Streaming Live Sports in Japan: The Complete Guide for Visitors and Residents

The landscape

Japan's sports streaming is dominated by DAZN, with specialized services for specific leagues. Here's what covers what, and what it costs.

DAZN Standard — ¥4,200/month ($28)

NPB: All 12 teams, all games. J-League: All divisions, all games. B.League: All B1/B2 games (from 2025-26). Plus La Liga, Serie A, F1, tennis. The everything-in-one option.

DMM×DAZN Hodai — ¥3,480/month ($23)

Same DAZN coverage + DMM Premium (anime, movies, other content). ¥1,270/month cheaper than subscribing to both separately. This is the best value multi-sport option available in Japan right now.

Pacific League TV — ¥1,595/month ($11)

All six Pacific League teams. No Central League. No football or basketball. The cheapest baseball streaming if you only follow Pacific League teams (Fighters, Eagles, Marines, Lions, Hawks, Buffaloes).

J SPORTS On Demand — ¥1,980-2,640/month ($13-18)

All SV.League volleyball matches. Rugby, cycling, skiing. Also available as an Amazon Prime Video channel. The only option for professional volleyball in Japan.

Free options

Some Giants games on terrestrial TV. Selected B.League games on YouTube. Occasional AbemaTV free broadcasts. Unpredictable scheduling makes these unreliable for planning.

For short-term visitors

Subscribe to DAZN for one month, watch everything, cancel before renewal. Or better yet — go to the stadium. A ¥2,000 J-League ticket costs less than a month of any streaming service, and the experience is incomparable.

The recommendation

Living in Japan and want everything: DMM×DAZN Hodai (¥3,480). Only baseball: Pacific League TV (¥1,595). Only volleyball: J SPORTS (¥1,980). Visiting Japan: go to the stadium instead.

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