Top 5 Most Popular Business YouTube Channels in Japan
Recently, YouTube has been gaining attention as an accessible way to learn business knowledge and skills. In Japan especially, more and more channels are being launched by entrepreneurs, consultants, and former executives, covering a wide range of topics including business strategy, marketing, self-development, and current economic events. What makes these channels so popular is the real-world experience and practical tips they offer—insights that books or seminars often can’t provide. Many of these channels influence not only entrepreneurs and business professionals, but also students and young people who are unsure about their career paths, making YouTube a valuable source of information.
In this article, we’ve selected some of the most talked-about business-focused YouTube channels in Japan, highlighting what makes each one unique and appealing. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or pick up new ideas for your daily work, these channels are definitely worth checking out.
Top 5 Most Popular Business YouTube Channels in Japan
1. PIVOT – Official Channel
2. Liberal Arts University by Ryogakucho
3. Takafumi Horie (Horiemon)
4. NewsPicks
5. ReHacQ
1. PIVOT – Official Channel
Source: PIVOT Official YouTube Channel (Approx. 3.38 million subscribers from September 2025)
PIVOT (@pivot00) is one of the largest business-focused video media channels on YouTube in Japan, boasting approximately 3.38 million subscribers. This channel delivers daily free content, primarily featuring in-depth interviews with some of the most influential business figures of the Reiwa era—entrepreneurs, CEOs, creators, and executives—highlighting their real-life experiences and insights.
Its flagship program, “9 questions,” is hosted by Norihiko Sasaki, who asks guests nine sharp, thought-provoking questions that bring out their personality and vision for the future. The channel also offers multiple series such as “&questions,” covering a wide range of topics including work style reform, organizational theory, marketing strategies, and personal growth.
From short-form clips to full-length documentary-style episodes up to 50 minutes, PIVOT delivers practical and insightful business learning in an efficient format. While its content is primarily aimed at a domestic audience, the depth of insight and universal themes make it highly relevant for global business professionals as well.
2. Liberal Arts University by Ryogakucho
Source: Liberal Arts University by Ryogakucho Official YouTube Channel (Approx. 2.87 million subscribers from September 2025)
Liberal Arts University by Ryogakucho is one of Japan’s leading YouTube channels focused on money and life planning, launched in October 2018 by “Ryogakucho,” an IT entrepreneur and investor. The channel has amassed around 900 million total views and approximately 2.87 million subscribers. With the slogan “Take one step closer to freedom!”, it centers on five key money skills—saving, growing, earning, protecting, and spending—and provides beginner-friendly content on topics like saving tips, investing, and financial trends.
The channel offers a variety of video formats including shorts, standard videos, and live streams. In the past 30 days alone, 82 videos have been released. Live streams typically last about 2 hours, while regular videos average around 15 minutes, making the content accessible for both quick learners and those who want more in-depth knowledge.
Ryogakucho is known for his engaging and straightforward speaking style, delivered with a touch of Kansai dialect, and his advice is grounded in real-life experience as an entrepreneur and investor. His relatable personality—playfully calling himself a “frequent urination YouTuber”—adds charm and keeps viewers coming back. Thanks to this combination of credibility and approachability, the channel is widely supported by students, office workers, and self-employed professionals alike.
3. Takafumi Horie (Horiemon)
Source: Takafumi Horie (Horiemon) Official YouTube Channel (Approx. 2.2 million subscribers from September 2025)
Takafumi Horie (Horiemon) is a long-running YouTube channel operated by Takafumi Horie, a former Livedoor CEO who is now an entrepreneur, author, investor, and YouTuber. Active since 2009, the channel is known for Horie’s sharp, unfiltered takes on current events and social issues, often delivered with a bold and unique perspective.
One of the channel’s standout programs, “HORIE ONE,” features Horie offering candid commentary on the latest news without holding back, a style that has earned high praise from viewers. In addition, he frequently hosts Q&A sessions where he gives practical and straightforward advice on topics such as entrepreneurship, investing, and work styles—drawing from his own extensive experience.
His content appeals to a wide audience, including business professionals, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Horie’s YouTube channel is a strong reflection of his personality and philosophy, providing viewers with valuable insights and new ways of thinking.
4. NewsPicks
Source: NewsPicks Official YouTube Channel (Approx. 1.75 million subscribers from September 2025)
The official YouTube channel of NewsPicks, a prominent Japanese news media platform, offers in-depth content covering a wide range of topics including politics, economics, technology, and social issues.
Flagship programs include “THE UPDATE,” hosted by the NewsPicks editor-in-chief, and “Triangle,” a talk show that features candid discussions with corporate executives and industry experts. These shows deliver deep insights through conversations with knowledgeable guests.
The channel provides a variety of video formats, from short clips that quickly summarize key news points to long-form content offering detailed analysis. This approach appeals to a diverse audience, including business professionals and students.
NewsPicks’ YouTube channel has surpassed 1 billion total views, highlighting its influence and credibility both in Japan and internationally.
Approx. 1.75 million subscribers.
5. ReHacQ
Source: ReHacQ Official YouTube Channel (Approx. 1.51 million subscribers from September 2025)
ReHacQ is a Japanese business-focused YouTube channel that covers topics such as politics, economics, education, and social issues, offering diverse perspectives through discussions with experts and thought leaders. Notably, it features prominent figures in various fields, including Hiroyuki Nishimura (Hiroyuki), Yusuke Narita, and Tatsuya Goto, engaging them in in-depth conversations.
Its signature content includes debates and interviews on themes such as social issues, the education system, and political reform, providing viewers with new perspectives and insights. For example, videos like “Yuichiro Tamaki vs. Hiroyuki” and “What University Means in Life from the Perspective of Higher Education” have been released, covering a broad range of topics.
The channel also actively produces short videos and live streams, valuing two-way communication with its audience. As a result, it serves as a valuable source of information for a wide range of viewers, including business professionals and students.
Conclusion
Japanese business-focused YouTube channels provide viewers with valuable learning opportunities and insights through diverse perspectives and a wealth of content. The channel introduced here covers a wide range of topics, from practical knowledge to deep insights, offering content that is useful not only for business professionals in Japan but also for audiences overseas.
With the convenience of video as a format, viewers can easily access real-life experiences and expert opinions even in short moments of free time, making it a new standard for gathering information. Japanese business YouTube is expected to continue evolving, supporting the growth of many people. Be sure to find a channel that suits you and use it to enhance your daily learning and career development.
