How to Access the Hidden Japanese Image Sites

Due to people asking me (Sinclair-Speccy) in the r/OStan discord server on where I get my images from, I get my images from a site known as kazumi386.org. This is the same site I use for research on my own OS-tan wiki. You're most likely reading this because you want to see the images for yourself.

This guide covers installing the program I use only to address one error with using it.

Please note that some of these sites have some really gross NSFW content such as lolicon content mixed in with the normal art, so you shouldn't really be looking at it if you are a minor.

Do not act like you did not see this disclaimer either. These sites are only being provided for people who are willing to look through them so you must be prepared to encounter content that may be shocking or offending.

Windows

  1. Go to VPN Gate and grab a copy of the VPN client from the download page.

    There might be a Linux or Mac version somewhere, but that will require you to manually add some of the IPs for the VPNs. If you're on Mobile, just skip this section and go to the "Other" part.

  2. Install it. It will come in a zip file with the installer, and you need to extract it elsewhere on your computer, such as your desktop or downloads folder. Install the SoftEther VPN Client only and install it wherever, then wait for the install to finish.
  3. Configure and run it. After installing, it will ask if you want to run it, so we say yes, and you should be greeted with the below screen:

    VPN Client Screen

    From here, select "VPN Gate Public VPN Relay Servers". Sometimes it may ask to add a "virtual network adapter," so let it do that if prompted. After clicking the relay server list, you will be greeted with the below screen:

    Server List

    Without a VPN, you will get this error when trying to access the image collections:

    Error Message

    Next, pick one of the Japanese servers. I usually pick the public one from Japan that ends in 119. You'll be prompted to use TCP or UDP; however, TCP always seems to result in connection errors, so pick UDP then press "ok". You will know it connected correctly when it says what your new IP is, and the client manager should say that you are connected:

    Connection Successful

    Now you should be able to access the image sites for yourself.

Sites

There are a few sites, but some of them have NSFW marked, while others have NSFW mixed in with the normal content with them not split from each other:

Other

If you're not a Windows user, use a Mac, don't want to install a whole new program, or are on a mobile device, setting it up is different. VPN Gate's website has a whole section for those here:

Although the guides may use really old OSes, it is effectively still the same on modern stuff...

And please, if you're going to use this guide and share it around, don't credit it as your own and at least link back to it. While the VPN Gate site does have a guide for installing the program, it doesn't address the Error 2 message, which is common when trying to use TCP instead of UDP.

FAQ

Why do I need a VPN to access these sites?

These sites are restricted to Japanese IP addresses. Using a VPN allows you to simulate being in Japan, which lets you access the content.

What is VPN Gate?

VPN Gate is a free VPN project by the University of Tsukuba, Japan. It allows you to connect to various VPN servers worldwide, including Japan.

Is VPN Gate safe to use?

Yes, VPN Gate is generally safe to use. It’s an academic experiment to spread the knowledge of VPN technology and its benefits.

Can I use another VPN service?

Yes, you can use any VPN service that offers Japanese servers. The instructions provided are specific to VPN Gate because it’s free and accessible.

Is there a guide for Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android?

Yes, VPN Gate's website has guides for different platforms:

Can I access these sites without a VPN?

No, you need a Japanese IP address to access these sites, which requires a VPN.

What should I do if I encounter NSFW content?

If you encounter NSFW content and you’re not comfortable with it, close the site immediately. Be aware that these sites often mix NSFW content with normal art, so proceed with caution.

How can I avoid NSFW content?

Unfortunately, these sites do not segregate NSFW content from regular content. You must browse carefully and be prepared to encounter unexpected NSFW material.

Can I share this guide?

Yes, you can share this guide, but please do not claim it as your own. Make sure to credit me, Sinclair-Speccy, and link back to the original guide.

Can I access Futaba Channel with this?

No. I have tested this before as you can only comment on posts if you're using a Japanese VPN but it seems Futaba has blocked most of the IPs used by VPN Gate.

Edit
Pub: 10 Jun 2024 23:40 UTC
Edit: 18 Jul 2024 06:11 UTC
Views: 300