Japan's Top TikTok Influencers of 2024
TikTok, a social media platform launched in China in 2016, has swiftly become a global sensation, drawing in millions with its unique, fast-paced format emphasizing creativity and immediacy. The platform’s appeal lies in its immersive, short-form video content, allowing users to express themselves in engaging, often innovative ways through videos spanning 15 seconds to a minute. With content categories ranging from music and dance to comedy, education, and beauty, TikTok has developed a diverse user base and a vibrant community, especially among younger audiences.
The platform’s distinct algorithm also contributes to its appeal, enabling users to discover personalized content and connect with creators who resonate with their interests. The result is a dynamic ecosystem where influencers and brands can gain visibility and influence through authentic, easily consumable content that reaches users worldwide.
In 2024, TikTok’s influence in Japan is stronger than ever, with Japanese creators amassing large followings and setting trends that reflect Japanese pop culture and aesthetics. This article highlights 20 influential Japanese TikTok creators who make immense waves on the platform. For brands, collaborating with these trendsetters offers a strategic way to engage with a youthful, vibrant demographic that values authenticity, creativity, and entertainment. By connecting with these popular Japanese TikTok influencers, you can tap into the platform’s energetic community and reach audiences in fresh, impactful ways.
2024’s Top TikTok Influencers (by followers)
- Bayashi🥑
- Shun (Oshima Brothers)
- Hina Kagei
- Naenano
- Mumei
- Aaatsushi
- Minami
- Sakura
- Ieyasu Tokugawa
- Kanockstar
- Runa (Banbanzai)
- Ayaka Honmo
- Yamato (Comdot)
- Unparunpa
- Aya Nakamachi
- Shinako
- Yuraneko
- Nakonako Couple
- Sobayu
- Katsu (Katsuya Hirano)
1. Bayashi🥑
https://www.tiktok.com/@bayashi.tiktok
Followers: 54.78 million
Content: Cooking
Bayashi holds the title of Japan’s most-followed TikToker, drawing massive attention with his captivating cooking videos. His unique approach combines fast-paced editing, creative composition, and the use of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) effects, providing viewers with pleasant, sensory-driven experiences through sound. These elements help his content cross language barriers, making it highly popular internationally. Bayashi’s inventive recipes are not only visually appealing but also easy to try at home, adding a practical allure for his global audience.
2. Shun (Oshima Brothers)
https://www.tiktok.com/@oshima_?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 11.64 million
Content: Transformation
Since his early days of posting dance videos on Mixchannel with his sister around 2016, Shun has grown into a popular figure among Japanese middle and high school students. His recent transformation videos have captivated audiences with their dramatic, high-quality "before-and-after" reveals. Known for his polished look post-transformation, Shun's content resonates internationally, as his videos focus on visuals rather than language.
3. Hina Kagei
https://www.tiktok.com/@kageihina
Followers: 10.63 million
Content: Creative
Hina is a trend-savvy creator known for her meticulously crafted videos that showcase her creative flair. Each video can take anywhere from one to nine hours to produce, even for a brief 15-second clip, demonstrating the dedication and skill she brings to her content. This high production value makes her videos distinct, captivating viewers with quality that’s hard to match.
4. Naenano
https://www.tiktok.com/@naenano?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 3.70 million
Content: Dance
Naenano enjoys widespread popularity among Japanese teens and even topped the “face girls most want to have” rankings. Known for her cheerful personality and natural charm, she creates a mix of dance and lifestyle content that has helped her build a following across various platforms. With over 7 million social media followers, she’s also expanded her career to YouTube, modeling, and television.
5. Mumei
https://www.tiktok.com/@mumeixxx
Followers: 4.35 million
Content: Dance
Mumei gained popularity through her cute and addictive dance videos, which she first started posting in high school. Her talent for expressive, engaging dance has made her an influencer to watch. Known for spending up to three hours on a single 15-second video, she demonstrates a strong commitment to producing polished, high-quality content that keeps fans returning.
6. Aaatsushi
https://www.tiktok.com/@aaa_tsushi__
Followers: 3.36 million
Content: Videography
Aaatsushi is a skilled videographer known for his captivating visuals, using unique angles and camera movements to create mesmerizing videos—all with a smartphone. His creative techniques, along with behind-the-scenes content showing his filming and editing process, offer a mix of visual enjoyment and educational value for viewers interested in videography.
7. MINAMI
https://www.tiktok.com/@minami.0819?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 2.88 million
Content: Dance
With six years of almost daily posts, Minami has become a central figure in dance trends on TikTok. Her energetic, precise moves often go viral, inspiring others to replicate her performances. Her family also frequently appears in her videos, adding a relatable, family-friendly charm that resonates with her audience.
8. Sakura
https://www.tiktok.com/@0808sakura
Followers: 2.76 million
Content: Dance
Sakura’s dance videos to trending songs feature sharp, idol-inspired moves that appeal to her core audience of middle and high school students. Her popularity on TikTok has led to modeling opportunities, including work with Popteen magazine.
9. Ieyasu Tokugawa
https://www.tiktok.com/@minnakowaikarayada7?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 2.35 million
Content: Dance
Ieyasu Tokugawa has gained a following with her charming dance videos to trending songs, combining cute, relatable content with an unfiltered vibe. Recently, her relationship with popular YouTuber Sky Peace Teo has also drawn attention from fans, adding another layer to her appeal.
10. Kanockstar
https://www.tiktok.com/@kanockstar1
Followers: 2.20 million
Content: Food
Known for his mysterious, quirky personality, Kanockstar amuses fans with his big-eater challenges and unique comments. His endearing awkwardness in collaborative settings adds a layer of charm to his already compelling content, making him a fan favorite across platforms.
11. Runa (Banbanzai)
https://www.tiktok.com/@runa_mm_0211?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 2.18 million
Content: Dance
Runa captivates audiences with her charm and polished dance routines, earning admiration from both men and women. She is a key member of the renowned YouTube group Banbanzai, which significantly broadens her appeal. Her talent extends beyond dance, as she often engages her followers with relatable content, further cementing her popularity.
12. Ayaka Honmo🎠🎪
https://www.tiktok.com/@honmou
Followers: 2.12 million
Content: Anime/Cosplay
Ayaka’s vibrant personality shines through her anime and cosplay videos, which often go viral for their exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Her live streams further connect her with her audience, offering an authentic glimpse into her passion for anime culture. Ayaka has also made notable appearances on Dancing Sanma Palace, showcasing her dynamic talents as an entertainer and reinforcing her influence across social platforms.
13. Yamato (Comdot)
https://www.tiktok.com/@com.yamato0515
Followers: 2.03 million
Content: Dance, collaborations
As the charismatic leader of Comdot, Yamato stands out for his confident presence and ambitious drive to dominate YouTube. His TikTok features a mix of captivating solo content and lively collaborations with fellow creators and Comdot members. Yamato's ability to balance humor, creativity, and collaboration has helped him amass a dedicated fan base.
14. Unparunpa
https://www.tiktok.com/@unparunpa1028
Followers: 1.96 million
Content: Relatable content
Unparunpa’s relatable skits, such as his impressions of teachers, soccer coaches, and club activities, have struck a chord with audiences. His ability to weave humor into realistic scenarios sets his content apart, earning praise for both creativity and execution. His lighthearted yet meticulously crafted videos make him a standout in the relatable comedy niche on TikTok.
15. Aya Nakamachi
https://www.tiktok.com/@ayanakamachi?lang=ja-J
Followers: 1.72 million
Content: Dance
Aya Nakamachi’s influence extends across multiple platforms, with over a million followers on YouTube and Instagram. Her graceful dance videos and approachable personality resonate with young viewers, while her diet tips and recipe content attract significant attention from health-conscious fans. Aya’s ventures into apparel and skincare production further highlight her diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
16. Shinako
https://www.tiktok.com/@ssshinako?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 1.63 million
Content: Dance
Shinako, the manager of Harajuku’s Bebitappi tapioca and tornado potato shop, turned viral fame into a successful promotional strategy. Her TikTok video of inserting a straw into a bebitappi became an internet sensation, reflecting her knack for creating engaging content. In 2024, she debuted as an artist with Shinako World, and her viral Shinakokko Dance added a creative layer to her growing popularity.
17. Yuraneko
https://www.tiktok.com/@yuraneko_?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 1.61 million
Content: Gaming
Yuraneko combines her love of gaming with cute dance routines, creating a unique niche on TikTok. Known for her signature black hair with green streaks, she is as recognizable as she is talented. With a dedication to gaming that sees her playing for over 8 hours a day, Yuraneko connects deeply with the gaming community while appealing to casual viewers with her approachable charm.
18. Nakonako Couple
https://www.tiktok.com/@nakonako1005
Followers: 1.51 million
Content: Couple vlogs
The Nakonako Couple melts hearts with their adorable and relatable couple content. Their chemistry resonates with fans, earning them 1.6 million YouTube subscribers in addition to their TikTok following. By sharing snippets of their daily life, from mundane moments to their journey to marriage in March 2024, they create a sense of authenticity that keeps audiences coming back for more.
19. Sobayu
https://www.tiktok.com/@sobayu8055
Followers: 1.27 million
Content: Comedy
Sobayu’s comedic talent earned him the Comedy Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Creator Awards Japan 2023. His ability to seamlessly portray multiple characters in relatable scenarios, such as school or part-time job settings, highlights his storytelling prowess. Sobayu’s sharp editing skills and infectious humor have made him one of Japan’s most beloved TikTok creators.
20. Kattsu (Katsuya Hirano)
https://www.tiktok.com/@kattu0403
Followers: 1.27 million
Content: Comedy
As part of the creator network UUUM, alongside YouTube icons like Hikakin, Kattsu brings a unique energy to TikTok. His clever wordplay and distinctive pacing in monologues consistently earn laughter and praise. From humorous takes on everyday life to surreal comedic sketches, Kattsu’s wide-ranging content keeps his audience engaged and entertained.
Conclusion
TikTok has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fueled by a surge in its user base and content creators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese TikTok influencers stand out for their exceptional content across diverse genres, including entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, comedy, and fashion, captivating and inspiring their followers. Collaborating with these influencers offers a powerful way to boost brand awareness and connect with target markets effectively. This article serves as a helpful guide when selecting influencers for your next campaign.
