Japan's Top TikTok Influencers of 2024
TikTok, a social media platform launched in China in 2016, rapidly expanded its user base worldwide. Its appeal lies in allowing users to creatively express themselves through short videos ranging from 15 seconds to 1 minute. With a diverse array of content such as music, dance, comedy, education, and beauty, TikTok is beloved by people of all ages, especially the younger generation. This article introduces 20 Japanese TikTok influencers to watch in 2024. Collaborating with these influential figures can help you reach a young and vibrant target audience.
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 is the most followed TikToker in Japan. His cooking videos feature unique tempo and creative composition, combined with the use of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), which makes the brain feel pleasant through auditory stimulation, captivating viewers. This content transcends language barriers, making it extremely popular outside Japan as well. His unique and delicious recipes are easy to try at home.
2. Shun (Oshima Brothers)
https://www.tiktok.com/@oshima_?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 11.64 million
Content: Transformation
Since around 2016, Shun has been a popular influencer among middle and high school students, first gaining popularity with dance videos with his sister on Mixchannel. Recently, he has been posting many transformation videos, which are popular because of his high-quality looks that are unimaginable before the transformation. These videos are popular not only in Japan but also overseas, as they do not rely on language.
3. Hina Kagei
https://www.tiktok.com/@kageihina
Followers: 10.63 million
Content: Creative
Hina is a creator who is sensitive to trends and posts many creative videos. Each video takes a lot of time to create, with even a 15-second video sometimes taking an hour or more, and up to 3, 6, or even 9 hours. Her high-quality videos are a notable feature.
4. Naenano
https://www.tiktok.com/@naenano?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 3.70 million
Content: Dance
Naenano is extremely popular among teens and has even been ranked first in the "face that girls most want to have" ranking. She produces a variety of content with her natural and cute character. With over 7 million followers across social media, she has also become famous on YouTube and as a model and TV personality since gaining popularity on TikTok.
5. mumei×
https://www.tiktok.com/@mumeixxx
Followers: 4.35 million
Content: Dance
mumei× gained popularity for her versatile expressions and addictive dance moves. She first started posting on her account in high school, and her dance videos gradually garnered attention for being "too cute" and "addictive," quickly making her a popular influencer. According to Buzz TokNews, MUMEI spends 3 hours creating a 15-second video, indicating the high quality of her content. Her videos have strong viewer engagement, and her dance skills and unique expressions captivate many fans.
6. Aaatsushi
https://www.tiktok.com/@aaa_tsushi__
Followers: 3.36 million
Content: Videography
Atsushi is a video creator who uses unique camera work and high editing skills to create mysterious visuals with just a smartphone. His videos are visually engaging, utilizing angles and movements to add motion and dynamism. His unique camera work and techniques for recreating phenomena are distinguishing features. He also posts behind-the-scenes content, revealing how he shoots and edits, providing surprise and learning opportunities for viewers.
7. MINAMI
https://www.tiktok.com/@minami.0819?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 2.88 million
Content: Dance
Minami has been posting on TikTok almost daily for about six years, with her content mainly consisting of trending dance videos. Many people imitate the songs and dances she performs, and her sharp dance moves, which seem impossible to have been self-taught, often go viral and receive many likes. Her mother and sister also appear in her TikToks, and their high visuals and looks, which do not seem like those of middle and high school students, contribute to her popularity.
8. Sakura
https://www.tiktok.com/@0808sakura
Followers: 2.76 million
Content: Dance
Sakura has been posting videos almost daily for about six years, featuring dances to trending songs. Her dances, ranging from visual-conscious to sharp Korean idol-like moves, are widely supported by middle and high school students. Since becoming famous on TikTok, she has also been active as a model for Popteen.
9. Ieyasu Tokugawa
https://www.tiktok.com/@minnakowaikarayada7?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 2.35 million
Content: Dance
Ieyasu Tokugawa is known for her cute looks dancing to trending songs and occasionally posting natural and unpretentious content, adding to her charm. She became famous as an influencer after going viral on TikTok and announced her relationship with popular YouTuber "Sky Peace Teo."
10. Kanockstar
https://www.tiktok.com/@kanockstar1
Followers: 2.20 million
Content: Food
Kanockstar is also popular on YouTube, with 1.89 million subscribers, and is described as "mysterious," making unique statements and being hard to understand despite being a big eater. This quirkiness is addictive. He becomes shy in collaborations, adding to his charm.
11. Runa (Banbanzai)
https://www.tiktok.com/@runa_mm_0211?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 2.18 million
Content: Dance
Runa's high visuals are supported by both men and women. She is also a member of the well-known YouTube group "Banbanzai."
12. Ayaka Honmo🎠🎪
https://www.tiktok.com/@honmou
Followers: 2.12 million
Content: Anime/Cosplay
Ayaka is popular for videos and live streams utilizing her hobbies of "anime" and "cosplay." Her anime character cosplays are highly praised for their accuracy, going viral on TikTok and other social media platforms. She has appeared twice on "Dancing Sanma Palace," showcasing her talent as an influencer and entertainer.
13. Yamato (Comdot)
https://www.tiktok.com/@com.yamato0515
Followers: 2.03 million
Content: Dance, collaborations
Yamato is popular for his high looks and charismatic statements as the leader of Comdot, aiming to "take over YouTube." He frequently posts collaboration videos with other TikTok creators and Comdot members.
14. Unparunpa
https://www.tiktok.com/@unparunpa1028
Followers: 1.96 million
Content: Relatable content
Unparunpa gained rapid popularity with relatable content such as "soccer coach," "club activities," and "teacher" skits. His high-quality videos, realistic teacher impressions, and humor make him popular.
15. Aya Nakamachi
https://www.tiktok.com/@ayanakamachi?lang=ja-J
Followers: 1.72 million
Content: Dance
Aya is a popular influencer with over 1 million followers on both YouTube and Instagram. She is admired by girls for her appearance and approachable personality. Her diet videos and recipes are widely referenced by young people, and she has significant influence. Aya also enjoys a high-quality lifestyle, traveling abroad, and producing apparel and skincare brands.
16. Shinako
https://www.tiktok.com/@ssshinako?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 1.63 million
Content: Dance
Shinako is the manager of "Bebitappi," a tapioca and tornado potato shop in Harajuku, Tokyo. Her video of inserting a straw into a "bebitappi" went viral on TikTok, leading to successful promotion primarily through TikTok. The store's pop and colorful design is popular among children. In 2024, she made her artist debut with "Shinako World," and her "Shinakokko Dance" went viral on TikTok.
17. Yuraneko
https://www.tiktok.com/@yuraneko_?lang=ja-JP
Followers: 1.61 million
Content: Gaming
Yuraneko is known for her cute dances and trademark black hair with green streaks. She is also a well-known gamer, spending over 8 hours a day playing games.
18. NakoNako Couple
https://www.tiktok.com/@nakonako1005
Followers: 1.51 million
Content: Couple vlogs
NakoNako Couple gained popularity on TikTok when their cute couple videos went viral. With 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube, they also work as popular YouTubers, sharing their real-life situations and daily lives, which resonate well with young audiences. Their channel started after Kou-kun and Nagomi-chan et at Universal Studios Japan, which led to their relationship and eventual marriage announcement in March 2024.
19. Sobayu
https://www.tiktok.com/@sobayu8055
Followers: 1.27 million
Content: Comedy
Sobayu won the Comedy Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Creater Awards Japan 2023 and topped the charts as the most popular TikToker in the first half of 2024. Known for portraying multiple roles such as school and part-time job scenarios, Sobayu's editing skills are highly praised for their impressive quality and humorous content.
20. Kattsu (Katsuya Hirano)
https://www.tiktok.com/@kattu0403
Followers: 1.27 million
Content: Comedy
Belonging to "UUUM," where popular YouTubers like Hikakin and Hajime Shacho are also part of, Kattsu expands his activities widely. His unique tempo and word sense in solo talking videos bring laughter and positive comments, making viewers feel energized. From everyday life to surreal performances, Kattsu covers a wide range of genres in his videos.
Conclusion
TikTok has rapidly grown over the past few years by leveraging the increase in its user base and content creators caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese TikTok influencers provide excellent content in diverse genres such as entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, comedy, and fashion, delighting their followers. Leveraging the power of these influencers is highly effective in enhancing brand awareness and effectively appealing to target markets. When seeking influencers to collaborate with in campaigns, refer to this article for guidance.
