How to Watch Anime in Japanese Without Subtitles: A Complete Guide
Watching anime in its original Japanese language is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture, improve your listening skills, and appreciate voice acting performances. However, many viewers struggle with finding anime without subtitles. Whether you're a language learner or simply prefer raw Japanese audio, this guide will help you discover where and how to watch anime without subtitles.
Why Watch Anime in Japanese Without Subtitles?
Before diving into the methods, let's explore why you might want to watch anime in Japanese without subtitles:
- Improve Japanese Listening Skills – Removing subtitles forces you to rely on your listening comprehension, helping you pick up natural speech patterns.
- Better Appreciation of Voice Acting – Japanese voice actors (seiyuu) deliver incredible performances that are often overshadowed by subtitles.
- Cultural Authenticity – Watching in Japanese ensures you experience cultural nuances, jokes, and wordplay that may be lost in translation.
- Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests – If you're studying for the JLPT or similar tests, raw anime can be a fun listening practice tool.
How to Find Anime in Japanese Without Subtitles
1. Use Japanese Streaming Platforms
Many legal streaming services in Japan provide anime without English subtitles. Some popular options include:
- ABEMA ( https://abema.tv/ ) – A free streaming service with live TV and anime.
- TVer ( https://tver.jp/ ) – A legal platform offering recent anime episodes without subtitles.
- Niconico ( https://www.nicovideo.jp/ ) – Japan’s equivalent of YouTube, featuring many anime clips and full episodes.
Note: Some services may require a VPN if accessed outside Japan.
2. Purchase Japanese DVDs/Blu-rays
If you want high-quality, subtitle-free anime, Japanese DVD/Blu-ray releases are a great option. Sites like:
- Amazon Japan ( https://www.amazon.co.jp/ )
- CDJapan ( https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/ )
- Rakuten Japan ( https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ )
often sell anime discs without forced subtitles.
3. Use Torrents & Fan-Subbed RAW Releases
While piracy is discouraged, some sites specialize in distributing "RAW" (unsubtitled) anime files. These are often used by fansubbers for translating.
- Nyaa.si ( https://nyaa.si/ ) – A torrent site with many RAW anime uploads.
- Tokyo Toshokan ( https://www.tokyotosho.info/ ) – Another source for RAW anime.
Warning: Downloading copyrighted content may be illegal in your country. Use at your own risk.
4. Japanese TV Broadcasts (Using a VPN or Antenna)
Many anime air on Japanese TV channels such as:
- NHK (e.g., Sazae-san )
- Fuji TV (e.g., One Piece )
- TV Tokyo (e.g., Naruto , My Hero Academia )
If you're outside Japan, a VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) can help access these broadcasts.
5. Language Learning Apps & Browser Extensions
Some tools allow you to toggle subtitles on/off for language practice:
- Language Reactor (Chrome extension) – Can disable subtitles on Netflix.
- Animelon ( https://www.animelon.com/ ) – A site designed for learning Japanese with anime, with customizable subtitles.
Tips for Watching Anime Without Subtitles
If you're not yet fluent, jumping straight into raw anime can be difficult. Here are some strategies to make it easier:
1. Watch Shows You’ve Already Seen
Rewatching anime you're familiar with helps you focus on the Japanese dialogue instead of the plot.
2. Start With Slice-of-Life Anime
Genres like Shoujo , Slice-of-Life , and Comedy (e.g., Non Non Biyori , Yuru Camp ) use simpler, everyday vocabulary compared to complex fantasy or sci-fi anime.
3. Use Japanese Subtitles Instead of English
If completely removing subtitles is too hard, try switching to Japanese subtitles (available on some platforms like Netflix Japan). This helps reinforce listening while still providing text support.
4. Shadowing & Active Listening Exercises
- Shadowing : Repeat lines out loud to improve pronunciation.
- Note Unknown Words : Pause and look up unfamiliar phrases.
5. Join Japanese Anime Discussion Groups
Engaging with native speakers (e.g., on Discord servers, Reddit’s r/LearnJapanese, or Twitter/X ) can help you understand context and slang.
Legal & Ethical Considerations
While finding anime without subtitles can be tricky, always prioritize legal sources when possible. Supporting official releases helps the anime industry and ensures creators are compensated.
- If using VPNs , make sure the service allows it (some platforms like Netflix ban VPN users).
- Avoid illegal streaming sites that host pirated content.
Final Thoughts
Watching anime in Japanese without subtitles is an enriching experience that enhances language learning and appreciation for the medium. By using Japanese streaming services, purchasing discs, or leveraging language tools, you can enjoy anime in its purest form.
Start with easier series, use Japanese subtitles if needed, and gradually challenge yourself with more complex shows. 頑張って (Ganbatte – Good luck)!
Would you like recommendations for specific anime to start with? Let us know in the comments! 🎌