10 Best Virtual Influencers in Japan in 2024

As technology advances, Japan has become a pioneer in creating virtual influencers using AI technology. Influencer marketing has long been popular in Japan, and the emergence of virtual influencers has further accelerated this trend.

Virtual influencers are digital characters generated by AI, each with their unique personality and characteristics, and they create a variety of content. These characters are active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, providing unique content tailored to their fan base.

Virtual influencers are particularly popular among young people, and their influence is growing daily. Their realistic and appealing visuals, along with their friendly characters, attract numerous followers. Virtual influencers are active in various genres such as fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment, and collaborations with companies are thriving.

This article introduces Japan's most influential virtual influencers, who make everyday social media browsing more enjoyable and play a crucial role in brand promotion targeting tech-savvy audiences. Collaboration with virtual influencers is becoming an effective digital marketing strategy for companies.

Below is a list of Japan's top virtual influencers, whom you can follow or collaborate with as business partners. Let's explore new possibilities in digital marketing through their unique charm and influence.

Ranking (by number of Instagram followers)

1. Imma
2. KAF
3. Zinn
4. Ria
5. teresaAI
6. 山鳥 水生／サントリーバーチャル社員
7. Nikuro®︎
8. 𝘼𝙤𝙞 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢
9. Ella（エラ）
10. MEME

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1. Imma

Instagram: imma.gram 

Followers: 378K

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Imma is one of Japan's largest virtual influencers, starting her activity on Instagram in 2018. She also engages on Twitter and TikTok, captivating many followers with her realistic visuals and fashion sense. She has collaborated with famous brands like Ferragamo, Burberry, and Calvin Klein, and has appeared at international events. Imma is also involved in social themes such as environmental protection and gender equality, gaining empathy from many people. Her activities extend beyond fashion, addressing societal issues, which broadens her support base.

2. KAF

Instagram: virtual_kaf

Followers: 78.2K

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KAF is a Japanese virtual singer known for her beautiful voice. Her music is beloved by many fans, with her unique style and voice touching many’s hearts. KAF deepens her interaction with fans through virtual live performances and online concerts, earning high praise for her performances. She is also involved in music production, showcasing her creative talent. KAF's singing provides relaxation and healing to many, inspiring and moving her listeners. Her music offers listeners comfort and inspiration, gaining support from a wide audience.

3. Zinn

Instagram: plusticboy 

Followers: 44.8K

Zinn is a virtual influencer who debuted in 2019, recognized for his distinctive red hair. He is Imma's brother and publicly acknowledges his relationship with RIA. Zinn shares content related to fashion and lifestyle, inspiring many followers. His stories about family connections and relationships resonate with many followers, expanding his influence beyond the fashion industry into various aspects of lifestyle. Zinn emphasizes individuality and uniqueness in his style, offering new perspectives to many followers.

4. Ria

Instagram: ria_ria_tokyo 

Followers: 35.3K

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Ria is a virtual human who won the New Heroine Award and ViVi Award at "Miss iD 2022". She is produced by "Aww Co., Ltd." in Tokyo, specializing in the production and development of virtual humans. Her captivating visuals and unique character have garnered support from many followers. Ria also works as a model, appearing in fashion shows and gracing magazine covers. Her versatile talents and distinctive style enchant numerous fans. Additionally, Ria actively engages in social contribution activities, extending her influence not only in the fashion industry but also broadly across society. Her stories and messages resonate with many people.

5. teresaAI

Instagram: virtual_teresa

Followers: 28K

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Teresa is a virtual singer of Japanese-American heritage, sharing content related to music and fashion. Her unique background and creative content have gained support from many followers. Teresa deepens her connection with fans through virtual live performances and music videos. Her fashion sense is also highly praised, collaborating with fashion brands. Her multicultural perspective and innovative ideas inspire many fans. Teresa's activities highlight the fusion of music and fashion, showcasing her talent on international stages.

6. Mizuki Yamatori / Sunotry’s Virtual Employee

Instagram: mizuki_yamatori

Followers: 26.5K

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Mizuki Yamatori debuted as a virtual employee of Suntory Communications in 2020. She joined Suntory as a new graduate, initially working in restaurant operations before being assigned to the Advertising Communication Department in 2019. Active on Instagram and TikTok, she shares information about food and drinks. Her recipe posts are particularly popular, making her account a must-see for cooking enthusiasts and those interested in beverages.

7. Nikuro®︎

Instagram: liam_nikuro 

Followers: 11.8K

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Liam Nikuro is a virtual influencer active in Japan and the United States. Leveraging various character settings, he excels in entertainment and fashion, among other fields. He partnered with the NBA's Washington Wizards, showcasing his versatility in activities depending on his character's settings. His international perspective and unique style earn support from many followers. Liam also ventures into various media, including music projects and movie promotions, showcasing his versatility. Moreover, his events and performances using virtual technology entertain many fans.

8. 𝘼𝙤𝙞 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢

Instagram: aoiprism 

Followers: 10.3K

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Aoi Prism is a virtual gal known for her vibrant and colorful posts. She was introduced in 2019 by the millennial creator group "YYZ". Her posts are trend-sensitive, introducing the latest fashion and makeup trends. She values interactive engagement with fans and actively participates in live streams and events. Her appeal lies in being easily approachable for corporate partnerships. Aoi's style symbolizes youth culture, gaining substantial support and influence in the fashion and entertainment industries. Her diverse content consistently inspires her followers.

9. Ella

Instagram: ella.imagination 

Followers: 7.2K

Ella is a virtual influencer created by Disney Japan. Her enchanting character and fantasy-filled content captivate many followers. Ella blends Disney magic with contemporary trends, with her fashion and entertainment-related posts being popular. Her content appeals to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. Ella also appears in promotions for Disney theme parks and movies, showcasing her versatility and earning acclaim for her talents.

10. MEME

Instagram: meme.konichiwa 

Followers: 4K

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MEME is a Japanese virtual influencer who started in 2019, self-described as a "CG human". She primarily posts photos capturing everyday life and retro vibes, gaining support from many followers. MEME embodies "beauty diversity" by intentionally highlighting freckles and facial blemishes, aligning with modern values and garnering significant empathy. Her posts convey messages of respecting diversity and individuality, making her a highly regarded virtual influencer catering to contemporary needs.

Conclusion

Japanese virtual influencers are recognized as highly unique and attractive entities amidst modern technological advancements. They utilize advanced AI technology to provide realistic visuals and diverse content, wielding influence across various genres like fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment.

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In particular, Japanese virtual influencers are characterized by their realism, approachability, respect for diversity, diverse content, collaborations with companies, and international influence. Their visually realistic yet relatable personas attract numerous followers. Characters embodying diversity, such as deliberately highlighting freckles or facial blemishes, resonate with contemporary values.

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Virtual influencers operate in diverse fields like cooking, beverages, music, and fashion, catering to diverse viewer needs. Many virtual influencers collaborate with brands and are increasingly recognized globally, participating in global events and collaborations with brands.

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These virtual influencers play a crucial role in digital marketing strategies, serving as effective partners for companies. Leveraging their unique charm and influence promises to open up new markets and enhance brand awareness. Japanese virtual influencers will continue to evolve, remaining pivotal in the digital marketing landscape.

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