Netflix in Japan offers four subscription tiers—Basic, Standard, Premium, and an ad‑supported Standard. Prices range from ¥590 to ¥1,790 per month, with differences in video quality, simultaneous streams, and ads. You can cut the cost further by using LINE promotions or carrier discounts, letting many users stay under ¥1,000 monthly while still enjoying full‑HD streaming.
All Netflix Plans Explained
Below is a quick rundown of what each tier provides:
- Basic (¥590) – SD video, one screen at a time, no ads.
- Standard (¥1,190) – Full HD, two screens simultaneously, no ads.
- Premium (¥1,790) – 4K + HDR, up to four screens at once, no ads.
- Ad‑Supported Standard (¥890) – Full HD, two screens, short ads appear every hour or so.
Where to Find the Best Discounts
If you sign up through the official LINE account, Netflix gives you essentially a free first month. Many Japanese carriers—such as NTT Docomo, au, and SoftBank—also bundle a discount into your monthly phone bill, which can shave off another ¥100‑¥200. Combining a LINE promotion with a carrier deal often brings the total cost below ¥1,000.
Ad‑Supported Plan: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lowest price while still delivering Full HD and two simultaneous streams.
- Ads are short (about 10 seconds) and placed sparingly, so they rarely disrupt a show.
- Great entry point for cost‑sensitive viewers.
Cons
- Live sports and some premium titles aren’t available on this tier.
- Ad timing is algorithm‑driven, so you can’t predict when they’ll appear.
- When an ad plays, the play button is temporarily disabled, which can break viewing flow.
Choosing the Right Plan for You
A digital‑marketing professional who works with subscription models notes that the best choice depends on your viewing habits. Families or groups that watch together benefit most from Premium’s four‑screen allowance. Solo users, students, or anyone prioritizing budget should consider the ad‑supported Standard paired with LINE or carrier discounts. Remember to factor in whether you need 4K content or live events, as those are locked behind the Premium tier.
Final Recommendation
Decide what matters most: picture quality, number of simultaneous streams, or monthly cost. If you can tolerate short ads, the ¥890 ad‑supported plan plus a LINE discount keeps you under ¥1,000. If you need the best possible video and multiple screens, Premium is worth the extra spend. Use carrier discounts whenever possible—they can lower any plan’s price and make Netflix fit comfortably into your budget.
