2024-25 Japanese Nationals: Where Are You Watching?

[tsuyoboogie]

How to watch Japan Nationals online
(I'll update this post as I get more information)

FOD (Fuji On Demand)
FOD (Fuji On Demand) Premium will livestream the entire competition, including the Opening Ceremony and SP/RD draw, Medalist On Ice (Gala), and the World Championship Representative Press Conference
Unless changes are made, the FOD stream will likely look different from the other Fuji broadcasts
Benefits of FOD:

• Convenience~One livestream link per day, no need to switch channels between or during events
• No commercials or fluff breaks interrupting performances or Kiss & Cry coverage
• Livestream is rewindable

What you won’t get with FOD

• Commentary
• Post skate interviews
• As many camera angles, close ups
• Fancy graphics~Ice Scope, Ice Stats, PPC during 6 min warmup, elements executed vs PPC after performance (Ice Scope graphics may be shown but without commentary)

To access FOD Premium streams you will need to purchase a subscription (976 yen per month) and use a vpn set to Japan if viewing from outside of the country

You can purchase a subscription here
A Japan address and phone number is not needed to set up an account, however a postal code is required
Entering any valid Japan postal code should easily satisfy that requirement

IPTV with Japanese TV Channels
CS FUJI TV TWO will be the only channel aside from FOD broadcasting the Pairs and Ice Dance events Live
In order to watch the entire competition without FOD, you will need to access a combination of CS Fuji TV TWO and either Fuji TV or TVer

Unfortunately, Muji TV does not currently offer a plan that includes CS Fuji TV TWO

Nozomi
Nozomi Standard (60 Channels) Includes Fuji TV, BS Fuji and CS FUJI TV TWO
Service not available in Japan, Mainland China or the Netherlands
3 Day Test $3 US
I believe there is a 7 Day subscription for $6 or $7 however, this option did not appear until after I purchased a 3 Day Test
If using on Windows PC or Mac, a video player streaming Japanese channels specific to your subscription will be installed onto your computer
You will likely have to allow the file to be installed

Himawari
No longer compatible with PC or Mac computers
Himawari Plus (97 Channels) includes Fuji TV, BS Fuji and CS FUJI TV TWO
Service not available in Japan and Mainland China
3 Day Test $4 US
7 Day Plan $8 US

Kaeri TV
Kaeri TV PLus (90 Channels) Includes Fuji TV, BS Fuji and CS FUJI TV TWO
3 Day Trial $3 US (Must be purchased along with either a Monthly or Yearly Plan)
Monthly Plan $26 US (the $18.25 per month that’s shown is the cost per month if you were to purchase a Yearly Plan)
After the 3 Day Trial period is over you will automatically be charged for the Monthly (or Yearly) Plan until cancelled
High quality streams but pricey!
Like Nozomi, Kaeri TV installs a video player onto your computer
After purchasing, you may need to wait awhile to receive the Kaeri ID and default password for set up (site says it should be sent within 12 hours)

TVer
Free streaming service, vpn needed if viewing outside of Japan
No account needed to access streams, registering just gives you more service options
TVer will stream the events being aired on Fuji TV
TVer (Fuji stream direct link)
TVer Men SP & Women SP link
TVer Men's FS (Groups 3 & 4) link
TVer Women's FS (Groups 3 & 4) link

VPNs
Region-blocked Japanese sites are notoriously difficult to access
I’ve been using Express VPN for years and it’s proven extremely reliable for me
Also, when I did have an issue early on, customer support was exceptional
However, there is no free option and plans are expensive
They do offer a 30 day money back guarantee

I'll add links to other recommended VPNs later

Anyone with suggestions to free or low cost VPNs able to access FOD, please do share

Other options for viewing the competition
This qq streamer usually livestreams this competition
If and when I see him or any other JNats stream go live, I’ll post a link

I plan to record from the FOD livestream and share video of every skater/team competing
At the end of each day, after all events are completed, I’ll compile links to video of performances from that day into one post
I’ll try my best to get these videos processed and uploaded asap however, it’ll likely take me more than a few hours to finish
There will probably be Youtube and “X” accounts sharing videos of select skaters before I’m able to post
Videos uploaded to Youtube will most likely be taken from the TV broadcasts

 

[synesthesia]

I'm so sorry about your experience with Kaeri TV
Not sure how long you had to wait but my guess is that they only check for subscription requests twice a day
In the past I received confirmation and necessary info within a couple of hours after paying (I use PayPal too)
A few days ago I purchased a subscription to retest the process, it took about 8 hours before I received a confirmation email

One positive with Nozomi is that confirmation is received almost immediately after purchasing/renewing a subscription
Also, my interaction with customer assistance has been positive...they replied quickly and have always been able to resolve any questions or issues I've had
I thought I was paying through PayPal for this service as well but after checking it seems I might not be?...


For anyone that might still be interested in Nozomi just something to be aware of~

• In the past, upon purchasing a 3 day test subscription, this is what the emails I've received have said (I've deleted the activation code)

View attachment 8733

• However, this is an edit of the email I received after my most recent purchase last month (Download link was to some random, unnecessary product)

View attachment 8735

• The previous email was immediately followed by this one ("special code" deleted)

View attachment 8736

• I reached out to customer service thinking I was sent codes/links for the wrong product. I then received this reply (again, I've deleted the activation code)

View attachment 8737

• Though not shown in these edits the activation code in the final email was the same 9 digit "special gift code" in the 3rd email. I also then realized [NZST-3D000] x 1 shown in the 2nd email edit was code for Nozomi Standard 3 Day X 1

Most of these IPTV services are broadcasting channels illegally so perhaps this is the reason for the "secrecy" / indirect messaging being used when confirming subscriptions?
Just wanted to post about that hoping potential Nozomi subscribers wouldn't be as confused as I was

My apologies for another much too long post~

I will reply here as I think this is important information for anyone considering subscribing to an IPTV service - as you said, these services are illegal and should therefore be treated with caution.

I enquired with Kaeri TV after not receiving an ID and password within about a day/more or less 24 hours. After another day and a half in which I received no response (yes, I ckecked the spam folder ), I cancelled the subscription via my paypal account. After this experience, I would obviously not try them again.

I've never tried Nozomi myself, but from your account it appears that they are now employing the same new method as Himawari, where the activation codes are disguised as random product links/codes. This, coupled with the fact that they no longer accept payments via paypal, makes the whole thing pretty dodgy imo.

I've been using a new-ish service for the last few months (https://itvjp.com/register). What I like about it is that it's a browser-based service (no need to download and install an app/player) with good quality streams that works on any device, accepts paypal and offers 30 days of replay. You're also instantly unlocked after payment (no need to wait for an ID and/or activation code). The ‘Premiere’ plan includes Fuji TV and Fuji TV Two. However, it seems they just did away with the 3 day trial option for $3 (which I've been using so far), which means you have to commit to a subscription from 1 month for $21.60 to 1 year for $178.20, which is very expensive.


I'd say that FOD is the safest and cheapest (976 yen for the subscription + a vpn like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which offers a free trial period or money-back guarantee) way to watch JNationals in their entirety.

 

[tsuyoboogie]

I will reply here as I think this is important information for anyone considering subscribing to an IPTV service - as you said, these services are illegal and should therefore be treated with caution.

I enquired with Kaeri TV after not receiving an ID and password within about a day/more or less 24 hours. After another day and a half in which I received no response (yes, I ckecked the spam folder ), I cancelled the subscription via my paypal account. After this experience, I would obviously not try them again.

I've never tried Nozomi myself, but from your account it appears that they are now employing the same new method as Himawari, where the activation codes are disguised as random product links/codes. This, coupled with the fact that they no longer accept payments via paypal, makes the whole thing pretty dodgy imo.

I've been using a new-ish service for the last few months (https://itvjp.com/register). What I like about it is that it's a browser-based service (no need to download and install an app/player) with good quality streams that works on any device, accepts paypal and offers 30 days of replay. You're also instantly unlocked after payment (no need to wait for an ID and/or activation code). The ‘Premiere’ plan includes Fuji TV and Fuji TV Two. However, it seems they just did away with the 3 day trial option for $3 (which I've been using so far), which means you have to commit to a subscription from 1 month for $21.60 to 1 year for $178.20, which is very expensive.


I'd say that FOD is the safest and cheapest (976 yen for the subscription + a vpn like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which offers a free trial period or money-back guarantee) way to watch JNationals in their entirety.

Thank you so much for the recommendation and sharing the link!
I'm looking forward to trying out this provider too

 

[synesthesia]

Thank you so much for the recommendation and sharing the link!
I'm looking forward to trying out this provider too

Thank you for all that you do! It's much appreciated!

 

[milkgirl]

If I´m not mistaken we had two QQs last year. They changed with the last two groups. I don`t know if this happened due to Russian championships or for other reason. But it was anoher QQnumber. We`ll see what we can get.

 

[kwanette]

How to watch Japan Nationals online
(I'll update this post as I get more information)

FOD (Fuji On Demand)
FOD (Fuji On Demand) Premium will livestream the entire competition, including the Opening Ceremony and SP/RD draw, Medalist On Ice (Gala), and the World Championship Representative Press Conference
Unless changes are made, the FOD stream will likely look different from the other Fuji broadcasts
Benefits of FOD:

• Convenience~One livestream link per day, no need to switch channels between or during events
• No commercials or fluff breaks interrupting performances or Kiss & Cry coverage
• Livestream is rewindable

What you won’t get with FOD

• Commentary
• Post skate interviews
• As many camera angles, close ups
• Fancy graphics~Ice Scope, Ice Stats, PPC during 6 min warmup, elements executed vs PPC after performance (Ice Scope graphics may be shown but without commentary)

To access FOD Premium streams you will need to purchase a subscription (976 yen per month) and use a vpn set to Japan if viewing from outside of the country

You can purchase a subscription here
A Japan address and phone number is not needed to set up an account, however a postal code is required
Entering any valid Japan postal code should easily satisfy that requirement

IPTV with Japanese TV Channels
CS FUJI TV TWO will be the only channel aside from FOD broadcasting the Pairs and Ice Dance events Live
In order to watch the entire competition without FOD, you will need to access a combination of CS Fuji TV TWO and either Fuji TV or TVer

Unfortunately, Muji TV does not currently offer a plan that includes CS Fuji TV TWO

Nozomi
Nozomi Standard (60 Channels) Includes Fuji TV, BS Fuji and CS FUJI TV TWO
Service not available in Japan, Mainland China or the Netherlands
3 Day Test $3 US
I believe there is a 7 Day subscription for $6 or $7 however, this option did not appear until after I purchased a 3 Day Test
If using on Windows PC or Mac, a video player streaming Japanese channels specific to your subscription will be installed onto your computer
You will likely have to allow the file to be installed

Himawari
No longer compatible with PC or Mac computers
Himawari Plus (97 Channels) includes Fuji TV, BS Fuji and CS FUJI TV TWO
Service not available in Japan and Mainland China
3 Day Test $4 US
7 Day Plan $8 US

Kaeri TV
Kaeri TV PLus (90 Channels) Includes Fuji TV, BS Fuji and CS FUJI TV TWO
3 Day Trial $3 US (Must be purchased along with either a Monthly or Yearly Plan)
Monthly Plan $26 US (the $18.25 per month that’s shown is the cost per month if you were to purchase a Yearly Plan)
After the 3 Day Trial period is over you will automatically be charged for the Monthly (or Yearly) Plan until cancelled
High quality streams but pricey!
Like Nozomi, Kaeri TV installs a video player onto your computer
After purchasing, you may need to wait awhile to receive the Kaeri ID and default password for set up (site says it should be sent within 12 hours)

TVer
Free streaming service, vpn needed if viewing outside of Japan
No account needed to access streams, registering just gives you more service options
TVer will stream the events being aired on Fuji TV
TVer (Fuji stream direct link)
TVer Men SP & Women SP link
TVer Men's FS (Groups 3 & 4) link
TVer Women's FS (Groups 3 & 4) link

VPNs
Region-blocked Japanese sites are notoriously difficult to access
I’ve been using Express VPN for years and it’s proven extremely reliable for me
Also, when I did have an issue early on, customer support was exceptional
However, there is no free option and plans are expensive
They do offer a 30 day money back guarantee

I'll add links to other recommended VPNs later

Anyone with suggestions to free or low cost VPNs able to access FOD, please do share

Other options for viewing the competition
This qq streamer usually livestreams this competition
If and when I see him or any other JNats stream go live, I’ll post a link

I plan to record from the FOD livestream and share video of every skater/team competing
At the end of each day, after all events are completed, I’ll compile links to video of performances from that day into one post
I’ll try my best to get these videos processed and uploaded asap however, it’ll likely take me more than a few hours to finish
There will probably be Youtube and “X” accounts sharing videos of select skaters before I’m able to post
Videos uploaded to Youtube will most likely be taken from the TV broadcasts

TY!!

 

[Arigato]

The qq stream is live.

 

[hop456]

For some reason FOD will not let me purchase a subscription as I am out of the country even though my express VPN is set to Tokyo. I am hoping TVer works later.

 

[Sai Bon]

hop456, how did you go with TVer? I had no problems accessing the service, but the ads were just terrible - felt like it was 40% ads, 60% content.

 

[hop456]

hop456, how did you go with TVer? I had no problems accessing the service, but the ads were just terrible - felt like it was 40% ads, 60% content.

I managed to access it OK after I couldn’t get FOD to work but yes the adverts were so annoying and I kept feeling like I was missing the competition with them on. It looked like you could register on there to be able to rewind the program but I couldn’t get that to work.