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Best VPN for Sumo Wrestling
Watch Abema Live From Anywhere in the World
Abema — the only platform that streams every single sumo bout live — is blocked outside Japan. A VPN fixes that in 60 seconds.
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
Why NordVPN Is the Best VPN 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.
| 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 "相撲" (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) Live now | 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 | 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 March basho is happening right now. Connect today and catch the remaining days live.
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.