Best VPN for Playing Japanese PSN Games

If you’re into JRPGs, anime games, or early access demos that never get released outside Japan, the Japanese PlayStation Store is a goldmine. But for anyone outside the region, getting to that content isn’t as easy as just logging in.

It’s locked behind region restrictions that block foreign IP addresses. That’s where a VPN comes in. By connecting through a server in Japan, a VPN can make it look like you’re accessing the store from inside the country, letting you browse, download, and play region-locked titles.

Why You Need a VPN for Japanese PSN

Access to Japanese-only games and content

Japan often gets exclusive games, demos, and DLCs that don’t release elsewhere. A VPN helps unlock the Japanese PSN store so you can access these hidden gems from anywhere.

Bypassing regional IP blocks

Sony restricts access to the Japanese PSN store if your IP isn’t from Japan. A VPN gives you a Japanese IP address so you can browse and buy like a local.

Creating a Japanese PSN account and setting Japanese address

To access the JP store, you’ll need a Japanese PSN account. A VPN helps with that, especially during sign-up when your IP must match the region you’re choosing.

Avoiding price discrimination (Japanese store discounts or yen pricing)

Game prices and discounts can vary by region. With a VPN, you can compare Japanese pricing, sometimes scoring better deals thanks to regional promos or yen exchange rates.

Key Features to Look for in a VPN for Japanese PSN

Japan Server Availability: Not all VPNs have reliable JP servers

Not every VPN offers stable Japanese servers. Make sure the one you pick has consistent access to Japan with minimal downtime so you’re not locked out when you need it.

Speed and Low Latency

Slow connections ruin the experience. Look for a VPN that offers high-speed servers with low ping times in Japan to handle game downloads and ensure smooth online gameplay.

No Data Caps

Games are huge, and limited data can cut you off mid-download. Use a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth so you’re not stuck waiting or paying extra for more data.

IP Type

Some PSN services detect and block company or data center IPs. VPNs offering residential IPs (like home internet connections) are more likely to work without getting flagged or blocked.

PS4/PS5 compatibility via router or network sharing

Since PlayStations don’t support VPN apps directly, make sure the VPN works with routers or can be shared from a PC. That way, your console can connect through it easily.

Best VPN for Playing Japanese PSN Games

If you’re trying to access the Japanese PlayStation Store, having the right VPN makes all the difference. Here are two great options to help you get started—one is totally free, and the other offers a limited free trial. The best choice depends on your setup and what you’re looking for.

PureVPN (Free Trial – Limited)

If you’re looking for an easy way to access the Japanese PlayStation Store, PureVPN makes it simple. With a limited free trial, you can test things out without committing upfront. It’s quick to install, beginner-friendly, and delivers solid speed and security right out of the box.

Compared to options like VPNGate, PureVPN takes way less effort to set up—perfect if you just want to jump in and start gaming. And if you decide to upgrade, our premium version lets you choose from a wide range of servers (including Japan), giving you more control and a smoother experience on Japanese PSN.

How to Use PureVPN for Japanese PSN on Your Console

Since PlayStation consoles don’t have built-in VPN support, you’ll need to connect your PS4 or PS5 indirectly using one of the following methods. Here’s how to use PureVPN to access the Japanese PlayStation Store on your console in a clear and practical way.

Method 1: Share VPN from PC to PS4/PS5

This method works by running PureVPN on your Windows PC and sharing that internet connection with your console using an Ethernet cable.

Steps:

1. Install and launch PureVPN on your PC.
2. Connect to a Japanese server.
3. Plug an Ethernet cable from your PC to your PS4/PS5.
4. On your PC, go to Network & Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
5. Right-click the PureVPN adapter > Properties > Sharing Tab, and check “Allow other network users to connect”.
6. On your PS4/PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable and choose Easy setup.
7. The console will detect the shared connection and route traffic through the VPN.

Note: This method also works with OpenVPN + VPNGate, but requires importing .ovpn files into an OpenVPN app first. It’s more hands-on but lets you use Japan-based residential IPs for free.

Method 2: PureVPN via Router Setup

This is the most stable and console-friendly method. Your entire home network runs through the VPN, so no manual connection on the console is needed.

Steps:

1. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1).
2. Check if your router supports VPN configuration (many ASUS, Netgear, and DD-WRT routers do).
3. Follow PureVPN’s router setup guide to install and configure OpenVPN using their provided settings.
4. Connect the router to a Japanese server from PureVPN’s dashboard.
5. Any device connected to the router—including your PS4/PS5—will now route through Japan.

Tip: This is perfect for users with multiple devices needing region access. Just remember, free trials may not allow server switching, so you’ll want the full version of PureVPN for consistent results.

Popular Japanese PSN Games Worth Unlocking with a VPN

Game Title	Genre / Type	Notable Feature
Tales of Arise	JRPG	Stunning visuals and real-time combat
Harmful Park	Shoot ’em up	Rare, quirky, Japan-exclusive title
NieR: Automata	Action RPG	Critically acclaimed, philosophical story
DonPachi	Bullet hell shooter	Classic arcade-style gameplay
Nioh	Action RPG / Soulslike	Intense combat, samurai setting
Front Mission 2	Tactical RPG	Japan-exclusive mech strategy game
Tales of Zestiria	JRPG	Deep lore and action-based combat
Final Fantasy Tactics	Tactical RPG	Legendary grid-based strategy RPG
Final Fantasy VII	JRPG	Iconic PS1 classic
Soukaigi	Action adventure	Japan-only Squaresoft game
Mega Man 2	Platformer	NES-era classic still loved by fans
Front Mission 3	Tactical RPG	Deep customization, great mech gameplay
Bushido Blade	Fighting	Unique 1-hit kill sword duels
Carnage Heart	Strategy / Sim	Program your own battle mechs
Poy Poy	Party / Arena fighter	Fun multiplayer brawler
Rival Schools: United by Fate	Fighting	High-energy school-themed fighter
Um Jammer Lammy	Rhythm	Sequel to Parappa the Rapper
Strider 2	Action / Platformer	Fast-paced arcade gameplay
Final Fantasy IX	JRPG	Classic fantasy feel with rich storytelling
CHRONO TRIGGER (Upgrade Ver.)	JRPG	Timeless RPG masterpiece
Mega Man 3	Platformer	Refined gameplay and great bosses
Mega Man 5	Platformer	Underrated entry in the series
Metal Gear Solid	Stealth action	Iconic stealth gameplay and deep story
Mega Man 6	Platformer	Last NES-era entry, Japan release preferred
Final Fantasy IV	JRPG	Classic tale of redemption and betrayal
Mega Man 4	Platformer	Introduced charge shot mechanic
Shin Megami Tensei	JRPG	Dark, demon-fusion RPG with choices
Puyo Puyo 2	Puzzle	Addictive Japan-favorite puzzle battle game
Chocobo Racing	Kart racing	Square’s take on the kart racer genre
Money Puzzle Exchanger	Puzzle	Fast-paced coin-themed arcade puzzler
Samurai Shodown	Fighting	Weapon-based classic with Japanese flair
Raiden	Shoot ’em up	Arcade bullet shooter with strong legacy

Frequently Asked Questions