# dLibrary Japan — user reviews

> 51 indexed App Store user reviews of dLibrary Japan by NHK Cosmomedia America, Inc., rated 2.13/5 from 23 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dlibrary-japan/id1239399819/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dlibrary-japan/id1239399819.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 5 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 1 · 2★ 4 · 1★ 13

## Newest reviews (15 of 51)

### 2/5 — Need more features

*2023-04-27*

This app has improved, but I wish it had more features like other platforms like Netflix. At least it should have the Download option for the price of the subscription they are charging.

### 2/5 — Good content. Bad app performance

*2022-08-14, version 2.5.6*

The content is excellent, but unfortunately although the there is a slight improvement in performance, the app is still extremely buggy. If you pause or stop what you are watching, it will not resume again. You will have to turn off the app, wait for 10 seconds or so, and restart it. Then it may or may not resume where you left off. It’s a moody app.

### 2/5 — No subs

*2022-05-05, version 2.5.5*

Not one show has subtitles??

### 2/5 — Somewhat disappointed

*2021-09-20, version 2.5.4*

Was excited to get this app because you carry a few shows I was really excited to watch, but to my disappointment, none of the shows or movie I wanted to watch have English subtitles.

### 1/5 — Terrible app

*2021-07-15, version 2.5.4*

It doesn’t save the progress and doesn’t track the shows you are watching. Every time I go back to app to continue watching, I have to look for the show and the episode. It needs to be improved.

### 1/5 — Help

*2021-03-27, version 2.5.4*

Can’t even log in!

### 3/5 — Need more content

*2021-03-19, version 2.5.4*

I enjoy the trial period and willing to continue to watch. However, not enough content and “coming soon” tv series is very old. 

 I’m very disappointed that Doctor X is online for only one season. It is too bad that the developer’s bring entire seasons.  

As for the variety shows, is also aired few years ago and again, only 8 or 10 episodes is also very disappointing.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. Regarding your request about Doctor X, we will consider it for future reference.
We continue to add new content weekly. Please check our most recent library. If you have other program request, please send it to us from the following inquiry form.
https://dlibjapan.net/online-inquiry
We appreciate your continued support of dLibrary Japan.

### 2/5 — App for iOS still has a lot of problems

*2021-02-26, version 2.5.4*

I am a paying subscriber for 6 months now. Thank you for adding more programs with English subtitles and continuing to improve the app. However please fix the following:
1. Programs with “English subtitle: Yes (CC)” have a lot of missing dialogue or incomprehensible text displayed. Other paid streaming services do a better job at this!
2. English subs (CC) do not show when program is casted.
3. Program casted using AirPlay freezes when device “locks”; one would constantly keep unlocking device to play. Very annoying. 
4. iOS device gets very hot and battery drains fast when app is in use
5. Support vertical/horizontal orientation for iPad
Lastly, please add more taiga drama!!!

### 2/5 — Not worth the price

*2020-10-12, version 2.5*

I subscribed and cancelled right away after browsing through the content.  $9.99 per month for really old shows.  Not worth your money.

### 1/5 — Account

*2020-10-05, version 2.5*

How do Open a account in order to use the app. There’s no sign ups.

### 1/5 — Playback issues

*2020-09-14, version 2.4.9*

The app causes the video to skip backwards (sometimes just 15 seconds, other times 5 minutes or even to the start of the episode) very often, which makes for an extremely frustrating experience having to watch the same scene five times. As a paying customer for a streaming app, I would expect at least a seamless viewing experience.  Please fix.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback.
We continue to listen to customer comments to improve supported devices.
Periodic updates to the app are made for bug fixes and performance improvements.
Please try to reinstall the app and update your device to latest version to see if the problem resolves. If not, please contact us through our Inquiry Form. We are happy to assist you. 
https://dlibjapan.net/online-inquiry

### 2/5 — It’s just ok..

*2020-09-01, version 2.4.9*

I doubt it is worth $10 a month..
Freezes often, cannot go back to where I was (I have to go back and find which show and what episodes I was watching) and shows have expiration so you have to pay attention and watch within a time frame otherwise you’ll miss the rest of it. I expect improvement.

### 1/5 — 直してください、

*2020-06-25, version 2.4.8*

再生中は5秒に一度、画面に触れていないにもかかわらず
画面をタッチした時に出てくる表示が画面両端で出てきては消え、出てきては消えの繰り返しです。
目障りでとても観れません。
海外に住んでいて日本の番組が観たいので契約したのですが残念です。早く直してくれることを祈っております。

### 1/5 — App doesn’t work

*2020-06-24, version 2.4.8*

I can watch Shows on my laptop and Roku, but not on my phone. It actually worked until I watches shows using Roku. Then App keeps giving me an error message afterwards and never able to watch on my phone.

### 1/5 — No sound

*2020-06-20, version 2.4.8*

Please fix my iPhone 11 plays the video but there is no sound. I checked everything it’s not my phone it’s the app. I will have to unsubscribe if it doesn’t fix. 
音がでません！！直してください！

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Unacceptable

*2023-01-03, version 2.5.7*

One star until they fix basic compatibility issue that has made content inaccessible. Will update rating when problem has been addressed.

**Developer response:** Thank you for reporting the issue.  From Jan 1 to Jan 2, the service experienced problems with video playback on Apple devices.  We apologize for the inconvenience caused during the holidays.  If you require further assistance, please get in touch with us through our Inquiry Form; https://dlibjapan.net/inquiry

### 1/5 — The worst app ever

*2023-01-02, version 2.5.7*

I paid it for watching video and can’t do so. So why do I pay for???

**Developer response:** Thank you for reporting the issue.  From Jan 1 to Jan 2, the service experienced problems with video playback on Apple devices.  We apologize for the inconvenience caused during the holidays.  If you require further assistance, please get in touch with us through our Inquiry Form; https://dlibjapan.net/inquiry

### 1/5 — Even you pay the monthly fee, still can’t watch it

*2023-01-02, version 2.5.7*

This is terrible app. I want to get my money back!!!

**Developer response:** Thank you for reporting the issue.  From Jan 1 to Jan 2, the service experienced problems with video playback on Apple devices.  We apologize for the inconvenience caused during the holidays.  If you require further assistance, please get in touch with us through our Inquiry Form; https://dlibjapan.net/inquiry

### 1/5 — Not loading

*2023-01-02, version 2.5.7*

Can’t watch the shows!  The app will open, but the shows have not been loading 12/31/22 and 1/1/23.

### 1/5 — Low quality

*2022-09-05, version 2.5.7*

Low quality customer service and poor performance app

### 1/5 — app is down

*2022-08-03, version 2.5.6*

Not working (august 2, 2022). ダウンしてるみたい。it doesn’t even get past the loading screen.

### 1/5 — Has many problems

*2022-07-25, version 2.5.6*

I’m not sure if this was just myself, but I’ve had many problems trying to use this overall steaming site. First, I could not log in EVEN if I clicked on the verification button. The only way I was able to log in was to click on it despite already doing so. Then, whenever I tried to look at my account information, I would get some sort server error. The only way I was able to even get any access to my account info was downloading this app. What’s weird about the app however is that it asks me to pay every single time I try to use it despite already putting my credit card info and setting up Apple Pay to pay the subscription fee. The only way I was able to even cancel my subscription was through the app. This service is beyond messed up and I would highly recommend to stay away from it.

### 1/5 — I Change my mind about the subs

*2022-07-06, version 2.5.6*

The app it self is nice , but there’s not enough show with English subtitles and if they do, it’s incomplete , and you are left wondering what’s going on some dialogue is missing subtitles or the subtitle it self won’t make sense. So far Rakuten is best , so for now I will not sub till they change and update the English subtitles

### 1/5 — Can’t send video from iPad to HDMI port on monitor

*2022-05-07, version 2.5.5*

ALL other video subscriptions I have let’s me pass video from my iPad through a lightning-to-HDMI dongle to a 32 inch monitor. Why doesn’t the current/latest dLibrary app work this way?

### 1/5 — Power consumption

*2022-01-13, version 2.5.4*

This app runs hot on iOS, particularly on iPhone. This issue has been reported by others as well; however, the issue has not been resolved in the past few updates. You need to address this - it is about time.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Limited but pretty good content

*2021-01-24, version 2.5.3*

*Jan-2021 update**
Okay, I’ve been using the service for over 6 months and am very satisfied .  New contents are added weekly and you usually have a year to watch it.  Be sure to check that you have enough time to finish to avoid disappointments.  Shows with subtitles are very limited so be aware. If that’s not an issue you can check their website to see what shows are on and see if it’s worth it.  Recent viewings  i’ve enjoyed are ノーサイドゲーム, 陸王, 俺の話は長い, 同期のサクラ this one i just finished, very good... “I have a dream ..” 👍 and slowly watching through episodes of ひよっこ, a must see for fans of Arimura Kasumi.   Hoping they have new taiga and asadora additions in the future.

***original review***Oct-2020
Some iOS UI issues (landscape browsing?, fast fwd/rev bug) but five stars for jdrama selections.  Content is limited but the ones available are pretty good.  Could be a couple $ cheaper or maybe offer a yearly subscription discount?  I’ve been able to binge watch asadora, taiga, jdrama, with my favorite actor/actresses that I’ve haven’t been able to watch being in the US.  Looking forward to both the relatively newer (<3 years) and older/classic hit jdramas.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased that you are enjoying the programs. We appreciate your continued support of dLibrary Japan.

### 5/5 — Great service

*2020-07-03, version 2.4.8*

Thank you very much for making legal Japanese TV shows available at a reasonable price!! Our family really love it. 

We used to have TV Japan but gave it up as it got pretty expensive because we would have to get satellite service we don’t need otherwise. In addition they don’t necessarily have something I want to watch, especially Japanese dramas. DLibrary has enough contents that I have not watched as I have lived outside Japan for a long time so far. It would be nice to see more programs with English subtitles so that my kid and I don’t have to keep translating while watching to our non-Japanese speaking family member.

As others have pointed out the bug that the progress bar pops up every 10-15 seconds is annoying and should be fixed. 

Overall I think the current review rating is too harsh, I’m really enjoying it. 今後更に充実したストリーミングサービスとなる事を期待しております！

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. 
Regarding your request about English subtitle, we will consider it for future reference. We continue to add new content weekly. Please check our most recent library. 
Also, the issue that the progress bar pops up every few seconds should be resolved. 
Please try to reinstall the app and update your device to latest version. If the problem persists, please contact us through our Inquiry Form. We are happy to assist you.
https://dlibjapan.net/online-inquiry

### 5/5 — I wish...

*2020-04-30, version 2.4.7*

Edit: I’ve had this app for a whole year and Im liking that there’s new shows being added. I’m wondering if there’s going to be more movies added as well.

Old: I wish there was more on here.

### 5/5 — Xpop

*2020-04-29, version 2.4.7*

Great app.  I wish they had more variety type shows and especially Music Station.

Normally TV Japan doesn’t show the entire Music Station TV show or it’s shown every other Saturday. I would like to see all of these programs when I want. Also, other music programs.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. We continue to listen to customer comments to improve supported devices. Periodic updates to the app are made for bug fixes and performance improvements.

### 5/5 — 番組豊富

*2020-02-07, version 2.4.7*

最近番組がどんどん増えて、家族と楽しく視聴しています。海外生活には必須！

### 5/5 — Apple TV please!

*2018-10-16, version 2.3.3*

Have been waiting for the Apple TV app. Love the shows, just would rather watch on my television.

### 4/5 — Good APP

*2021-02-25, version 2.5.4*

It’s good APP with great price. I hope there are more choices with English subtitle. All drama what I wanted to watch were no subtitle... CC English subtitle is very poor but still better than nothing.

### 4/5 — Has potential

*2020-09-27, version 2.4.9*

Was looking forward to a Japanese streaming service and would like to give them my support (at least for a few months) so they can add more content. I’m assuming, the more people sign up, the more shows they can have available in the future.
I mostly signed up for the kids shows for my child, so she can learn more Japanese. Really do hope more shows get added.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. Regarding your request about kids programs, we will consider it for future reference. We continue to add new content weekly. Please check our most recent library. 
If you have specific program request, please send it to us from the following inquiry form.
https://dlibjapan.net/online-inquiry
We appreciate your continued support of dLibrary Japan.

### 4/5 — Apple TV app please

*2018-11-13, version 2.3.6*

Any chance we get this app for Apple TV?

### 3/5 — Cross platform app problem

*2023-08-09*

iTV - iPad - iPhone:  Over one-week and continue to receive system error message, had worked fine for over one-year.  This is after ensuring iTV - iPad - iPhone OS are latest version. Deleted dLibrary re download app, and restarted wifi router multiple times.  Cannot even enter cross platform app(s) to logout and troubleshoot.  Sent trouble message to maker and followed recommended remediation with no resolution.  Hoping we will be reimbursed for paid services we cannot access. 

Error message — URLSessionTask failed with error: Could not connect to the server.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*