Quick Answer
The only way to watch every bout live from outside Japan is ABEMA (free) with a VPN connected to a Japan server; NordVPN is the service we recommend. For viewers who prefer not to use a VPN, NHK WORLD-JAPAN (daily English highlights plus live coverage on selected days) and the JSA's official English YouTube channel are free worldwide.
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.
A daily English-language sumo highlights program during every tournament, plus live English coverage on selected days. Available on NHK WORLD-JAPAN's website, app, and TV channel worldwide. Professional English commentary and analysis, though not every bout.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN's YouTube channel posts English-language sumo clips and features. Free and available globally.
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 free live coverage of every bout from every division, ABEMA is the platform that offers it — 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 ONE — NHK's online simulcast service, which replaced NHK+ in October 2025. It is tied to an NHK reception-fee contract and intended for viewers in Japan, so we don't recommend it for overseas fans.
VPN Comparison — Which VPN Is Best for Sumo?
How well any VPN works with Abema changes over time, because Abema blocks some VPN IP addresses. What matters is having plenty of Japan servers to switch between and a money-back window to test it during a basho. NordVPN is the service we recommend.
| VPN | Japan Servers | Speed | Money-back | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN Best | Yes | Fast | 30 days | Our pick for sumo |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Fast | 30 days | Good but pricier |
| Surfshark | Yes | Medium | 30 days | Budget option |
| Free VPNs | Very few | Slow | — | Not recommended |
NordVPN has a large server network in Japan, so if one server is slow or blocked during peak basho hours, you can switch to another.
How to Watch Sumo With NordVPN: Step-by-Step
Setup takes under 5 minutes. Here's exactly what to do:
Get NordVPN
Sign up (the 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 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 from around 8:30 AM to 6 PM JST on each tournament day, with the top division from about 4 PM.
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 11 – Jan 25, 2026 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
| March Basho (Haru) | Mar 8 – Mar 22, 2026 | Edion Arena, Osaka |
| May Basho (Natsu) | May 10 – May 24, 2026 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
| July Basho (Nagoya) | Jul 12 – Jul 26, 2026 | IG Arena, Nagoya |
| September Basho (Aki) | Sep 13 – Sep 27, 2026 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
| November Basho (Kyushu) Next up | Nov 8 – Nov 22, 2026 | Fukuoka Kokusai Center |
| January Basho (Hatsu) 2027 | Jan 10 – Jan 24, 2027 | Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo |
The November Kyushu Basho in Fukuoka (Nov 8–22, 2026) 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 ONE (formerly NHK+) | Online simulcast of NHK broadcasts. Tied to an NHK reception-fee contract; intended for viewers in Japan. | ~3:05 PM – 6:00 PM | Japanese | Not recommended from abroad |
| NHK WORLD-JAPAN (English) | Daily highlights program, plus live coverage on selected days | Various | English | No — available globally |
| YouTube (Sumo Prime Time) | The JSA's official English channel. Features and interviews, not live 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 every bout live, NHK WORLD-JAPAN and the JSA's official English YouTube channel, Sumo Prime Time, 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 many Japan servers. 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.
- Search "大相撲" (or "sumo") on ABEMA to find the live sumo broadcast.
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, so switching to another Japan server often helps. NordVPN has many Japan servers 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.
What about NHK+?
NHK+ was replaced by NHK ONE in October 2025. NHK ONE is tied to an NHK reception-fee contract and intended for viewers in Japan, so we don't recommend trying to register from abroad. Use ABEMA or the other viewing options instead.