Top 7 Sports Influencers Popular With Young People in Japan

Sports have always held a unique place in Japanese culture, from the nation’s long-standing reverence for baseball to the global attention Japan has earned in newer Olympic sports such as skateboarding. But in recent years, the definition of “sports influencer” has expanded beyond traditional athletes who compete on the field. Today, Japanese sports stars are not just athletes—they are cultural icons who inspire young people through their style, social media presence, and entrepreneurial ventures.

For Japan’s younger generation, these figures represent more than trophies and medals. They embody determination, creativity, and authenticity—values that resonate deeply in an age shaped by social media. Some captivate audiences with Olympic-level feats, while others inspire through approachable fitness routines or relatable, down-to-earth content. Together, they paint a dynamic picture of how sports and lifestyle converge in modern Japan.

Here’s a closer look at the top sports influencers who have captured the imagination of young people in Japan.

Ranking of Popular Sports Influencers

1. Yuto Horigome
2. Coco Yoshizawa
3. Ran Takahashi
4. Yuji Nishida
5. Takemari (Marina Takewaki)
6. Mai Mihara
7. Shohei Ohtani

1. Yuto Horigome

Source: Yuto Horigome Instagram

• Sport: Skateboarding

Yuto Horigome is more than a household name in Japan—he is a global skateboarding legend. As the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in men’s street skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and a repeat champion in Paris 2024, Horigome became the face of Japan’s skateboarding boom. His partnerships with global brands such as Nike SB, Seiko, and Supreme elevate him beyond the skate park, cementing his status as both an athlete and a style icon. For younger fans, he embodies the cool, urban edge of Japanese youth culture, demonstrating that skateboarding has genuinely become a mainstream sport.

2. Coco Yoshizawa

Source: Coco Yoshizawa Instagram

• Sport: Skateboarding

Coco Yoshizawa is a rising star who has quickly become a role model for young people across Japan. Bursting onto the scene with her fearless tricks and natural charisma, she became one of the youngest skaters to achieve international recognition. In 2024, she etched her name into history by winning the gold medal in women’s street skateboarding at the Paris Olympics. This triumph solidified her status as one of Japan’s brightest young athletes. Coco’s youthful energy, combined with her presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, has turned her into an icon for teenage fans eager to follow her journey.

3. Ran Takahashi

Source: Ran Takahashi Instagram

• Sport: Volleyball

Born in 2001, Ran Takahashi has become one of the most recognizable faces in Japanese volleyball. Known for his explosive athleticism and dynamic playing style, he has quickly risen through the ranks of the national team. Yet what truly sets him apart is his social media presence. Together with his brother Rui, Ran co-runs the RanRui YouTube and TikTok channels, giving fans a personal glimpse into his life as both an athlete and a relatable young man. For Japan’s youth, he represents the perfect mix of talent, humility, and modern-day connectivity.

4. Yuji Nishida

Source: Yuji Nishida Instagram

• Sport: Volleyball

Yuji Nishida is another volleyball star who has captured the hearts of young fans. A standout player with a remarkable vertical jump and fearless energy, he has become a cornerstone of Japan’s national team. Off the court, Nishida has built his own brand, Crazy Jump, which reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and connects with fans beyond the sports world. With more than a million followers on Instagram, his influence reaches far beyond volleyball, resonating with young people who admire his drive both as an athlete and as a business-minded innovator.

5. Takemari (Marina Takewaki)

Source: Takemari Instagram

• Sport: Fitness & Lifestyle

While not a traditional athlete, Marina Takewaki, better known as Takemari, has become one of Japan’s most beloved fitness influencers. With millions of YouTube subscribers and nearly a million Instagram followers, she has redefined fitness for a younger generation. Her approachable, upbeat home workout routines make exercise feel less intimidating, especially for young people just starting their fitness journey. Takemari’s cheerful personality and motivational style transform wellness into something fun and accessible, proving that sports influence is not confined to stadiums or Olympic podiums.

6. Mai Mihara

• Sport: Figure Skating

To represent a different side of Japanese sports culture, figure skater Mai Mihara offers a graceful counterpart to the skateboarding and volleyball stars. Known as “Cinderella on Ice,” Mihara is celebrated for her artistry, elegance, and resilience in the face of health challenges. She has won multiple international medals, including victories on the Grand Prix circuit, and continues to inspire fans with her performances. Among young audiences, she stands out as a role model not only for her athletic achievements but also for her quiet strength and graceful presence.

7. Shohei Ohtani

Source: Shohei Ohtani Instagram

• Sport: Baseball

No list of Japanese sports influencers would be complete without Shohei Ohtani. Widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of his generation, Ohtani has achieved global fame as a two-way phenomenon, dominating both as a pitcher and a hitter in Major League Baseball. In Japan, his image is everywhere, appearing on billboards and in commercials, making him an inescapable cultural presence. For young people, Ohtani is more than an athlete; he is a symbol of excellence, humility, and global ambition. His career serves as a reminder that Japanese athletes can compete—and lead—on the world’s biggest stages.

Conclusion

From the urban skateparks of Tokyo to the polished rinks of figure skating arenas and the roaring stadiums of Major League Baseball, Japan’s sports influencers embody a diverse range of talents and aspirations. Yuto Horigome and Coco Yoshizawa represent a new wave of skateboarding cool, while Ran Takahashi and Yuji Nishida bring volleyball closer to fans through their engaging personalities. Takemari redefines fitness for young people, while Mai Mihara inspires through elegance and perseverance. And towering above all is Shohei Ohtani, whose influence resonates well beyond Japan.

Together, these figures reveal how sports influencers in Japan are evolving. It’s no longer just about medals and titles; it’s about authenticity, connection, and the ability to inspire. For young people, these athletes and influencers provide not only entertainment but also models of what it means to pursue dreams with passion and purpose in today’s interconnected world.