VPN Solutions to Experience Safer Internet Without Worrying About Your Privacy
Japan is among the most technologically advanced countries of the world, with its jaw-dropping 90+% of its population connected to the internet. It’s even considered one of the ideal places for taking benefits of the latest internet technology innovation. In Japan, most of everything and everyone is connected to the web.
Internet censorship and government surveillance are not a massive problem yet. But, slowly, it’s shifting, due to which circumstances and attitudes have started changing. And, due to this present shifted situation, it’s affecting both. For example, people of Japan, as well as those millions of tourists who visit Japan every month keeping aside COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, Japan has started showing a declining rate for online freedom and privacy. The restrictions have started being applied to copyrighted content and restrictions on certain websites. Furthermore, Japan has also started working closely with the NSA, raising more concerns about internet privacy. And the simple solution is VPN.
Apart from privacy concerns of Government, there are also many other reasons where VPN can prove helpful. For instance, accessing geo-restricted content or maintaining your internet privacy while you’re using public Wi-Fi when you’re at a shop, hotel, or restaurant. Or else if you’re traveling somewhere, and you don’t get access to your local region streaming services. Also, It helps to mask your IP address and make you appear from another country or region. So, no one can get to know where you from.
Here Are Some of the Important Things to Look for in a VPN
Using a VPN in Japan isn’t different from any other country. Good VPN services help you evade from Government and ISP (Internet Service Provider) restrictions and surveillance by masking your real IP address and making you anonymous while giving you an excellent opportunity to access geo-restricted contents.
Another thing you should stay aware of not to lure into free VPNs. Yes, many VPN solutions are available these days, including free ones. But free VPNs does have issues. You cannot trust VPN providers blindly. These VPNs have their servers, and they cost money. If you’re finding any free VPN, then there are chances that your activity might be tracked, and your data can be sold to third-parties. However, free VPNs are offered as a trial version for a certain period. So, if you want to test out before purchasing, then you can go for the free trial versions offered by popular VPN providers.
Though some of the things you should look for are like:
- Before choosing any VPN, it’s best to find out whether they offer a good number of VPN servers. For example, it doesn’t make any sense if you subscribe to a VPN provider, and it doesn’t offer the server in a country where you want to get connected. It also gives assurance that you have a good number of servers to choose from, so if you can’t connect with one server or it’s busy due to any other reason, you’ve other options available.
- Be sure that the VPN solution you’re thinking to opt for does not log any user data and maintains strict zero-log policy, so you don’t have to worry about your privacy, and hence you enjoy complete anonymity.
- It offers the latest privacy features and protocols like internet kill switch, DNS and WebRTC leak protection, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP.
- Latest encryption standard like high-level AES-256-bit encryption. Additional security features like NAT firewall and Double VPN.
What is the Best VPN to use in Japan?
- Surfshark VPN
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- VyprVPN
- PureVPN
- IvacyVPN
- RUSVPN
1. Surfshark VPN
Relatively new in the VPN market, founded in 2018, Surfshark is considered as one of the all-rounder VPN solutions. It’s quite useful for torrenting, anonymous browsing, or watching Netflix along with its impeccable privacy features.
Features like unlimited simultaneous VPN connection using a single account. Strong AES-256-GCM encryption standard, VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, DNS, and IP leak protection. Also, some advanced features like the Camouflage Mode for disguising VPN to prevent ISPs from tracking the VPN connection. MultiHop feature for connecting more than two VPN servers concurrently, NoBorders mode for accessing blocked streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Kodi, BBC iPlayer, makes it one of the top contenders of the big VPN players, that also in just short time.
If you still have questions or want to know further about their customer support service, whether they’ve instructional guides. Then we suggest going through the Surfshark VPN review written by our experts, which will help you make a better decision.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
2. ExpressVPN
The VPN industry’s biggest contender, ExpressVPN, comes with the huge 3000+ servers located in more than 94 countries.
It’s popular for its unblocking capabilities in most aggressive countries like China, which makes it very interesting to use in Japan.
It offers strong AES-256-bit encryption, easy to use friendly interface, unlimited server switching, popular VPN protocols like TCP/UDP, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP, DNS blocking, built-in Turbocharge ExpressVPN for testing speed and more.
If you’ve questions or would like to know further, we recommend going through ExpressVPN review written over here, which will help you decide.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
3. NordVPN
Another top contender of the VPN industry, NordVPN, comes with a massive 5K+ server list. It’s built with the mission of offering censorship-free internet experience. NordVPN currently serves more than 8 million people worldwide, including Japan.
Features that make NordVPN so strong are like military-grade encryption standards for data protection. CyberSec to block malicious malware, spyware, DoubleVPN to encrypt your data twice, strict no-log policy, automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection for keeping the internet secure and private. Simultaneous VPN connection for up to 6 devices from single NordVPN account, double data protection, and much more.
If you still have questions or would like to know whether it fits your budget and requirement, any queries regarding their customer support, whether they offer an instructional guide. Then we suggest going through NordVPN review written by our experts that will help you make a final decision.
- 5200+ servers in 62 countries
- Use up to 6 devices
- Next-generation Encryption
- Double VPN Feature
- Strict no-logs policy
4. VyprVPN
Switzerland based VyprVPN is loaded with features similar to its cool logo, which can prove to be a good option for the regular users. If you’re looking for a VPN to have safe internet experience in public places like restaurants or malls, this VyprVPN is an excellent choice to go with.
Some of the exciting features offered by VyprVPN are like high-end 256-bit AES encryption standard, 700+ decent server list located in more than 70 locations, unlimited bandwidth. Additional features like IP address protection, to mask your location and let you appear from another country. NAT firewall, Chameleon technology to bypass geo-restrictions of aggressive countries like China and much more.
If you still have questions or want to know further about their customer support service, whether they offer timely support or not. We suggest going through the VyprVPN review, written by our experts, to help you make the final decision.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock Kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
5. PureVPN
PureVPN is one of the concrete VPN solutions that come equipped with many functionalities and features. Headquartered in record retention jurisdiction free Hong Kong, PureVPN comes with decent 2K+ servers located in more than 140 countries with 3M+ active users.
Features offered by PureVPN are like, multi-login feature for up to 5 devices using a single account, kill switch feature, port forwarding add-on for protection against exploited loopholes, IPv6, and Web RTC leak protection. Ability to bypass geo-restricted streaming services like Amazon Prime, SkyGO, Netflix US, Hulu, etc. Advanced features like Ozone to filter content, URL filtering, Antimalware, app blocking, and more.
If you still have questions or would like to know whether it fits your budget and requirement, or else want to know about their customer support service or something else. Then we recommend going through PureVPN review, written by our experts, that will help you decide whether to go with this VPN or not.
- 6500+ Secure Servers
- 3 Million+ Satisfied Users
- 10-Multi Logins
- One-click Software
- 31-Day Refund Policy
- 24/7 Customer Support
6. IvacyVPN
Ivacy VPN is one of the award-winning VPN services headquartered in Singapore that comes with 10+ years of experience in the VPN marketplace. It comes with the assurance of maximum privacy on the internet that offers absolute security and anonymity.
Other exciting features offered are robust VPN protocols PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. Multi-login features for up to 5 devices using a single account. High-end AES-256 encryption standard. Split tunneling, DNS leak protection, strict no-log policy, Dedicated IPs and much more.,
If you still have questions or would like to know whether it fits your requirements, how’s their customer support service, whether they offer any knowledgebase guides for those who are not much aware of VPNs or anything else. Then we suggest going through the IvacyVPN review written by our experts that will help you decide whether to go with this VPN service or not.
- 3500+ Servers in 100+ Locations
- 10 Devices Simultaneous Logins
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Malware Protection
- P2P Support
7. RUSVPN
Shortly established in 2017, RUSVPN is one of the best VPN providers that stands true to its name R – Reliable, U – Unlimited, S – Secure. During their very first year of operation, they were able to garner 200K loyal customers. It’s an exciting provider that can stand many top contenders of the VPN industry. Not much into an advertisement on the internet, however, they offer satisfactory services to their clients.
Some of the exciting features offered by RUSVPN are like the no-log policy for maintaining user privacy, automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, specialties servers like Dedicated IP Servers, P2P Servers, Standard Servers, and Obfuscated servers. SmartPlay for accessing geo-restricted streaming services like Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, P2P friendly, and much more.
If you still have questions or would like to know further, like how’s their customer support service, whether they offer any instructional guides. We suggest going through RUSVPN review, written by our experts, that will help you decide whether to go with this VPN provider or not.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
Any Major Concerns or Restrictions on the Internet of Japan
Presently there are no such restrictions like other aggressive countries. According to the Freedom House, Japan has been ranked as “free” with the advocacy body, noting that everyone can use social media apps, clampdowns, or access to content on popular blogs. It’s even strengthened by Japan’s constitution to protect all types of different speech and prohibits censorship on it.
However, national security can cause an issue at the federal level. Earlier in 2013, according to the law passed in Japan, the “Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets.” It’s an act of crime leaking and publishing national secrets doesn’t matter whether it’s intended or not. Freedom House says that this can be a potential difficulty for journalists, civil society watchdogs, and whistleblowers.
Even the United Nations Human Rights Committee agrees that this law is entirely vague, and it should be broadened when it comes to defining what limitations has to be kept. As individuals caught violating these rules are subjected to criminal penalties.
However, there hasn’t been any official arrest reported till yet under this new law. But, there’s a penalty of maximum up to ten years imprisonment those who found guilty revealing any state secrets, which does create questions regarding freedom.
Torrenting in Japan
Torrenting copyrighted materials is not legal, so the possibility is there that you can get arrested if you get caught. However, Japanese law enforcement is slightly different as they prefer catching those who upload such content instead of those who download. But punishment is there that range up to ¥10,000,000 fine and two-year imprisonment.
Summary
Presently as a visitor or resident, you won’t find many restrictions over internet usage, as most people like surfing social media platforms or like to watch movies that are not restricted. Though, some geo-restrictions do come around like accessing streaming services of another country, for example, Netflix US.
And, apart from that in present situation media channel does face little restrictions on internet freedom. For example, leaking of state-related information is not allowed, whether it’s intentional or not. Again, a VPN solution is one of the best bets to go with.
For instance, whether you’re a journalist who wants to access things over the internet without being tracked by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or Government. Else you’re a visitor from any other country who wants to watch their favorite show, and it’s restricted in Japan, then VPNs can be a helpful tool. Also, here we’ve mentioned the top 7 VPN providers that are best to use in Japan. So, go through it and find out whether it meets your needs or not.
