Quick Answer
The best way to watch sumo from outside Japan is via ABEMA (free) with a VPN connected to a Japan server. NordVPN is the most reliable option in our testing. For viewers who prefer not to use a VPN, NHK WORLD and the official JSA YouTube channel offer free English-language highlights globally.
Free Alternatives (No VPN Required)
Before exploring VPN options, it is worth knowing that several official sources provide free sumo coverage to viewers worldwide — no VPN, no workaround, no terms-of-service concerns.
English-language sumo highlight shows broadcast during every tournament. Available on NHK's website, app, and many smart TVs worldwide. Not live full matches, but professional English commentary and analysis.
Official NHK YouTube channel with English-language match highlights, features, and tournament recaps. Free and available globally. A reliable way to follow each basho.
The Japan Sumo Association's official English channel. Match highlights, wrestler features, and behind-the-scenes content. No geo-restrictions.
Our Recommendation
If you are satisfied with English-language highlights rather than live full coverage, these official sources are the best option — they are fully legal, free, and require no technical workarounds. We recommend starting here.
If you want live coverage of every bout from every division, ABEMA is the only platform that offers this — and that is where a VPN becomes relevant for viewers outside Japan.
The Problem: Abema Is Blocked Outside Japan
Abema is Japan's best free streaming platform for sumo. During every 15-day basho, it broadcasts all bouts from all six divisions — completely free, with no subscription required.
The catch: Abema detects your IP address and blocks access if you're not in Japan. Try to open it from the US, UK, Australia, or anywhere else, and you'll see an error page.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) solves this by routing your connection through a Japanese server, giving you a Japanese IP address. Abema sees Japan — you're in.
What You Can Watch With a VPN
- Abema (free) — All live sumo, all divisions, every day of the basho. Best option.
- NHK+ (free with registration) — Makuuchi highlights, Japanese commentary
- JSTV / Hulu Japan — Additional sumo coverage for Japanese expats
VPN Comparison — Which VPN Is Best for Sumo?
We tested the most popular VPNs against Abema. Most work inconsistently — slow speeds, blocked servers, or Japan servers that can't handle streaming. NordVPN is the clear winner in our testing.
| VPN | Abema | Japan Servers | Speed | Price/mo | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN Best | Reliable | 100+ Japan | Fast | ~$3-5 | Best for sumo |
| ExpressVPN | Works | ~30 Japan | Fast | ~$8-10 | Good but pricier |
| Surfshark | Inconsistent | ~20 Japan | Medium | ~$2-4 | Budget option |
| Free VPNs | Usually blocked | Very few | Slow | Free | Not recommended |
NordVPN has 100+ servers in Japan, meaning there's always a fast, uncrowded server available — even during peak basho hours when many sumo fans connect simultaneously.
How to Watch Sumo With NordVPN: Step-by-Step
Setup takes under 5 minutes. Here's exactly what to do:
Get NordVPN
Sign up at NordVPN (2-year plan is the best value). Download and install the app on your device — available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
Connect to a Japan Server
Open the NordVPN app, search for "Japan" in the search bar, and click Connect. You'll be connected to one of NordVPN's 100+ Japan servers within seconds.
Open Abema
Go to abema.tv in your browser, or open the Abema app. You now have a Japanese IP address — the geo-block is gone.
Find the Sumo Channel
On Abema, navigate to the "Sports" section or search for "sumo". The dedicated sumo channel broadcasts live during tournaments. All bouts are free — no subscription needed.
Watch Every Bout Live
Enjoy all sumo, from Jonokuchi all the way up to Makuuchi, in real time. Bouts run approximately noon-6pm JST on each tournament day.
When to Use Your VPN: 2026 Sumo Tournament Schedule
There are 6 tournaments (basho) per year, each lasting 15 days. These are the dates you'll need your VPN ready:
| Tournament | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January Basho (Hatsu) | Jan 12 – Jan 26, 2026 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
| March Basho (Haru) | Mar 8 – Mar 22, 2026 | Edion Arena, Osaka |
| May Basho (Natsu) Next up | May 10 – May 24, 2026 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
| July Basho (Nagoya) | Jul 12 – Jul 26, 2026 | Dolphins Arena, Nagoya |
| September Basho (Aki) | Sep 13 – Sep 27, 2026 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
| November Basho (Kyushu) | Nov 8 – Nov 22, 2026 | Fukuoka Convention Center |
The May basho (Natsu) is coming up next. Get your VPN set up now so you're ready for Day 1. See our full 2026 tournament schedule for more details on venues and what to expect.
Sumo Broadcasting Schedule: Where to Watch Each Division
Not all platforms show the same coverage. Here is what each broadcaster offers during a tournament:
| Platform | Coverage | Time (JST) | Language | VPN Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABEMA | Full day — Jonokuchi through Makuuchi (all divisions). FREE. | ~8:25 AM – 6:00 PM | Japanese | Yes (Japan IP required) |
| NHK (terrestrial) | Makuuchi division only | ~3:05 PM – 6:00 PM | Japanese | Yes (Japan IP required) |
| NHK BS | Juryo and Makuuchi divisions | ~1:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Japanese | Yes (Japan IP required) |
| NHK+ | Same as NHK terrestrial, available online. Requires free registration. | ~3:05 PM – 6:00 PM | Japanese | Yes (Japan IP may be needed) |
| NHK WORLD (English) | Highlight shows only — not live full matches | Various | English | No — available globally |
| YouTube (Grand Sumo - NHK WORLD-JAPAN) | Official JSA English channel. Highlights and features, not live full matches. | Various | English | No — available globally |
Our Recommendation
For the most complete free viewing experience, ABEMA is the best option — it covers every bout from the lowest division to the top. However, it requires a Japanese IP address, which is where a VPN becomes useful for international viewers.
If you prefer English-language coverage and do not need live full matches, NHK WORLD and the official YouTube channel (Grand Sumo - NHK WORLD-JAPAN) are the best fully legal options that require no VPN at all. We recommend starting with these official sources first.
For more on all the ways to watch sumo online, see our complete guide to watching sumo online. You can also check the full 2026 tournament schedule to plan ahead.
Tips for the Best Streaming Experience
- Use NordVPN's "Japan" servers specifically — don't just use "Auto". Japan servers are optimized for Japanese streaming.
- If one server buffers, switch servers — NordVPN has 100+ Japan options. One click to switch.
- Use wired internet if possible — VPNs add a small overhead; a stable connection helps keep quality at 1080p.
- Abema works on mobile too — Download the Abema app, connect NordVPN first, then open the app.
- Bookmark abema.tv/genre/sumo for direct access to the sumo channel.
Troubleshooting: When VPN Doesn't Work
VPN access to Japanese streaming is not always seamless. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:
ABEMA not loading
Try a different Japan server. ABEMA actively detects some VPN IP addresses. In our testing, switching between Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japan server locations usually resolves this. NordVPN has 100+ Japan servers, so there are many options to try.
Buffering or low video quality
Switch to the NordLynx protocol in your VPN app settings — it may offer better speeds than the default. Use a wired (ethernet) connection if possible, as Wi-Fi can add latency on top of the VPN overhead.
Connection drops mid-match
Enable the Kill Switch feature in your VPN app settings. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It also helps maintain your access to geo-restricted streams by ensuring you never briefly appear outside Japan.
NHK+ registration issues
NHK+ may require a Japanese postal code during registration. Some users have successfully registered using a Tokyo postal code (e.g., 150-0001) while connected to a Japan VPN server. However, this may not always work, and NHK+'s terms of service are intended for Japan residents. We recommend trying the other viewing options first.