10 Best Gaming YouTubers in Japan in 2024
Currently, Japan has thousands of gaming influencers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In the world of gaming commentary, both entertainment and skill are essential. Their videos offer insights into how to play popular games, strategies, and humorous or unique commentary that captivates a wide audience. Collaborating with YouTubers could be the perfect strategy for gaming brands looking to advertise in Japan. To choose the most influential gaming YouTubers in Japan, you need to understand the inner workings of the YouTube gaming industry. Here’s a list of the top 10 gaming YouTubers in Japan for you to check out.
Top 10 Gaming YouTubers (by YouTube subscribers)
- Hikakin Games
- Kiyo
- Pocky
- Anija Otoja
- Maizen Japanese Channel
- Hajime Shacho 2 (Hajime)
- Nichijo Gumi
- Retoruto
- Eiko Kano Official Channel - EIKO!GO!!
- SAWAYAN GAMES
1. Hikakin Games
https://www.youtube.com/@HikakinGames
Subscribers: 6.1 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Hikakin Games covers various game genres, including Minecraft, Fortnite, and Mario Kart. This variety ensures there's content for all kinds of game fans, making it widely popular. Hikakin's commentary is bright and energetic, drawing in viewers. His distinctive voice and reactions add fun and excitement to his videos, making viewers feel a sense of closeness. The videos are enjoyable not just for the gameplay but also for his reactions and humorous personality.
2. Kiyo
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJiPpN_09F0aWpQrgbc_qg
Subscribers: 4.86 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Kiyo's channel features a variety of game genres, including horror, action, RPG, and indie games. His unique energy and commentary entertain viewers. He effectively uses sound effects and video effects in his videos, making the content enjoyable at a good pace. Kiyo started YouTube 10 years ago and has consistently provided high-quality content over the years.
3. Pocky
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzXjPL7zo0bxhOYDxLJ9YEg
Subscribers: 3.58 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Pocky's channel offers a variety of content centered around game commentaries, including horror, action, and adventure games. His horror game commentaries, in particular, are highly rated by viewers, thanks to his ability to convey fear while also enjoying the experience, combined with his reactions. Pocky is also highly skilled in talking, smoothly explaining the progress of the game while interspersing humorous comments to keep viewers entertained. He engages with fans outside YouTube through platforms like Twitter and Instagram, sharing everyday moments and announcing new videos, enhancing his presence.
4. Anija Otoja
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2GuoutVyegg6PUK88lLpjw
Subscribers: 3.14 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Anija Otoja, a trio consisting of Anija, Otoja, and Otsuichi, is one of Japan's leading gaming commentary channels. Anija and Otoja are actual brothers, and their synchronized interactions and humorous talks are very appealing. Adding Otsuichi brings a fun atmosphere with the unique personalities of all three. Their commentary style emphasizes enjoying the game together with the viewers, which has garnered strong support from many fans. The channel covers various game genres, including FPS, RPG, horror, and action.
5. Maizen Japanese Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM3yhFc0-fBFuvqx1Vg2YNQ
Subscribers: 2.91 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Maizen Japanese Channel is a duo channel led by YouTubers Zenichi and Mikey. They primarily focus on game commentary, especially Minecraft, attracting a wide audience from children to adults. Their unique characters and humorous talks have earned them strong support. Besides game commentaries, they offer diverse content, including animations, challenge videos, and reaction videos.
6. Hajime Shacho 2 (Hajime)
https://www.youtube.com/@hajimesyacho2
Subscribers: 2.91 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Hajime Shacho 2 is a sub-channel run by popular YouTuber Hajime Shacho. This channel introduces daily life and interesting topics from a different perspective than his main channel. Enjoy commentaries on various games, from popular titles to new releases, sharing impressions and strategies.
7. Nichijo Gumi
https://www.youtube.com/@Nichijo_Gumi
Subscribers: 2.3 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Nichijo Gumi is a four-member Japanese gaming commentary group consisting of Paint, Chronoa, Shinigami, and Trazou. Their channel mainly features Minecraft commentaries, including popular series like the jailbreak series, which has also been turned into a manga called "Nichijo Lock." They continue to introduce new series like "Hakuchumu" and "Rashomon," offering diverse content.
8. Retoruto
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVr7clenPjpD7WNsSI3UBQ
Subscribers: 2.48 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Retoruto started on Nico Nico Douga and launched his YouTube channel in 2014. His commentary style is humorous and covers a wide range of game genres. Alongside fellow gaming commentators Kiyo, Ushizawa, and Gatchiman, he is known as part of the "Japan TOP4," participating in numerous events and collaborative videos. Besides game commentary, he engages in event appearances and merchandise sales, valuing interaction with fans.
9. Eiko Kano Official Channel - EIKO!GO!!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDn8Lqf-x0zD8hmFUg08f6w
Subscribers: 2.04 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Eiko Kano, a well-known Japanese comedian and YouTuber, runs his official YouTube channel "EIKO!GO!!" which offers a variety of entertaining content. Viewers can enjoy game commentaries, daily life insights, comedy sketches, and challenge projects. His humorous personality and friendly talk are the reasons for his popularity.
10. SAWAYAN GAMES
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPJCP_fon2mOMfibbBPUOYw
Subscribers: 1.88 million (as of July 6, 2024)
Sawayan Games is a gaming commentary channel run by two brothers from Ukraine. They introduce Ukrainian culture to Japanese viewers through game commentaries. Especially popular for their Mario Kart commentaries, they are known for their humorous talk and high play skills. The synchronized interactions between the brothers are also a charm point.
Conclusion
Japanese gaming influencers captivate audiences with diverse content and unique characters. Gaming commentaries are very popular in Japan, and their influence is significant. Collaborating with them can be an effective marketing strategy for gaming brands. The top 10 YouTubers introduced here will continue to entertain many fans with their charm and influence.
