Overview and Purpose
The Japan International Influencer Association is an organization dedicated to fostering an environment where foreign influencers, both residing in and visiting Japan, can thrive. Our activities aim to promote cultural exchange and multicultural coexistence, while also supporting regional revitalization and effective information dissemination.
Our vision is to become a high-impact public-interest platform that connects diverse global and local talent with communities across Japan, contributing to the realization of a sustainable and open society.
Our Leadership
| Chairman | SHISHIDO HIROKI ＜Profile＞ After graduating from university, he was responsible for government relations and large-scale national bidding projects at a major machinery manufacturer. He later led the establishment of the Asia office of a major U.S.-based certification consulting firm, achieving the industry’s first regulatory approval for a foreign company, contributing to institutional development and industrial advancement. At a Swiss-based international rating agency, he launched a strategic division for the Northeast Asia region, overseeing corporate strategy, government affairs, M&A, and new business development. Since 2022, he has been engaged in sustainable business consulting and is also committed to the activities of the Japan International Influencer Association (JIIA), aiming to create new value by connecting global talent with local communities. |
| Vice Chairman | KOYANAGI MIYU ＜Profile＞ She began her career as an influencer in 2013, launching live streams on Chinese platforms and becoming a pioneer in sharing information about Japan directly to audiences in China. From 2015, she expanded her activities as a China-born, Japan-based KOL (Key Opinion Leader), taking on roles in product planning and social media account management, while also advising on numerous projects to help companies enter the Chinese market. In 2019, she founded FUTURE Co., Ltd., where she currently serves as Representative Director and CEO. Renowned for her significant influence in cross-border communication between Japan and China via social media, she has amassed a total following of over 855,000 to date. Her main accounts include “Kawaii (日本泡沫记 xiaopaomo)” with 550,000 followers and “Douyin (泡沫日本记 paomo777)” with 190,000 followers. Acting as a bridge to bring Japanese products and services to the Chinese market, she leverages her extensive hands-on experience and strong fan community to contribute effectively to corporate marketing strategies and branding. |
| Managing Director | FURUKAWA SATOSHI |
| Secretary General | YOSHIDA EIKO |
| Director | Bui Manh Ha |
| Director | MOCHIZUKI YUYA |
| Legal Auditor | Lawyer YOSHIOKA TAKESHI |
| Accounting Auditor | Qu ShuYan |
Inbound Tourism and Its Economic Impact
In recent years, the presence of foreign residents and international visitors in Japan has been growing rapidly. According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the number of foreign residents reached a record high of approximately 3.77 million at the end of 2024, an increase of over 10% from the previous year. Furthermore, statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) show that the number of international visitors in 2024 reached an estimated 36.87 million, surpassing the 2019 record to become the highest figure ever recorded.
Travel consumption by international visitors, including secondary ripple effects, is estimated by the Japan Tourism Agency to be approximately 9.4 trillion yen, playing an extremely significant role in the Japanese economy.
As the influence of foreign nationals from diverse backgrounds on Japanese society and its economy expands, there is a growing need to create a support system for influencers, particularly those who are foreign residents or visitors. The information they share contributes not only to the perception of the Japan brand in their home countries and other regions but also to the promotion of multicultural coexistence within Japan.
Against this backdrop, the Japan International Influencer Association (JIIA) was established to develop infrastructure for foreign influencers in Japan and to promote influencer marketing, live commerce, and cultural exchange between Japan and the world. JIIA aims to be a platform that connects diverse stakeholders, enhances the value of the Japan brand, and contributes to sustainable international exchange.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, “Survey of Consumption Trends among International Visitors to Japan: 2024 Annual Report”
Why International Influencers?
Have you ever wondered why certain cosmetic products continue to sell well overseas for years, or why specific items became so popular during the “bakugai” (explosive shopping) boom? Or why many international visitors flock to regions and events that are relatively unknown to Japanese people?
The common thread is that many foreign consumers and tourists thoroughly research information online in their native language before deciding to make a purchase or travel. Their primary sources are credible firsthand accounts and reviews shared in their own language—in other words, the voices of influencers.
People naturally pay more attention to information in their native tongue and to recommendations from those with a similar cultural background. Content from a compatriot who has lived in or visited Japan is especially persuasive, significantly boosting the motivation to buy or visit.
In this way, foreign resident influencers act as a vital bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, offering companies and local governments a powerful means to reach international markets.
However, the reality is that collaborating smoothly with foreign resident influencers presents many challenges due to differences in culture, values, and language, which can easily lead to communication and contractual issues.
Therefore, the International Influencer Association is dedicated to building a framework that allows companies and municipalities to partner with influencers with confidence. We will achieve this by creating a sound and transparent organization and providing a safe and secure platform for information exchange.
活動内容
Building a Sound Social Framework for Foreign Resident Influencers
Organizing networking opportunities, such as influencer exhibitions.
Facilitating the provision of market information by influencers.
Supporting influencer matching services.
Promoting information exchange with influencers
Providing support to companies, local governments, and other organizations through a public-interest influencer platform and its resources.
Facilitating the provision of market information by influencers.
Supporting influencer matching services.
Promoting information exchange with influencers.
Organizing networking opportunities, such as influencer exhibitions.
