Top 11 Japanese YouTubers You Should Keep an Eye on in 2024
Influencer marketing has become a cornerstone of advertising in Japan, a country where YouTubers hold remarkable sway over a broad audience, shaping opinions and directly influencing purchasing decisions. Partnering with YouTube influencers offers a powerful gateway to the Japanese market because it helps align with the online habits and preferences of local consumers. With active creators across a variety of niches—such as gaming, technology, anime, beauty, and fashion—collaborations with Japanese YouTubers are a proven strategy for enhancing brand visibility and trust. Tapping into their unique content and loyal followings, brands can craft authentic connections with target audiences and amplify their marketing impact.
Below, we’ve curated a list of the top 11 YouTubers in Japan who stand out for their exceptional influence and creative reach. Explore these influencers to supercharge your brand strategy and capture the attention of the Japanese market!
Ranking (By Subscriber Count)
- Hikakin
- Hajime Shacho
- Fischers
- Tokai On Air
- Hikaru
- Skypeace
- Mizutamari Bond
- Comdot
- Heisei Flamingo
- Banbanzai
- Nakamachi Kyodai
1. Hikakin
Channel: HikakinTV
Subscribers: 18.8M (as of July 1, 2024)
Hikakin is a trailblazer in Japan’s YouTube scene, celebrated for his trustworthiness, creativity, and extensive appeal. Originally gaining attention through his beatboxing talent, he has since evolved into a multifaceted entertainer, offering diverse content including gameplay videos, product reviews, and engaging challenges. Known for his vibrant personality and ability to surprise viewers with fresh and entertaining ideas, Hikakin consistently captivates a broad audience. His collaborations with major brands highlight not only his immense influence but also his role as a trusted figure in the Japanese digital landscape. By combining humor, energy, and a deep commitment to entertaining his followers, Hikakin has cemented his status as a beloved and pioneering content creator.
2. Hajime Shacho
Channel: hajimesyacho
Subscribers: 14.2M (as of July 1, 2024)
Hajime Shacho stands out as one of Japan’s most dynamic YouTubers, captivating audiences with a diverse range of content, from daring experiments and exciting challenges to engaging product reviews. His videos are celebrated for their bold concepts, creative execution, and signature humor, consistently surprising and delighting viewers. Known for his ambitious large-scale projects and high-energy collaborations, he regularly exceeds expectations and pushes the boundaries of entertainment. His proactive approach to tackling new ideas and his fearless spirit of innovation have earned him a loyal fan base.
3. Fischer’s
Channel: Fischers
Subscribers: 8.53M (as of July 1, 2024)
Fischer’s is a beloved YouTube group known for their energetic outdoor activities and athletic challenges, capturing the hearts of audiences, especially children. Their content embodies a sense of adventure and playful curiosity, transforming everyday moments into sources of joy and excitement. What sets Fischer’s apart is their emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie, with each member bringing their unique personality to the mix, creating a vigorous and relatable group dynamic that appeals to viewers of all ages. Through their spirited approach, Fischer’s inspires viewers to embrace adventure and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
4. Tokai On Air
Channel: TokaiOnAir
Subscribers: 7.06M (as of July 1, 2024)
Tokai On Air attracts viewers with their bold and unconventional challenge projects, experimental ideas, and high entertainment value. Known for pushing boundaries, they bring fresh surprises with every video, keeping viewers eagerly engaged and entertained. Their creativity shines not just in the daring nature of their content but also in the unique twists they bring to familiar concepts, making each video a memorable experience. The distinct personalities of each member add depth and balance to the group, fostering a dynamic chemistry that resonates with fans and strengthens their connection to viewers. Tokai On Air’s ability to consistently deliver humor, excitement, and unexpected moments has cemented their reputation as one of Japan’s most innovative and well-loved YouTube groups.
5. Hikaru
Channel: hikaruYouTube
Subscribers: 4.9M (as of July 1, 2024)
Hikaru stands out as a captivating YouTuber, drawing viewers with his innovative business models and astute marketing strategies. Known for his sharp insights and charismatic personality, he has become a trusted voice for many followers seeking inspiration and knowledge. His videos, which often reveal behind-the-scenes details of business operations and uncover the secrets of success, are particularly popular for their depth and educational value. Hikaru’s collaborations with other creators further enrich his content, offering a diverse mix that keeps audiences engaged. For anyone interested in business, his channel is a must-watch, blending practical advice with compelling storytelling to both inform and inspire.
6. Skypeace
Channel: Skypeace
Subscribers: 4.54M (as of July 1, 2024)
Skypeace, a dynamic duo celebrated for their energy and uplifting vibe, has earned the adoration of countless fans. Their content masterfully blends music, comedy, and a spirited positivity that never fails to bring smiles to their audience. What truly sets them apart is their unique camaraderie, creating a synergy that transforms their videos into pure entertainment. Whether through catchy musical performances or lighthearted skits, Skypeace consistently delivers joy and laughter, leaving viewers feeling energized and happy. Their ability to spread positivity and connect with audiences has solidified their reputation as a source of feel-good entertainment.
7. Mizutamari Bond
Channel: mizutamaribond
Subscribers: 4.17M (as of July 1, 2024)
Mizutamari Bond, the popular Japanese YouTuber duo of Kanta and Tommy, has won the hearts of countless viewers with their comedic flair and innovative content. Their channel covers an impressive variety of genres, including experiments, challenges, pranks, and sketches, offering fresh and engaging videos daily. Known for their high production quality and unpredictable twists, their content consistently delivers surprises and laughter, keeping audiences eagerly coming back for more. Beyond their entertaining projects, Kanta and Tommy prioritize interaction with their viewers, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty that has solidified their reputation over the years. Their blend of creativity, humor, and dedication makes them a standout presence in the Japanese YouTube community.
8. Comdot
Channel: comdot
Subscribers: 3.8M (as of July 1, 2024)
Comdot offers projects like a variety show with each member having their own unique character. Their diversity and entertainment value are appealing. They incorporate new projects and challenges to keep viewers engaged. Their videos, highlighting the personalities of members, are supported by a wide age range. Their videos continue to deliver laughter and surprises to viewers.
Comdot is a vibrant YouTube group that operates like a modern variety show, with each member showcasing their unique personality and charm. This diversity within the group creates a dynamic and engaging viewing experience, making their content appealing to a wide audience. Their knack for introducing fresh projects and taking on new challenges ensures their videos remain exciting and unpredictable, keeping viewers impatiently anticipating what’s next. Through highlighting the individual strengths and quirks of each member, Comdot nurtures a connection with fans across various age groups. Thanks to their ability to deliver consistent laughter, they remain a beloved source of entertainment in the Japanese YouTube scene.
9. Heisei Flamingo
Channel: HeiseiFlamingo
Subscribers: 3.6M (as of July 1, 2024)
Heisei Flamingo has carved out a niche as a relatable and friendly YouTube duo, particularly among female viewers. Their content feels refreshingly authentic, combining a personal style with topics that cater to everyday interests, such as makeup tutorials, fashion tips, and glimpses into their daily lives. This blend of entertainment and practical advice makes their videos genuinely useful for women seeking inspiration or fashion advice. Their close-knit connection with viewers, built through genuine interactions and appealing content, has created a loyal and supportive fan base.
10. Banbanzai
Channel: Banbanzai
Subscribers: 2.77M (as of July 1, 2024)
Banbanzai has gained appreciation for its dynamic music and dance content, attracting viewers thanks to its high entertainment value. The group’s performances stand out for their exceptional quality and creativity, consistently delivering visually engaging content that leaves a lasting impression. Their incorporation of innovative choreography, fresh concepts, and exciting visual elements elevates their videos beyond typical music and dance routines, offering viewers an immersive experience. Blending artistry with entertainment ensures that each performance feels unique and thrilling, and helps them remain a standout force in the world of online music and dance content.
11. Nakamachi Kyodai
Channel: NakamachiKyodai
Subscribers: 1.67M (as of July 1, 2024)
Siblings JP and Aya Nakamachi have won the hearts of many viewers with their charming bond and lighthearted, humorous interactions. Their natural chemistry creates content that feels authentic and enjoyable, captivating fans with every video. Whether they’re sharing relatable moments from their everyday lives or tackling fun challenge projects, their videos consistently deliver laughter and genuine emotions. The warmth and closeness they share as siblings add a comforting, family-friendly quality to their content, making it particularly appealing to audiences seeking wholesome entertainment. This sense of togetherness and joy has allowed them to cultivate a loyal fan base, as their videos continue to resonate with viewers of all ages.
Conclusion
For brands looking to establish a foothold in Japan, YouTube influencer marketing presents a highly effective strategy. Japanese consumers frequently turn to YouTube for reviews and opinions before making purchasing decisions, making it an invaluable platform for boosting a brand's online visibility, increasing conversions, and maximizing ROI.
Partnering with the YouTubers listed is a way for brands to tap into a variety of content and personalities, and by doing so, to reach local audiences. These influencers, with their broad appeal and established trust with followers, can help craft an impactful marketing strategy tailored to the Japanese market. Their ability to create engaging, authentic content opens up exciting new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers, strengthen their market presence, and achieve long-term success.
