark was great because of its consistently fast speeds!

Surfshark provides military-grade AES-256 encryption, VPN Kill Switch, Clean Web, Bypasser, and Camouflage Mode.

The best part of all: streamers enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. It also lets you watch other channels like fuboTV and Freeform in Japan.

Moreover, Surfshark supports Linux, Windows, Routers, Android, iOS, macOS, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with streaming devices such as PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi routers.

NordVPN: Largest Server Network to Watch Showtime in Japan

NordVPN has perhaps the largest server network for accessing Showtime in Japan. For bypassing geo-restrictions, users have 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries along with 1970+ US servers in 15 locations.

These come in handy for watching this service in Japan. We opted for the Dallas #8019 server, and it worked well for us!

showtime-unblocked-with-NordVPN-in-Japan

We connected to the Dallas #8019 server and unblocked Showtime instantly!

On the other hand, the Atlanta #8057 server gave us a pretty hard time watching Showtime in Japan; therefore, it should be avoided!

According to our test results, you can enjoy buffer-free streaming because there is a tiny speed change after connecting to the server.

On the speed test, NordVPN performed very well! It gave us a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps, good enough for buffer-less streaming!

nordvpn-speed-test-outside-us

NordVPN provided us with an amazingly fast speed!

NordVPN provides military-grade AES-256 encryption, VPN Kill Switch, Clean Web, Bypasser, and Camouflage Mode.

The VPN can also be used to access Hulu and Sling TV in Japan. As a plus, users also enjoy 6 simultaneous connections per account.

Moreover, it supports Linux, Windows, Routers, Android, iOS, macOS, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with streaming devices such as PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi routers.

You can get NordVPN’s 2-year plan just at JP¥603.24/mo (US$3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.


What to watch on Showtime in 2024

showtime-content-in-Japan

Showtime is a versatile streaming platform with distinctive and different content. It delivers a variety of programming. The catalog of the streaming service features shows, movies, documentaries, sports programs and other kinds of content.

What are the Best Shows on Showtime in 2024

Here’s a list of the best shows to watch on Showtime:

What are the Best Movies on Showtime in 2024

Does Showtime have original movies? Yes, Showtime offers original movies. Here’s a Showtime movie list currently playing on Showtime:

What’s new on Showtime in February 2024

The following new Showtime movies and shows debut in February 2024:

  • Why Women Kill
  • Scream
  • Sabotage
  • Organ Trail
  • Nightwatch
  • Shut In
  • The Bigfoot Trap
  • The Whale
  • Mercy
  • Catch me If you can
  • Sick of Myself
  • All Up in the Biz
  • The Pink Panther
  • Kinky Boots
  • I.Q.
  • Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey
  • The Last Airbender
  • Sahara
  • Rescue Dawn
  • The Babysitter
  • The Score
  • The Forger
  • Boogie Nights
  • Bellator 300 Nurmagomedov vs Primus

On Which Devices Can I Watch Showtime?

Showtime is compatible with all major devices such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. In addition, it is also compatible with many other devices, including,

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick
  • Apple TV
  • Android
  • iOS
  • PlayStation 4
  • Roku TV
  • Xbox One
  • Oculus (Go & Quest)

You can access Showtime on any of these devices. Unfortunately, none of these devices supports VPN by default. However, there is a way around it. You can connect to a VPN by setting up a virtual router on your PC.

The computer can also transmit Wi-Fi signals, and by little tweaks in your PC internet connection settings, you can create a virtual router.


How Can I Download Showtime in Japan?

The Showtime app can be easily downloaded and installed on iOS and Android. Let’s see how it works:

How do I install the Showtime Android app?

Follow the steps below to get the Showtime App for Android:

  1. First, sign in to Google Play Store with two or more different accounts on your Android device.
  2. Now close the Google Play Store, open the VPN app (we highly recommend ExpressVPN), and connect to any US server (preferably New York).
  3. Without closing the Play Store, switch to another account.
  4. Now search for the Showtime app, download, and install.
  5. Download and install the Showtime app and start watching in Japan.

How Can I Watch Showtime on my iPhone?

Here’s how to get Showtime in Japan on iOS devices:

  1. Open the VPN app (we highly recommend ExpressVPN), and connect to a server in US (preferably New York).
  2. Go to “Settings” on your iOS device and then click on your Apple ID profile.
  3. Now tap on the “Media and Purchases” option > select “Country/Region” > tap “Change Country or Region” > select “United States,” and then on the “Terms and Conditions” page, tap “Agree.”
  4. Now enter all the required details, and for the US locations, you can provide any address and number from the internet since Apple does not verify it.
  5. Once your region change to the US, head to App Store and search for the Showtime app.
  6. Now download the app, log in to your Showtime account, and start watching Showtime on your iPhone.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Showtime in Japan?

Showtime costs US$10.99 per month in Japan. The 30-day Showtime free trial is its biggest feature. Showtime’s annual subscription plan costs US$99 a year. You are free to end your subscription at any moment if you need to.

You can download any episode or movie from the streaming service to watch it offline. It is a streaming service without advertisements that offers numerous catch-up and live videos in addition to all the well-known shows and films.

How Much Does it Cost to get Showtime in Japan on Hulu?

Showtime costs around (¥1462.98)US$10.99/mo and a 7-day free trial. You need to subscribe to Hulu with a premium add-on for this.

What else can you watch on other Channels:

With ExpressVPN you cannot only just stream Showtime content but you can also watch some of the most popular and all time favorite shows and movies available on different channels that includes Hulu, Lifetime, SonyLIV, Amazon Prime, Fox TV, Channel 4 and many more. Here is a list of some of the most popular content available on other channels:

How Much is Showtime in Japan on Amazon Prime?

With Amazon Prime, you can enjoy Showtime for just (¥1331.19) US$10/mo. Moreover, it also offers a 7-day free trial.


How to Fix Showtime Not Working in Japan in 2023?

If you face the issue of the Showtime app not working in Japan, even with a VPN, then here are some quick fixes for you:

  • Check the validity of your subscription plan- Sometimes, the subscription expires, and you may be required to subscribe again by making the payment.
  • Try restarting your device- Sometimes restarting your device is the ultimate solution. Shut down all the apps and restart your device again to check if Showtime is working.
  • Clear Cache data- Clear the cookies and cache data stored online, and then restart the Showtime app to see if it starts working.
  • Check for an update- Check in the App Store if there is a new update on the Showtime app. If there is, update your app and try to make it work.
  • Get a premium VPN- You should use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to unblock Showtime in Japan. Subscribe today and fix all the issues you are facing with the Showtime app.

FAQs

No, it is not. Showtime is only available in USA and if you want to watch it in Japan, you need a VPN like ExpressVPN.

Showtime is only available for streaming in USA and its territories. If you want to watch it outside USA, you will need a VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass the geo-restrictions.

You can get the service for free by availing of the 30-day Showtime free trial.

No, using a VPN to access Showtime is not unlawful. Using a VPN, on the other hand, is against Showtime’s Terms of Service. However, this does not make it unlawful. If you’re detected using a VPN, the worst that may happen is that Showtime will temporarily suspend your account.

No, it can not! Showtime is only able to ban the IP address that your VPN offers; it cannot completely block a VPN. It doesn’t necessarily mean that all of your VPN IP addresses have been prohibited just because it has blocked your current IP address.

Yes, Showtime offers a free trial on Roku for 30 days.

No, Showtime is not free with Spotify!

Yes, you can watch Showtime with Amazon Prime in Japan. But you will need a VPN to unblock the service outside USA.


Wrapping Up

We hope you enjoyed reading the article, and now you know how to watch Showtime in Japan using a VPN service. Due to copyrights and distribution laws, Showtime content is only available to USA.

But now, all you need is a VPN like ExpressVPN, and you can also enjoy Showtime shows from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, you can ask us in the comment section below if you have any queries.

Joshua Garner

Joshua calls himself nerd+geek who is also passionate about rugby. He enjoys comics, animes, and science fiction. He finds his comfort in writing about suspense, thrillers and science fiction shows and movies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *