X (formerly Twitter) is an extremely popular platform among Japanese users. This popularity has even been acknowledged by Elon Musk, a global influencer himself.
Japanese people primarily communicate in their native language, making X, a platform that allows for text-based communication, highly appealing. As a result, there are many influencers actively using X.
In addition, Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, and many people rely on X to gather real-time information about these events. Emergency alert accounts hold significant influence in this context.
Here, we introduce 10 popular influencers on X. Many of them are well-known figures who also appear on television.
日経新聞1面広告 #カブアンド pic.twitter.com/9dvSCBKkrc
— 前澤友作 (@yousuck2020) November 20, 2024
Yusaku Maezawa is a Japanese entrepreneur and influencer who has about 9.78 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). His posts cover a wide range of topics, including business insights, social initiatives, and personal challenges. Notably, his posts about projects he leads and his social contributions have received high praise from users.
For example, his new project “MZDAO,” announced in June 2022, garnered a lot of attention as it aimed to bring together like-minded individuals to create new value. Posts about this project received many retweets and likes, demonstrating the high level of interest from users. Additionally, many positive comments like “I resonate with this new challenge” and “I want to participate” were shared.
One reason Maezawa’s posts attract attention is their uniqueness and scale. He has undertaken unprecedented challenges such as space travel and large-scale fund distributions. Posts about these activities have drawn significant interest and have led to widespread dissemination. Furthermore, his approachable style and direct communication with users have played a key role in his widespread support.
Maezawa is also actively involved in social contribution activities, such as his funding distribution projects, which have garnered attention and participation from many users. These posts often receive hundreds of thousands of retweets and likes within a short period, reflecting his vast influence.
— 松本人志 (@matsu_bouzu) October 30, 2023
Hitoshi Matsumoto is a leading figure in Japan’s comedy scene, and his influence on X (formerly Twitter) is also prominent. As of November 2024, his follower count exceeds 9.71 million, placing him among the top celebrities in Japan.
Matsumoto’s posts on X are characterized by his humor and sharp insights, attracting a wide audience. For example, his tweet “I want to do comedy,” posted in March 2024, was viewed over 100 million times and garnered attention from various corners. This tweet was his sincere rebuttal to rumors reported by weekly magazines, and it received support from fans and many users.
Matsumoto’s X activity not only offers glimpses into his daily life and work but also serves as a platform to share his values and perspectives. His posts often combine unique humor with profound insight, and the numerous comments and retweets they receive show just how influential his words are.
His posts are not only about information sharing but also promote interaction with his fans and followers. Matsumoto’s ability to balance sharp social commentary with light-hearted humor helps him stand out as a unique influencer.
— 有吉弘行 (@ariyoshihiroiki) October 23, 2024
Hiroyuki Ariyoshi is a long-standing Japanese comedy talent who has captivated many fans with his sharp wit and humor. His presence on X (formerly Twitter) is also significant, with around 7.66 million followers as of November 2024, making him one of the most influential celebrities in Japan.
Ariyoshi’s posts on X cover a wide range of topics, from daily events to behind-the-scenes stories in the entertainment industry, as well as commentary on current events. His tweets that mix humor with unique perspectives often gather attention. For example, a post where he humorously expressed, “Today, I will spit poison again,” garnered many retweets and likes, reflecting how his fans and users resonate with his character.
Ariyoshi’s interactions with other celebrities and friends also capture a lot of attention. His light-hearted exchanges and jokes with fellow entertainers elicit comments such as “So funny” and “As expected of Ariyoshi,” reflecting the wide network and depth of his relationships, which provide fans with valuable entertainment.
Furthermore, Ariyoshi frequently uses X to announce his programs and appearances, and these posts serve as an important source of information for his fans. For example, announcements about new shows or special program appearances quickly spread as fans share them, driving viewership.
It’s worth noting that Ariyoshi’s posts are often picked up by the news and media. His statements draw significant attention, and many media outlets cover them, causing his words to spread widely and increasing his influence.
急遽 動物園でバイトすることになりました https://t.co/es1unM7tTY @YouTubeより pic.twitter.com/x4kUZZDPCW
— HIKAKIN😎ヒカキン 【YouTuber】 (@hikakin) December 1, 2024
HIKAKIN, not only a leading YouTuber in Japan but also an influential figure on X (formerly Twitter), has about 7.11 million followers as of November 2024, highlighting the significant reach of his posts. His account serves as both an entertainment source and a platform for communication with his followers.
HIKAKIN’s posts cover a wide range of topics. In addition to promoting new YouTube videos, he often shares casual daily moments and comments on timely social issues. For example, his tweet announcing a review video of a trending new product garnered tens of thousands of likes and thousands of retweets. This demonstrates that his posts consistently draw attention and help strengthen his connection with fans.
What stands out about HIKAKIN’s X activity is his interactions with other celebrities and creators. When he posts about collaborations with popular YouTubers or behind-the-scenes details of TV appearances, many followers respond or retweet. These posts generate excitement and engagement, bringing new discoveries and enthusiasm to his followers.
His posting style on X is characterized by its approachability and timeliness. By selecting topics that resonate with his audience while blending everyday moments with sincere messages, he shows a supportive attitude toward his fans. This balance contributes to his success on X.
YouTubeのチャンネル登録者数が1500万人突破しました〜!!🎊
— はじめしゃちょー(hajime) (@hajimesyacho) November 20, 2024
いつも動画を見てくれて本当にありがとうございます。本当に励みになってます😌
これからも楽しく自由にやるよ!!! pic.twitter.com/wUkwHhVRTp
Hajime Shacho, known as one of Japan’s top YouTubers, also exudes a commanding presence on X (formerly Twitter). As of November 2024, his follower count exceeds 5.37 million, which is a testament to the scale of his influence. His activity on X is marked by a broad range of information-sharing and close interaction with his fans, making it a vital communication platform for many users.
The core of his posts is the promotion of new YouTube videos. Hajime’s videos often feature unique ideas and experimental content, and the announcement tweets regularly receive numerous likes and retweets. For example, an announcement tweet for an experimental video garnered tens of thousands of likes in a short period, reflecting the high expectations his videos generate among fans.
Hajime Shacho is also known for humorously tweeting about everyday events or amusing episodes that make his followers laugh. These lighthearted posts increase his sense of closeness with his followers, leading to comments such as “I totally agree!” and “As expected from Hajime!” These types of posts show how he seamlessly integrates into his followers’ daily lives.
Additionally, his collaboration announcements with other creators and entertainers attract a lot of attention. Tweets about collaborations with popular artists or participation in major projects spread rapidly, increasing the visibility of his YouTube videos and related events. These posts help expand the reach of Hajime’s activities on X, making them accessible to a wider audience.
能登で地震、豪雨で被災しても
— 田村淳 (@atsushiTSK) November 2, 2024
ずっと踏ん張ってる人たちがいます。
僕には全ての人を救う手立ては無いけれど…関わった能登の人たちを応援することはできます。
政治家の皆さん!どうか能登で踏ん張ってる人たちの事を忘れないでください。
舳倉屋のいしるアイスhttps://t.co/kayVJrcOBI pic.twitter.com/38NQoENLEs
Atsushi Tamura, known for being a member of the Japanese comedy duo “London Boots 1 Go 2 Go,” is also a highly influential figure on X (formerly Twitter). As of November 2024, he has approximately 3.25 million followers, and his presence is significant. His activity on X is characterized by a wide range of content and active interaction with his followers, making him an important source of information for many users.
Tamura’s posts cover various topics, including announcements about his shows and events, opinions on social issues, and everyday occurrences. Notably, his insightful and humorous comments on social issues and current events have resonated with many users. For example, a post about a social issue garnered tens of thousands of likes and retweets, demonstrating his broad influence.
One of the most highly regarded types of posts is his tweets combining deep insights into social themes with humor. For example, his perspectives on political events and social issues have gained widespread support, with posts often receiving tens of thousands of likes and retweets. The reason these posts attract attention is that his unique viewpoint and expressive style make complex issues easy to understand and engaging.
これから飛んでくる! pic.twitter.com/76Iu2xBZh5
— 堀江貴文(Takafumi Horie、ホリエモン) (@takapon_jp) November 29, 2024
Takafumi Horie, known as a Japanese entrepreneur, is also an influential figure on X (formerly Twitter). As of November 2024, his follower count has reached approximately 3.63 million, and his influence spans many areas. His posts cover a variety of topics, including business, politics, social issues, and technology, often drawing attention with sharp comments and humorous jabs.
For instance, in October 2024, when Koichi Hagiuda, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, posted an apology to Hiroyuki Nishimura, Horie commented, “Apologizing to Hiroyuki, huh? Laughable!” This comment sparked widespread attention. In November 2024, he also responded to a post about Renho’s election campaign with a humorous remark: “Completely out of touch now, haha. I think they’ll lose even more next time.” His sharp observations garnered significant attention from users.
Horie’s posts are characterized by his unique perspectives and candid opinions on current events and social topics. His quick reactions and critiques of politicians and public figures often result in many retweets and likes, leading to widespread dissemination. The reason his posts attract attention is due to Horie’s influence and the ability of his opinions to spark social debates.
Takafumi Horie’s activity on X reflects his diverse career and distinctive character, continually influencing many users. His unique perspective and outspoken comments have made him a crucial figure in societal debates.
昨日37歳になりましたああ!
— 渡辺直美 (@watanabe_naomi) October 24, 2024
これからも健康に気を付けながら、
邁進してまいりますんにょ
いつも応援ありがとうございます!
皆様これからもよろしくお願いします!!!
一緒にぶちあがっていこー!! pic.twitter.com/868mpW9zZv
Naomi Watanabe is a comedian who works both in Japan and internationally, and she holds significant influence on X (formerly Twitter). As of November 2024, she has approximately 2 million followers. Her posts cover a variety of topics, from daily life and behind-the-scenes at work to fashion, and she has gained a lot of support from users due to her humorous expression and unique sense of style.
One of the most notable topics is her posts about life and activities in New York. For example, she shares photos and videos of shooting scenes and events on the streets, conveying her challenges and daily experiences in a foreign culture in real time. These posts have garnered many retweets and likes, showing the high level of interest in her international activities.
Additionally, her YouTube channel “NAOMI CLUB” has gained attention with a parody video of Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain on Me,” which has over 25.11 million views. This video, showcasing her creativity and entertainment, has attracted media attention both in Japan and internationally.
髪も切ったしだいぶ変えてなかったので
— みちょぱ(池田美優) (@michopaaaaa) November 30, 2024
久しぶりに宣材写真が変わりました🩶 pic.twitter.com/gyEXEt0N0N
Miyu Ikeda, known as “Michopa,” is a model and talent who has earned immense popularity, particularly among young people in Japan. As of November 2024, her X (formerly Twitter) account has about 1 million followers, and her influence is immense. Her posts cover a variety of topics, from daily life moments and behind-the-scenes work stories to fashion tips, offering a sense of closeness with her fans.
A particularly popular post was when she celebrated her 26th birthday. She wrote, “Today, I turned 26” and expressed excitement about what the year would bring, following a particularly intense year when she was 25. She also shared a selfie taken on the last day of her 25th year, where she wore a tank top showing a mole on her chest. This post received many praises from fans such as “From a gal to a grown woman” and “Looks great on you!”
Her fashion sense is widely supported by her followers, and posts featuring her in belly-baring outfits have sparked major reactions, highlighting her impressive style. These posts have garnered thousands of likes, cementing her status as a fashion icon.
母親と喧嘩したら弁当にウンコ入れられた話 0/5 pic.twitter.com/ueOwhsy1H7
— やしろあずき (@yashi09) December 1, 2024
Azuki Yahiro is a webcomic artist known for his humorous portrayals of daily life and family episodes, and he has a strong presence on X (formerly Twitter) with about 550,000 followers. His posts primarily feature comics based on everyday occurrences and family stories, which evoke empathy and laughter from many users.
One of his most notable posts was “The Elementary School Kids I Saw at Starbucks,” which ranked 4th in the most retweeted posts of 2015 in Japan. This episode humorously depicted a conversation between elementary school children at Starbucks, and it quickly gained traction as many users resonated with the “commonplace” humor, spreading rapidly.
Additionally, his interactions with his mother, referred to as “Baba,” are also highly popular. The humorous comics about their exchanges have made her character so beloved that her own account now has over 80,000 followers. He and his mother participate in various activities, including events and selling doujinshi, and even do game streaming together.
Yahiro’s posts are not just for entertainment; many of them carry social messages, prompting deep reflection. For instance, when he shared his experiences with truancy through a comic, it resonated widely, and many people in similar situations expressed their gratitude.