Streaming services in Japan with English: Netflix, U-NEXT, Prime and more

As of October 2026, the main streaming services in Japan cost ¥890 to ¥2,290 a month for Netflix, ¥1,250 or ¥1,670 for Disney+, ¥1,320 for Hulu and ¥2,189 for U-NEXT. Netflix and Disney+ have English-language sites. Netflix takes foreign cards, prepaid cards, gift cards and PayPay, so you do not need a Japanese credit card. NHK’s fee depends on devices and NHK ONE, not on Netflix-type apps.

How much do streaming services cost in Japan?

These are the prices on each provider’s own page on 27 October 2026 (Disney+ and Hulu state tax included; Netflix says taxes may apply). Prices change, so check the provider before you sign up.

Netflix has no annual, multi-month or lifetime plan, and the Basic plan is closed to new and returning members. Disney+ says its annual plans are only offered through some sign-up routes.

Hulu raised its price from ¥1,026 to ¥1,320 on 1 October 2026. Existing members pay the new price from their first billing date on or after that day. Google Play members start 31 October and Apple members 1 November. Hulu | Disney+ bundles kept the old price.

Hulu adds 400 points a month, worth ¥400 on rentals and purchases. They expire 90 days after they are granted. U-NEXT’s help page gives ¥2,189 as an example monthly fee but does not say how many points it includes.

We did not confirm Amazon Prime’s price: Amazon’s Japan fee page did not load when we checked. Look at Amazon’s membership fee page before you sign up.

Do Japanese streaming services have English?

The sites differ from the content. A service can have an English menu and still show a Japanese show with only Japanese subtitles.

• Netflix: The Japan site has an English version. Netflix says a title may lack subtitles or audio in a language because of content licensing and show agreements. Your location, your profile’s language setting and the device also matter, and for licensed shows released weekly, languages appear once the episodes are completed.
• Disney+: The Japan page offers Japanese and English.
• Hulu and U-NEXT: Their pages that we could read are in Japanese. We could not confirm English menus or English subtitles on either, so test the free trial or ask support before you pay for a year.

To find English subtitles on Netflix, set your profile’s audio and subtitle languages in your account, or browse netflix.com/browse/subtitles.

Can I pay without a Japanese credit card?

Often yes, but it depends on the service. Netflix and U-NEXT list their methods in their help pages. Disney+ lists them on its Japan page.

Three points matter for foreign residents:

• Foreign cards: Netflix says your card must allow recurring online payments, and you may need to switch on international transactions with your bank.
• Prepaid and gift cards: Netflix accepts both. U-NEXT’s gift codes and U-NEXT cards (sold at convenience stores) cannot pay the monthly plan.
• PayPay: U-NEXT only accepts PayPay accounts that have finished identity verification (eKYC). Our guide to PayPay and Suica covers setup.

No Japanese credit card? See credit cards for foreigners in Japan and prepaid cards for foreigners.

Does streaming mean I have to pay the NHK fee?

No. The NHK fee depends on having a TV or other device that receives NHK, or using NHK’s own online service NHK ONE. NHK’s page says owning a PC or smartphone alone needs no contract and does not mention Netflix or other video apps, so the rule turns on your devices and NHK ONE, not on those services. A TV that can receive NHK does need one. NHK says its English international service NHK WORLD-JAPAN needs no contract. See the NHK fee for foreigners for amounts, exemptions and cancelling.

What do I need before I sign up?

• A stable connection. Check home internet for foreigners if you have not set one up.
• A payment method that works. Pick the service by the methods in the table above, not only by price.
• An email address and a device. Each service here signs you up online.
• A cancellation plan. Netflix says you can change plans or cancel at any time. For any free trial, check the terms for what happens when it ends and set a reminder.

More guides

• Mobile data for streaming: SIM cards for foreigners in Japan
• A phone plan with a contract: phone contracts for foreigners
• Paying without a bank card: debit cards for foreigners
• TV fee rules: NHK fee for foreigners