How to Get Free or the Cheapest Netflix in Japan (2026): 5 Best au, SoftBank & Docomo Deals

 

Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming platforms in Japan, offering global hits, anime, K‑dramas, and Japanese originals. However, subscription costs have gradually increased, leading many viewers to search for cheaper ways - or even free ways - to watch Netflix in Japan.The good news?   Japan's major mobile carriers such as au, SoftBank, and NTT Docomo frequently offer bundled plans, discounts, or reward points that can significantly reduce the cost of a Netflix subscription.This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about saving money on Netflix in Japan, with detailed breakdowns of carrier-specific campaigns, step-by-step application processes, and answers to frequently asked questions.

2026 Netflix Japan Pricing: Full Breakdown

Before diving into savings, here's the current Netflix Japan pricing structure as of 2026. Netflix offers several subscription tiers in Japan, each with different streaming quality and device limits.

These plans allow unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows, but higher tiers support better video quality and more simultaneous streams.

Note: Netflix Japan does not offer a free trial period . However, as you'll discover below, carrier partnerships effectively provide free trials lasting anywhere from 3 to 5 months.

Top Strategies for Free or Discounted Netflix in Japan: Methods Compared

Japanese viewers can reduce Netflix costs in several ways. The most effective strategy is bundling Netflix with telecom or internet services, which can provide discounts, points, or temporary free access.

✴️Other Saving Methods

• Credit Card Points: Some credit cards (like Rakuten Card, d Card) offer point rebates for Netflix payments.

• Gift Cards: Purchasing Netflix gift cards at discounted rates from kaden-kan or during point multiplier events.

• Annual Subscriptions: Netflix Japan does not officially offer annual plans, but some carriers' multi-month campaigns effectively function this way.

• Home Fiber Bundles: Pairing your home internet (Hikari) with a mobile plan often unlocks "Entertainment" add-ons that significantly reduce Netflix costs.

• Point Redemption: Using dPoints (Docomo) or Ponta Points (au) to pay for your subscription is essentially like getting it for free if you are an active shopper.

• Shared Household Plans: Premium plan allows 4 simultaneous streams.

Best Telecom Deals for Cheap Netflix in Japan: Deep Dive 

Japan’s three largest mobile carriers offer some of the best Netflix savings opportunities. This section provides step-by-step instructions for maximizing savings with each major carrier.

1️⃣au (KDDI): The Most Generous Netflix Deal in Japan

au (KDDI) remains the strongest choice for bundling Netflix in Japan. Unlike other carriers that offer points-back, au integrates Netflix directly into your monthly data plan, effectively "hiding" the cost of the subscription within a flat-rate unlimited data package.

au offers the most integrated Netflix experience in Japan through its "Pack" plans.

⏩The Offers: au Netflix Bundles

The "discount" isn't a coupon code, but a bundled price. If you were to buy au Unlimited Data and Netflix separately, you would pay significantly more.

• Integrated Billing: One single bill for both your phone and Netflix.

• Plan Credit: au essentially prices the Netflix portion of the bundle at a 30%–40% discount compared to the standalone retail price.

• Tethering Perk: These bundles usually include a generous tethering allowance (often 60GB–80GB), allowing you to watch Netflix on your laptop or tablet using your phone's data for free.

⏩How the au Netflix Discount Works

The au campaign subtracts up to ¥890 from the monthly Netflix price, which is the cost of the ad-supported plan.

That means every Netflix plan receives the same maximum discount amount.

Example Discount Structure:

The discount isn't instant—it's applied to your bill two months later. Here's an example timeline :

• February 2026: You sign up and pay full price (e.g., ¥890 for Standard with Ads)

• March 2026: You pay full price again

• April 2026 bill (received in March): You receive a ¥890 discount

• Continues through June 2026 bill

This means if you sign up in February, your effective cost for February–June is: (¥890 × 2 months) - (¥890 × 3 months discount) = net zero for 5 months!

💎 Ongoing Savings: "サブスクぷらすポイント" (Subscription Plus Points)

After the campaign ends (May 2026 onwards), you automatically qualify for Subscription Plus Points :

• Benefit: Up to 20% of your Netflix fee returned as Ponta points

• Requirements:

  • Must have an eligible au/UQ mobile rate plan

  • Must use the same au ID for both mobile and Netflix

  • Payment must be via "auかんたん決済" (carrier billing)

⏩What You Actually Pay (Cost Breakdown)

Here is a simple comparison of normal Netflix pricing vs au campaign pricing.

In other words:

• Cheapest Netflix in Japan through au → ¥0/month

• Full HD Netflix through au → ¥700/month

• 4K Premium Netflix → ¥1,400/month

For many users, this becomes the cheapest legal Netflix option in Japan.

⏩How to Claim the au Netflix Discount

• Check eligibility: Ensure you're on an eligible au/UQ mobile plan (most smartphone plans qualify)

• Access application: Visit My au or My UQ mobile or visit an au/UQ mobile shop 

• Select Netflix: Choose "Netflix アラカルト" (Netflix à la carte)

• Choose your plan: Select Standard with Ads (for ¥0), Standard, or Premium

• Complete registration: Follow the prompts to link your Netflix account

• Existing users: If you already have a Netflix account, you can transfer it during this process 

• Confirmation: You'll receive SMS/email confirmation of your subscription

⚠️ Important: You must apply through au/UQ mobile channels, not directly through Netflix or the Netflix app, to qualify 

⏩Who Is the Target Audience

These deals are designed for specific groups of users.

✅Best for:

• au smartphone users:The discount only applies to au or UQ mobile customers.

• Heavy Netflix viewers:Premium plan users can save nearly ¥10,000 per year.

• New mobile subscribers:Switching to au often unlocks the best promotions.

• Students and young viewers:The free ad-supported plan is the cheapest streaming option.

•  Families using Netflix Premium: Large savings on the 4K plan.

⏩Pros and Cons of the au Netflix Deal

2️⃣NTT Docomo: The Point-Back Specialist

While au focuses on "hidden discounts" within data bundles, NTT Docomo takes a completely different approach in 2026. Their strategy is built around "Bakua-ge Selection" (爆アゲセレクション), a high-yield rebate program that rewards you with dPoints instead of a direct price cut.

⏩The Offers: Bakua-ge Selection (2026)

Docomo doesn't usually lower the "sticker price" of Netflix. Instead, they charge you the standard retail rate and then "explode" (Bakua-ge) your rewards account with points.

• Standard Offer: Depending on your mobile plan, you receive 10% to 20% of your Netflix monthly fee back in dPoints every single month.

• 2026 Spring Campaign (Limited Time): Currently (running through March 31, 2026), Docomo is offering a "Welcome Rebate" of up to 2,670 dPoints (spread over 3 months) for new Netflix subscribers on their Docomo MAX or ahamo plans.

• The "Double Play": If you use a dCard GOLD to pay your phone bill, you stack an additional 10% point-back on the total bill, including the Netflix charge.

⏩How the Docomo Netflix Discount Works

Instead of lowering the subscription price directly, Docomo provides d-point rewards based on a percentage of the Netflix monthly fee.

Typical cashback rates:

• 20% cashback for premium Docomo plans

• 10% cashback for standard plans

These points can be used for:

• Shopping in Japan

• Paying phone bills

• Online purchases

• Travel bookings

The cashback is calculated based on the pre-tax Netflix price of your plan.

⏩What You Actually Pay (Cost Breakdown)

Here is the effective Netflix cost after Docomo rewards.

Some promotions provide up to ¥890 in d-points per month for the first 3 months, equivalent to ¥2,670 total points for new subscribers.

That means your first few months of Netflix could be nearly free, depending on the campaign.

⏩How to Claim the Docomo Netflix Discount

Access campaign site: Visit the "爆アゲ セレクション" page through My docomo or direct link

Find Netflix: Locate the Netflix application banner

Apply: Submit your application for Netflix (new subscriptions only)

Wait for points: Points are scheduled for distribution June 2026 or later 

⚠️ Important Notes:

• One application per person 

• Past Docomo Netflix subscribers who cancelled can reapply and qualify 

• Current Docomo Netflix subscribers are not eligible if switching plans

⏩Who Is the Target Audience

Docomo’s Netflix promotions are designed for specific types of users.

✅Best For

• Existing Docomo mobile users: The cashback system works only with Docomo billing.

• People who actively use d-points: Points can offset shopping or phone bills.

• Long-term Netflix viewers: Monthly cashback adds up over time.

• Users with Docomo internet bundles: Extra rewards may apply with Docomo Hikari.

• Budget-conscious streaming fans: Promotions can make Netflix 20% cheaper.

⏩Pros and Cons of the Docomo Netflix Deal

3️⃣SoftBank: The "Pay-Less" Monthly Add-on

Japanese telecom provider SoftBank partners with Netflix to offer discounted streaming through mobile and fiber internet bundles.

SoftBank continues to be a major player for Netflix users in Japan, but their strategy has shifted toward home internet bundling and PayPay ecosystem rewards rather than simple mobile discounts. While au focuses on mobile data packs and Docomo on point rebates, SoftBank’s best deals often involve their "SoftBank Hikari" fiber service or their "Pay-toku" mobile plans.

⏩The Offers: SoftBank Hikari & Pay-toku Bundles

In 2026, SoftBank offers two main paths to Netflix savings:

• SoftBank Hikari Netflix Pack (Fiber Internet): This is SoftBank’s strongest offer. By bundling your home internet with Netflix, you get a significant monthly discount on the total package.

• Pay-toku Unlimited (Mobile Plan): This high-end mobile plan doesn't include Netflix for "free," but it offers the highest PayPay point-back rates (up to 5%–10% on purchases). Users typically use these accrued PayPay points to cover their Netflix monthly fee, effectively making it "free" through shopping rewards.

• The "1-Month Free" Campaign: New subscribers to the "SoftBank Hikari Netflix Pack" often receive the first month of Netflix entirely free as a sign-up bonus.

⏩How the SoftBank Netflix Discount Works

SoftBank offers savings in two main ways:

Method 1: Bundle Discount (SoftBank Hikari Netflix Pack)

Netflix is bundled with SoftBank Hikari fiber internet, creating a combined monthly package price.

Example bundle prices (2-year contract plan):

The bundle includes:

• SoftBank Hikari internet fee

• Netflix subscription fee

• Discount applied to the combined package

Method 2: PayPay Points Cashback

SoftBank sometimes runs reward campaigns that give PayPay points each month based on your Netflix plan.

Typical rewards:

These points can be used for shopping, mobile bills, or online purchases.

⏩What You Actually Pay (Cost Breakdown)

Here is the real Netflix cost after promotions.

After the promotional period ends:

• Netflix becomes part of the SoftBank Hikari package price

• The cost remains slightly cheaper than subscribing separately.

⏩How to Sign Up for the SoftBank Netflix Deal

• Log in to My SoftBank: Access your account management page

• Find Netflix Set: Navigate to service additions or search for "Netflixセット"

• Apply: Click through the application (requires SMS verification) 

• Link accounts: If you have an existing Netflix account, you'll link it during this process

• Wait for SMS: You'll receive a confirmation SMS once processing is complete

• Entertainment Benefits: If eligible, separately enroll in "エンタメ特典" through My SoftBank

⚠️  Important Timing: When you sign up, your Netflix subscription starts from the application date, but the first month's fee is calculated on a pro-rated basis. You cannot cancel during the first month 

⏩Who Is the Target Audience

SoftBank’s Netflix promotion is designed for several types of users.

✅Best For

• Households using fiber internet: The Netflix bundle works best for users already planning to subscribe to SoftBank Hikari.

• Families using Netflix Premium: The 4K plan discount becomes significant when combined with broadband.

• New internet subscribers: SoftBank often gives the best promotions to new fiber internet customers.

• Users who already use PayPay: PayPay cashback campaigns can further reduce the effective Netflix price.

• People bundling telecom services: SoftBank offers additional savings when combining:mobile plan,fiber internet and streaming subscriptions.

⏩Pros and Cons of the SoftBank Netflix Deal

📍Other: Y!mobile & LINEMO: Budget Carrier Options

SoftBank's budget brands also offer attractive Netflix options following the February 20, 2026 service launch .

⏩Y!mobile "Netflix Set"

Plus 3-Month Free Campaign: Y!mobile users on "シンプル3 S/M/L" plans qualify for the same 3-month ¥890 discount campaign through March 31, 2026 

🆚Which Carrier Saves You Most - Quick Decision Guide

✅Choose au/UQ mobile if:

• You want the longest free period (5 months)

• You prefer Ponta points (usable at Lawson, Aeon, etc.)

• You want the best long-term discount (20% ongoing)

✅Choose SoftBank if:

• You're a heavy PayPay user

• You want to stack benefits with Entertainment Benefits

• You prefer cashback-style savings

✅Choose Docomo if:

• You're in the dポイント ecosystem

• You want a lump sum of points to use elsewhere

• You're on ahamo (Docomo's budget brand)

✅Choose Y!mobile/LINEMO if:

• You're on a budget carrier

• You still want decent PayPay point returns

• You qualify for the 3-month free campaign

Other Money-Saving Netflix Tips in Japan: Reduced Rates Guide

Besides telecom bundles from carriers like au, SoftBank, or Docomo, there are several additional ways to reduce your Netflix cost in Japan. These methods can help viewers lower monthly fees, get temporary discounts, or reduce the effective subscription price.

Below is a simple guide summarizing the most practical Netflix money-saving strategies for users in Japan.

1️⃣Choose the Cheapest Netflix Plan

While it sounds obvious, many users in Japan still pay for the "Standard" (No Ads) plan out of habit.

• The Saving: In 2026, the Standard with Ads plan is only ¥990.

• What you lose: A few movies are unavailable due to licensing, and you see about 4 minutes of ads per hour.

• What you keep: 1080p Full HD quality and 2 simultaneous screens. If you can tolerate a few commercials, this is the easiest way to save ¥7,200 per year.

2️⃣The "Extra Member" Slot (Official Password Sharing)

A popular way to save money is splitting a Premium subscription with family members.

The Premium plan allows four simultaneous streams, meaning multiple users can watch at the same time. Splitting the monthly fee among four people can reduce the cost dramatically.

Example:

This method is most practical for households or roommates living together.

3️⃣Buy Discounted Netflix Gift Cards

Retailers like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart frequently run "Point Back" campaigns for digital gift cards.

• The Deal: Look for campaigns where buying a ¥5,000 Netflix Gift Card earns you 5% to 10% back in store points (like Nanaco or Ponta points).

• The Math: If you get 10% back on a ¥10,000 card, you’ve essentially secured one month of Netflix for free over the course of a year.

• Where to buy: Check the "Gift Card" rack near the register. During New Year's (Shogatsu) and Golden Week, these bonuses often hit their peak.

4️⃣Pay with High-Rebate Credit Cards

Certain Japanese credit cards categorize Netflix as a "Special Merchant," offering much higher point returns than a standard 1% rebate.

• Recommended Cards:

  • Rakuten Card: Use "Rakuten Pay" to settle your bill for extra points.

  • SAISON Card Digital: Often offers 5%–10% cashback on streaming services for the first few months of card membership.

  • Amazon Mastercard: If your Netflix is bundled through Amazon Prime (via au), you can earn Amazon points on the total transaction.

5️⃣Use Reward Points or Cashback

Many Japanese payment ecosystems allow users to convert loyalty points into streaming payments.

Examples include:

• PayPay Points

• d-points

• Ponta Points

When these rewards are used to pay Netflix bills, they effectively reduce the monthly price.

📊Quick Comparison: Best Netflix Cost-Saving Strategies

✅ Bottom line: The cheapest way to watch Netflix in Japan is usually a combination of strategies, such as:

• using telecom bundle discounts,

• choosing the ad-supported plan, and

• sharing a Premium subscription with household members.

Together, these methods can reduce the cost of Netflix in Japan by 50–100% during promotional periods.

Frequently Asked Questions: Saving Money on Netflix in Japan

After the recent Netflix price adjustments and the introduction of new carrier campaigns, thousands of users in Japan are searching for ways to reduce their monthly streaming costs. Below is a comprehensive FAQ table addressing the most common questions, pain points, and solutions for anyone looking to get Netflix for free or at a reduced rate in Japan.

Japan's mobile carriers are competing fiercely for Netflix subscribers in 2026, and consumers are the winners. With deals ranging from 5 months completely free to ongoing 20% cashback, there's never been a better time to optimize your Netflix subscription.

⚠️Remember: The best deal depends on your specific situation—which carrier you're with, which points ecosystem you prefer, and whether you need 4K quality. Take 10 minutes today to log into your carrier's member portal and check your eligibility—your wallet will thank you.