The 30 Best Digital Marketing Agencies in Japan – 2024

Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and a leader in cutting-edge technology across diverse fields such as the automotive industry, electronics, robotics, and entertainment, including manga and anime. This blend of ancient culture and modern innovation makes Japan an attractive market.

However, entering the Japanese market is challenging. The country’s unique business culture, mindset, and national character mean that success in Europe or the United States does not guarantee success in Japan. Numerous companies have struggled and even withdrawn from the Japanese market. Therefore, marketing strategies must be carefully developed and executed with a deep understanding of these nuances. Working with a Japanese digital marketing agency can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Japan is highly digitally advanced, with an Internet penetration rate of approximately 83%, comparable to that of the United States. Japanese consumers routinely use search engines like Google and social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to gather information. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok also play a significant role in influencing purchasing decisions.

Market Background in Japan

Japan’s influencer marketing market is among the most mature in Asia.

As of 2024, it was valued at approximately 1.2 trillion yen, and it is projected to exceed 2 trillion yen by 2029, reflecting the rapid expansion of brand utilization of social media.

This growth is not a temporary trend; rather, it demonstrates the established consumer behavior of relying on social media as a trusted source of information for making purchasing decisions.

source : https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000119.000013256.html

In 2025, social media usage rates in Japan will remain high, with LINE at 93%, YouTube at 88%, Instagram at 49%, and X (formerly Twitter) at 46%.

Among these, Instagram and YouTube play a central role in marketing activities, as they provide a direct pathway from product discovery to purchase.

TikTok has also grown to around 30%, exerting a strong influence on purchasing behavior, particularly among younger generations.

source : https://www.hottolink.co.jp/column/20250106_114872/

The defining characteristic of the Japanese market lies in consumer behavior driven by trust.

Unlike overseas markets that often favor flashy presentations or large-scale campaigns, Japanese consumers place greater emphasis on careful communication and emotional resonance.

As a result, influencers who can build credibility between brands and consumers are valued more highly than those with large follower counts.

Another key characteristic is the strong awareness of legal compliance and transparency.

Advertising posts are required to include clear disclosures such as #PR or #広告 (advertisement), and there are strict regulations under laws such as the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.

These measures exist to protect consumer trust and are one of the reasons why companies often conduct influencer marketing initiatives through agencies.

source : https://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/representation/fair_labeling/stealth_marketing

As a result, in Japan the mainstream approach is not about creating short-term buzz, but about building trust continuously over time.

If this structure is misunderstood and overseas-style campaigns are deployed, there is a risk of damaging brand image instead.

When choosing an agency, the decisive factor is whether they can design strategies that take this cultural background into account.

The Value of Leveraging Agencies

When implementing social media initiatives in the Japanese market, partnering with a local agency is not merely a matter of “outsourcing”—it should be considered a prerequisite for success.

Because culture, consumer psychology, and platform usage all differ significantly from other countries, the support of an experienced and specialized team is indispensable.

Why It Is Difficult for Overseas Brands to Enter Alone

Japanese consumers are cautious toward advertising and place strong importance on trustworthy messengers.

As a result, when overseas brands attempt to find influencers on their own, cultural mismatches are highly likely to occur.

Local agencies, however, understand the local mindset and design communication styles that resonate with users.

Moreover, detailed optimization is also critical—such as creating copy that reflects subtle nuances of the Japanese language, or adjusting posting times to align with regional characteristics.

This precision in language and culture ultimately determines the level of trust a brand can build.

Balancing Compliance and Operational Efficiency

In Japan, regulations such as the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations are stringent, requiring particular caution in sectors like beauty, health, and food & beverage.

Local agencies have established systems for expression checks and legal review processes, enabling them to minimize risks.

They also handle the full workflow—from contracts and payments to performance measurement—reducing the administrative complexity that overseas companies often face.

In particular, when it comes to compensating influencers, Japan’s unique business practices and tax regulations come into play, making the presence of a local partner indispensable.

By working through an agency, brands can achieve both legal compliance and operational efficiency at the same time.

Japan’s Unique Data Analysis and Improvement Cycle

Many Japanese agencies operate within a culture that measures results through both quantitative metrics and behavioral data.

In addition to reach and click numbers, they analyze qualitative responses such as saves, comment content, and view completion rates.

This approach ensures that campaigns are not treated as one-off efforts, but are instead continuously optimized in line with the brand’s long-term growth.

Moreover, in the Japanese market, user reactions are often relatively “quiet,” meaning that numbers alone may not fully capture performance.

Local agencies’ strength lies in their ability to understand this tendency and evaluate outcomes using qualitative indicators, providing a more accurate measure of success.

Key Points in Choosing an Agency

When conducting influencer marketing in Japan, the choice of agency greatly impacts the results.

This is because the market demands not just an increase in social media followers, but also a clear strategy for building brand trust.

Below are the essential perspectives for selecting the right agency in the Japanese market.

First, pay attention to the agency’s understanding of the Japanese market and culture.

Japanese consumers prefer communication that is “unexaggerated” and “carefully crafted.”

Flashy expressions or direct appeals—often seen with overseas brands—can trigger consumer skepticism.

Thus, the ability to design culturally aligned messaging is crucial for success.

Additionally, agencies that can work seamlessly in both English and Japanese make communication with overseas headquarters smoother.

Second, evaluate the agency’s track record and analytical capabilities.

In Japan, campaigns often rely on micro-influencers, making engagement rates and impact on purchasing behavior more important than sheer follower counts.

Agencies that can analyze qualitative data—such as reach, save rates, and comment content—are better equipped to provide precise improvement proposals.

An agency that can “speak through data” is a trustworthy long-term partner.

Third, assess the agency’s compliance and risk management systems.

Japan enforces strict regulations such as the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, often requiring content reviews.

Agencies with specialized teams that conduct pre-checks of wording and advertising labels enable safer campaign execution.

Moreover, their ability to handle influencer contracts and compensation in line with local business practices provides an additional layer of reassurance.

Finally, prioritize agencies that emphasize long-term trust over short-term gains.

Japanese consumers value brands that communicate sincerely and consistently, rather than those relying on one-off advertising efforts.

Therefore, agencies that continue to co-develop brand storytelling instead of focusing solely on short-term campaigns deliver lasting impact.

In summary, the four keys to agency selection are: cultural understanding, data analysis, legal compliance, and a long-term perspective.

A partner that balances these four elements is best positioned to achieve sustainable success in the Japanese market.

The 20 Best Digital Marketing Agencies  Japan 2024

1. hotice
2. O’z
3. tete marche
4. Toridori Marketing
5. Cross Ring
6. Find model
7. 3minute
8. Gaiax
9. Cyber Agent
10. opt
11. Dentsu Digital
12. SEPTENI
13. irep
14. ADK
15. trans cosmos
16. Avic
17. ADWAYS
18. VALUE COMMERCE
19. Interspace
20. Fan communications

1.hotice

3.tete marche

4.Toridori Marketing

Service: Influencer Marketing
https://top-marketing.toridori.me/

Toridori Marketing is a company that provides a platform for social networking customer attraction measures in Japan. Their services can be combined to measure products and services from awareness to purchase consideration.
They offer two services called “Toridori Marketing” and “Toridori Likes.” Toridori Marketing is a platform-based service that directly matches companies with influencers. This service is offered at a fixed monthly fee, providing a low-cost and easy way for anyone to experience the benefits of influencer PR. It is also attractive because of its reliable support system that ensures PR activities are conducted in accordance with Japanese law.

5.Cross Ring

Service: Influencer Marketing
https://www.cross-ring.com/

Cross Ring is a marketing company within the KDDI group, one of Japan’s leading telecommunications companies. Founded in 2003, they are a prominent player in the Japanese influencer marketing industry.
Cross Ring has developed an analytics engine called SPRAY, which performs detailed profiling of “images” and “text” posted on social media by accounts, including influencers, through image analysis and natural language processing. They possess technology that not only visualizes influence but also automates the ongoing operation of campaign initiatives and the establishment and improvement of PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) flows using deep insight information such as account interest data and fan demographic data.
With their industry-leading know-how and technology, they can be a strong partner for brands and advertising agencies needing safe influencer marketing that complies with Japanese laws and regulations.

6.Find model

Service:Influencer Marketing
https://find-model.jp/

Find Model is a service that enables casting from celebrities who have appeared on Japanese TV to micro-influencers who have many core fans in their niche. It is a PR service that can reach more than 250 million Japanese people with their real impressions through SNS.
Their services include Japanese influencer PR, SNS ad management, and official account representation. Their strengths lie in the high quality of their influencers, the speed and quality of the content of the reports submitted after PR implementation, and the absence of initial costs.
You can also rest assured that their service scope covers not only website traffic but also real-world marketing such as in-store promotions.

7.3minute

Service:Influencer Marketing
https://snsmarketing.3minute-inc.com/

3minute is a company that provides comprehensive support for social media marketing. You will be able to receive one-stop support for all the influencer marketing-related tasks you need in Japan, including strategic planning, content planning, live streaming support, analysis improvement, and influencer casting, among others.
They also boast a solid creative team that will bring your marketing plans to life. This company employs a team of highly experienced video creators, art directors, and photographers who will help you realize your strategy-based plans with speedy and high-quality creative input, contributing to generating results.
Additionally, you can rest assured that the company has planners who are well-versed in Japanese social media trends and markets.

8.Gaiax

Service:SNS Marketing
https://gaiax-socialmedialab.jp/

Gaiax is a well-established company that has been in the business since the dawn of social media marketing in Japan and possesses many years of knowledge and experience across a wide range of industries and media.
Gaiax can provide not only operational support for Japan’s social networking sites but also research on potential customers, from awareness to recommendations.
They customize the best measures that lead to cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral changes in Japanese consumers, and propose and provide overall marketing optimization centered on SNS. Their services cover SNS operation, marketing strategy design, creative photography and production, marketing research, SNS posting and consulting, as well as countermeasures against negative social media interactions.
They offer many services under one company, enabling you to find the best solutions tailored to your needs.

9.Cyber Agent

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/

CyberAgent is a major domestic advertising agency in Japan and a rapidly growing company that operates its own media and game businesses.
Although our advertising business is a start-up, it has grown every year. Since we handle all major clients in Japan, we conduct advertising operations with a high level of expertise. Furthermore, our activities are not limited to advertising sales; we are also expanding our collaborations with major companies across various industries.
This includes creative production that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as AI-based technology and 3DCG, as well as venturing into the digital transformation business.

10.opt

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.opt.ne.jp

As a specialized agency for Internet advertising, OPT’s strength lies in the track record and expertise that have led the industry since its inception.
They specialize in speedy business development, capitalizing on the agility unique to independent companies. OPT executes at a high level in all aspects of the process, including formulating marketing strategies in Japan, developing and planning Internet advertising measures, managing purchases and operations, and producing creative content.

11.Dentsu Digital

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.dentsudigital.co.jp/

Dentsu Digital is a group company of Dentsu, Japan’s largest agency, specializing in the digital marketing field.
They offer four core services: Transformation, Creative, Communication, and Global. From executing policy-based tasks such as search advertisements and landing page creation to planning digital marketing strategies in Japan, you can expect to receive high-quality services.

12.SEPTENI

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.septeni.co.jp

Septeni is a member of the Dentsu Group, Japan’s largest advertising agency.
The company excels in the digital marketing business, particularly in digital advertising. Currently, in addition to our existing advertising operations, we provide comprehensive support for corporate digitalization by offering solutions that utilize customer data and AI.

13.irep

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.irep.co.jp/

irep is a group company of Hakuhodo, a major domestic agency in Japan. They systematically provide the services necessary for digital-based integrated marketing.
They offer five core services: consulting, research & analytics, communication planning, PDCA management, and data & system infrastructure development. You can expect to receive a very high level of service.

14.ADK

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.adkms.jp

ADK Holdings is the third-largest advertising agency group in Japan. Within the ADK Group, ADK Marketing Solutions is recognized for having the strongest digital marketing capabilities.
The company excels not only in digital marketing but also in mass marketing. They offer comprehensive support for your marketing issues across mass media, digital media, social media, and real activation events, from strategy planning to implementation and effectiveness verification.

15.trans cosmos

Service: Major digital advertising agency
https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp

Trans cosmos is a company that employs unique methods to help clients increase sales and optimize costs. They are also proficient in digital marketing and will assist you in attracting customers through various channels.
Additionally, Trans cosmos is unique in that it acts as a business partner to client companies, providing outsourcing services that comprehensively and globally support sales expansion and cost optimization.

16.Avic

Service:Mid-sized advertising agency
https://avic.jp

Avic is a company known for its strength in digital marketing consulting. They provide a wide range of support, from designing digital marketing strategies to customer attraction measures and advertising operations, all aligned with a company’s business strategy.
They will help your company maximize the return on its marketing investments in Japan.

17.ADWAYS

Service:Affiliate/Ad network agency
https://www.adways.net

ADWAYS offers an ad platform (ad serving platform) and also provides marketing consulting for their own clients.
Their consulting services include marketing strategy development, full-funnel and full-channel tactical development, and execution.
The platform they offer is particularly specialized for affiliates and supports the leading channels in the Japanese market.

18.VALUE COMMERCE

Service:Affiliate/Ad network agency
https://www.valuecommerce.co.jp/

VALUE COMMERCE is an affiliate provider and a company that supports EC businesses with a variety of services.
As an example, it offers CRM tools for online malls.
They can help you maximize your LTV as well as acquire new customers.

19.Interspace

Service:Affiliate/Ad network agency
https://www.interspace.ne.jp

Interspace is an affiliate provider and multiple media operator.
They offer an affiliate network named “accessstrade”.
Access Trade’s strengths are in the categories of “e-commerce,” “services,” “finance and insurance,” “entertainment,” and “other.
Your business may also lead you to affiliate success in Japan!

20.Fan communications

Service:Affiliate/Ad network agency
https://www.fancs.com

Fan communications operates A8.net, Japan’s largest affiliate service provider.
A8.net is well known to Japanese marketing professionals, having been ranked #1 in affiliate ASP satisfaction for 13 consecutive years.
In addition, they operate several other platforms within the contingency fee-based ad network business.

21.Remain in

Remain in is a strategic marketing agency dedicated to creating value that endures. Operating under a distinctive DAO-style startup studio model, the company brings together top performers from a wide range of industries to drive innovation and business growth.

Its services span two core areas: business growth support based on marketing consultancy, and brand experience (BX)-focused marketing solutions. Headquartered in Minami-Aoyama, Minato Ward, Tokyo, Remain in operates with a capital of 7 million yen and a team of 57 members, including part-time staff and interns.

The agency provides end-to-end support covering management strategy, organizational development, influencer PR, and digital marketing. It has also launched advanced generative AI services, including an AI-powered QR code generator, demonstrating strong adaptability to emerging technologies.

For companies prioritizing long-term brand equity over short-term gains, Remain in offers a highly aligned and forward-thinking partnership.

22.vector

Vector Inc. is Asia’s No.1 PR company and positions itself as a “fast company that scales what deserves to be spread.” Established on March 30, 1993, Vector is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market.

With a consolidated workforce of 1,650 employees as of February 28, 2025, Vector is one of Japan’s largest groups of PR professionals. The company recorded 59.25 billion yen in revenue (as of February 28, 2025) and operates a diversified business portfolio that includes public relations, press release distribution, direct marketing, HR services, digital marketing, and investment operations.

Vector is also highly active in digital innovation, having launched subsidiaries focused on short-form video production and TikTok commerce solutions. The company’s extensive investment activities are another defining strength—32 group companies are currently publicly listed, reflecting Vector’s strong track record in supporting high-potential startups through capital investment, PR, and IR strategies.

23.EMnet Japan

EMnet Japan Co., Ltd. is a digital advertising agency dedicated to driving revenue growth for its clients. Founded on April 22, 2013 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, the company operates with a team of 159 employees (as of 2024).

Specialized in digital marketing, EMnet Japan provides comprehensive support across search advertising, programmatic display ads, social media advertising, and feed-based ads—all delivered through a seamless, one-stop approach. The agency is also highly experienced in regionalized promotion, including inbound marketing and overseas advertising, tailoring strategies to each market’s unique characteristics.

EMnet Japan is officially certified by major platforms such as Google Partner, LINE Yahoo Sales Partner Premier, and Meta Business Partner. The company was also recognized as “Best SMB Partner” at the Meta Agency First Awards Japan 2025.

For companies seeking data-driven ad operations optimized through multi-channel distribution and the latest algorithms, EMnet Japan stands out as a highly capable partner that consistently maximizes performance.

24.SEM Agency

SEM Agency is a specialized digital marketing group that provides integrated support across performance advertising and influencer-driven promotion. Since its establishment on September 2, 2005, the agency has built strong expertise in search and listing ads, consistently prioritizing revenue growth for its clients.

A distinctive feature of SEM Agency is its dual focus on influencer marketing and IR promotion solutions. Leveraging its influencer platform KawaColle, as well as unique offerings such as short-form video packages tailored for investor relations, the agency delivers versatile solutions that address a wide range of promotional needs.

SEM Agency is recognized by major platforms, including earning the “Select” certification under the LINE Yahoo Partner Program.

For companies seeking reliable performance from data-driven, managed ad operations—while also integrating influencer initiatives and investor-targeted communication—SEM Agency stands out as a particularly strong and compatible partner.

25.CREATEE

CREATEE JAPAN Inc. is a creative agency specializing in social media video production, driven by its vision of “bringing excitement to the world.” In an era saturated with content, the company focuses on creating video experiences that deliver surprise, emotion, and lasting impact.

The company publicly shares its strong track record—having worked with over 200 clients and produced more than 500 pieces of content. Its partner creators collectively exceed 10 million followers, giving CREATEE significant influence in SNS marketing, particularly on TikTok.

CREATEE provides comprehensive, end-to-end support, including social media strategy, creative production, ad management, and performance measurement. Leveraging its extensive network of skilled video creators, the agency is able to cast and produce high-quality content efficiently and at scale.

It also offers inbound marketing support, including localization strategies and content creation tailored to local audiences, making it a strong partner for brands aiming to communicate their appeal to global markets.

26.A3GROUP

A3GROUP (A3 Co., Ltd.) is a multifaceted company specializing in the entertainment industry, operating under the mission of “creating enduring value.” Founded in October 2008 and headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, the company employs approximately 85 staff members as of 2024.

The company’s core strength lies in its ability to support the entertainment ecosystem through comprehensive casting services—ranging from celebrities to influencers. This casting-centric foundation is complemented by a wide-ranging business portfolio, including entertainment-specific talent acquisition, M&A advisory services for the entertainment sector, and human resource development for industry professionals.

A3GROUP also expands into the sports domain, serving as an official partner of Tokyo Verdy and supporting promotional activities in the athletic space. The company actively contributes insights to the industry as well, such as publishing research showing that character-IP campaigns succeed primarily through “achieving revenue targets,” offering both qualitative and quantitative perspectives on marketing performance.

With its deep industry expertise and broad capabilities, A3GROUP serves as a key strategic partner for companies seeking to leverage talent, expand within entertainment markets, or build sustainable brand value.

27.Jayid

Jayid Inc. is a strategic PR firm committed to its vision of increasing the number of companies around the world that remain beloved across generations through the power of public relations. Founded on March 5, 2018, the company leverages nearly 20 years of accumulated media-relations expertise, which serves as its greatest strength.

Jayid’s services are rooted in strategy—clearly defining who to communicate with, what to convey, and what outcomes the organization aims to achieve through PR. The firm specializes in highly complex and high-level PR domains, including B2B corporate communications, IPO-related PR, crisis management PR, global expansion PR, and succession-related PR.

More than half of its clients are global companies, demonstrating Jayid’s strong bilingual capabilities in both Japanese and English. The firm’s track record includes Prime Market–listed companies, major multinational corporations operating in Japan, and leading domestic and international unicorns.

With its deep expertise, strategic precision, and powerful media networks, Jayid stands as a trusted partner for organizations seeking sophisticated, high-impact PR on a global scale.

28.unin

unin Inc. is a creative agency built on the idea of generating synergy with “unique influencers,” placing distinctive creator partnerships at the core of its business.

The company excels in casting Gen Z creators, offering a strong foundation for campaigns that require cultural fluency, trend sensitivity, and global reach. With team members from diverse backgrounds—including trilingual talent—unin delivers tailored branding and creative strategies that align directly with each client’s business goals.

For companies seeking to move beyond traditional PR methods and explore new collaborations with emerging influencers and creators, unin serves as an ideal partner. Its startup-level agility combined with fresh, original ideas makes it particularly well-suited for brands looking to innovate quickly and authentically.

29.panda vision

Panda Vision Inc. is a creative company with deep expertise and strong execution capabilities in next-generation entertainment fields such as e-sports and live streaming. Since its establishment on June 3, 2019, the company has pursued its mission of “bringing Japanese creativity to the world,” developing both creative production and agency services as its two core pillars.

A defining characteristic of Panda Vision is its commitment not only to producing advertising content, but also to developing original IP. One notable example is its self-produced YouTube anime series Tokyo Game Girls, which follows the youth of a high-school girls’ e-sports team—demonstrating the company’s dedication to expanding the possibilities of entertainment content.

For brands looking to go beyond traditional advertising and invest in IP-driven content development—or those seeking high-level expertise in live-streaming and e-sports—Panda Vision offers a powerful combination of technical capability and creative passion, making it an exceptional creative partner.

30.GAPRISE

GAPRISE Inc. is a digital solutions company that brings “overwhelming results” to Japan’s web businesses by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and deep operational expertise.

The company’s business model is built on the integration of world-class marketing technologies and an operations team capable of fully utilizing them. GAPRISE partners with leading global SaaS providers, offering solutions such as the A/B testing platform AB Tasty, the AI-powered review tool CREMA, and the site-speed acceleration tool Speed Kit—all designed to directly solve clients’ digital challenges.

Its specialization extends far beyond conventional advertising. GAPRISE focuses on tangible, high-impact performance improvements—such as boosting conversion rates through site speed optimization (e.g., a 6.26% increase in CVR) or driving digital enhancement efforts aimed at achieving 170% CVR growth. The company publicly showcases successful case studies across a wide range of industries, including major beverage manufacturers, e-commerce businesses, and the TBC Group.

With its strong commitment to measurable outcomes and its ability to deploy advanced global technologies, GAPRISE stands as a powerful partner for organizations seeking to elevate their digital performance.

hotice Provides Matching Support

At hotice, we can help you select the right models for your marketing without you having to contact the influencers individually.

Selection of Japanese models, specifically the influencers for marketing purposes, can be very challenging.

hotice can help you facilitate the selection of influencers while also helping you communicate efficiently with these influencers.
Some models and influencers can be troublesome even after joining an agency, causing issues.
However, with hotice, you will have no problem of such.

If you are looking to optimize Japanese model marketing, hotice is the company for you.