The Ultimate Guide to Watching Anime in Japanese: Best Apps and Tips
For anime enthusiasts, watching anime in its original Japanese language is often the best way to experience the depth of storytelling, voice acting, and cultural nuances. Many fans seek ways to watch anime in Japanese with accurate subtitles or even without subtitles to improve their language skills. If you're one of them, you might be wondering:
"Are there any apps to watch anime in Japanese?"
The answer is yes —there are several fantastic apps and platforms that allow you to watch anime in Japanese, whether you want subtitles or just raw Japanese audio. This guide will cover the best apps, legal streaming options, and tips for an immersive anime-watching experience.
Best Apps to Watch Anime in Japanese
Here are the top apps that provide Japanese audio options for anime streaming:
1. Crunchyroll
📌
Best for:
Legal streaming, simulcasts, and a vast library
🌐
Website/App:
Crunchyroll.com
Crunchyroll is one of the most popular legal anime streaming platforms, offering a massive collection of anime in Japanese with subtitles in multiple languages.
✅
Pros:
- Official simulcasts (new episodes shortly after Japan)
- High-quality Japanese audio & subtitles
- Free tier available (with ads)
❌
Cons:
- Some region restrictions
- Premium required for HD & ad-free viewing
2. Funimation
📌
Best for:
Dubbed & subbed anime, classic series
🌐
Website/App:
Funimation.com
Funimation, now merged with Crunchyroll (under Sony), is another excellent platform for watching anime in Japanese.
✅
Pros:
- Large catalog of subbed & dubbed anime
- High-quality streams
- Offline viewing (premium)
❌
Cons:
- Some shows may not be available in all regions
3. Netflix
📌
Best for:
Exclusive anime & convenient viewing
🌐
Website/App:
Netflix.com
Netflix has been expanding its anime collection, offering many shows in Japanese with subtitles.
✅
Pros:
- High-quality streaming
- Offline downloads
- Many Netflix Originals (e.g.,
Demon Slayer
,
Vinland Saga
)
❌
Cons:
- Library varies by country
- Some older anime missing
4. HIDIVE
📌
Best for:
Niche & classic anime
🌐
Website/App:
HIDIVE.com
HIDIVE is a smaller but valuable streaming service specializing in less mainstream anime.
✅
Pros:
- Uncensored versions of some anime
- Simulcasts
- Unique titles not on other platforms
❌
Cons:
- Smaller library than Crunchyroll
5. Amazon Prime Video
📌
Best for:
Licensed exclusives & convenience
🌐
Website/App:
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers select anime titles in Japanese, including exclusives like Vinland Saga .
✅
Pros:
- High-quality streaming
- Some anime included with Prime membership
❌
Cons:
- Limited anime selection compared to dedicated platforms
6. Ani-One Asia (YouTube)
📌
Best for:
Free legal anime
🌐
Channel:
Ani-One Asia
Ani-One Asia uploads free anime episodes (mostly subbed) on YouTube, legally licensed for Asian regions.
✅
Pros:
- Free access
- Legal & reliable
❌
Cons:
- Limited library
- Region-locked for some content
7. VRV (U.S. Only)
📌
Best for:
Access to multiple services in one
🌐
Website/App:
VRV.co
VRV bundles Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and more into one subscription.
✅
Pros:
- Multiple anime sources in one app
- Ad-free with premium
❌
Cons:
- Only available in the U.S.
How to Watch Anime in Japanese Without Subtitles
If you want to challenge yourself and watch anime raw (without subtitles) , here are some methods:
1. Change Language Settings on Streaming Apps
- Crunchyroll/Funimation/Netflix allow you to turn off subtitles while keeping Japanese audio.
2. Use Japanese Streaming Sites (Region-Locked)
- AbemaTV (Japan-exclusive, requires VPN)
- Niconico Douga (Japanese video site with anime)
3. Buy Japanese Blu-rays/DVDs
- Many anime Blu-rays include raw Japanese audio tracks.
Why Watch Anime in Japanese?
- Authentic Voice Acting – Japanese voice actors (seiyuu) bring more emotion and cultural depth.
- Better Pronunciation & Listening Skills – Great for learning Japanese.
- Uncut Content – Some dubs censor or alter dialogue.
Tips for Learning Japanese Through Anime
If you're using anime to learn Japanese , here’s how to make the most of it:
✔
Start with easier shows
(
Doraemon
,
Pokémon
instead of
Attack on Titan
).
✔
Use language-learning extensions
like
Language Reactor
(for Netflix).
✔
Repeat & shadow phrases
to improve pronunciation.
Conclusion: Best Way to Watch Anime in Japanese
If you want
legal and high-quality
anime in Japanese:
-
Crunchyroll & Funimation
are the best official sources.
-
Netflix & HIDIVE
offer great alternatives.
For
free, legal options
:
-
Ani-One Asia (YouTube)
-
Tubi (with ads)
Avoid illegal sites—support the anime industry by using official platforms!
Do you have a favorite app for watching anime in Japanese? Let us know in the comments! 🎌🎬
📌 Final Answer: Yes! The best apps to watch anime in Japanese are Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, HIDIVE, and Ani-One Asia. Choose based on your region and preferences!