Streaming platform DAZN has come under scrutiny following their decision to charge ¥980 per month for viewing the World Cup matches in Japan. Criticism sprouted when DAZN displayed the pricing, resulting in widespread backlash among users and sports fans. As the World Cup draws closer, the discussion surrounding affordable access to beloved sports events is heating up in the country.

In Japan, watching football, especially global tournaments like the World Cup, is a revered cultural activity. DAZN's decision to charge for a service that was previously free on terrestrial television has sparked heated debates about accessibility to sports broadcasting. Japanese society values fairness and consumer rights, and if perceived to be compromised, consumer backlash can be severe.

In the US or EU, similar issues have arisen with premium sports subscriptions on platforms like ESPN+ and Sky Sports. There is a constant discourse over the balance between consumer rights and business profitability. Streaming platforms are often criticized if they are perceived to prioritize profit over accessibility.