How to watch NHK live online
In Japan, NHK streams its programmes live and on catch-up on NHK ONE, NHK's internet service. For viewers abroad, NHK runs NHK WORLD-JAPAN, which streams live in English on its website.
NHK ONE is NHK's internet service, with simultaneous and catch-up streaming of programmes, on phones, tablets and TVs. It took over from NHK Plus in October 2025.
NHK says households that already pay the reception fee need no extra contract or payment.
- Country
- Japan
- Run by
- NHK, Japan's public broadcaster
- Type
- General
- Language
- Japanese
- Watch live
- NHK ONE
- Cost at home
- Included in the NHK reception fee
- Abroad
- Partly: NHK WORLD-JAPAN in English
- Checked
- 3 November 2026
Can you watch NHK abroad?
NHK WORLD-JAPAN is NHK's international service. It reaches the world in several languages, and its English channel streams live on its website.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN
NHK's international service: news and programmes about Japan, live in English on its website.
Watch NHK in the USA, the UK, Australia and more
NHK in the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and France
Partly. NHK WORLD-JAPAN (worldwide, free). NHK's international service: news and programmes about Japan, live in English on its website.
Apps for NHK: TV, phone and laptop
What is NHK?
NHK is Japan's public broadcaster, paid for by the reception fee. NHK WORLD-JAPAN is its international service.
NHK: common questions
Can I watch NHK outside Japan?
NHK's international service, NHK WORLD-JAPAN, streams live in English on its website, for viewers around the world.
What is NHK ONE?
NHK's internet service since October 2025, with simultaneous and catch-up streaming. It took over from NHK Plus.
Is NHK WORLD-JAPAN free?
Yes, its live stream is on its website, with no sign-in.
Which app do I need to watch NHK live?
NHK ONE (Japan): phones, tablets, TVs. NHK WORLD-JAPAN (worldwide, free): web, phones, tablets, Apple TV.
Can I watch NHK on a smart TV?
Yes. NHK ONE has an app for smart TVs (Japan).
Can I watch NHK in the USA?
Partly. NHK WORLD-JAPAN (worldwide, free). NHK's international service: news and programmes about Japan, live in English on its website.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- NHK ONE (official)
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN: live
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN: about
- App Store: NHK WORLD-JAPAN (free; iPhone, iPad, Apple TV)
Last checked: 3 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
