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.
Overview
| Name | Japan International Influencer Association |
| Abbreviation | JIIA |
| Founded | June 2023 |
| Established | September 2025 |
| Location | 1-8-11 Shin-Ohashi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Daiju Seimei Shin-Ohashi Building |
Our Leadership
| Representative Director (Chairman) | Hiroki Shishido ＜Profile＞ After graduating from university, he was in charge of foreign government relations and large-scale government bidding projects at a major machinery manufacturer. He spearheaded the establishment of the Asian base for a major American certification consulting firm and obtained the first industry approval for a foreign company. He contributed to the sophistication of the industry through institutional development. At a Swiss international rating agency, he established a new strategy division for the Northeast Asia region, overseeing management strategy, government relations, M&A, and new business development. Since 2022, he has been involved in sustainable management support and has also focused on the activities of the Japan International Influencer Association (JIIA), aiming to create new value that connects global talent with local communities. |
| Director (Vice Chairman) | Miyu Koyanagi ＜Profile＞ Since 2013, she has been a live streaming influencer on a Chinese platform, quickly becoming a key figure in sharing information about Japan within China. From 2015, she expanded her activities as a Chinese KOL in Japan, taking on roles in product planning and account management, and supporting many companies as an advisor for their entry into the Chinese market. In 2019, she founded and became the President of Future Inc. (current position). Focusing on information dissemination between Japan and China via social media, she has amassed a high level of influence with a total of over 855,000 followers 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. Utilizing her extensive field experience and strong fan community, she acts as a bridge to deliver Japanese products and services to the Chinese market, contributing to the marketing strategies and branding of companies. |
| Director (Executive Director) | Tomofumi Furukawa |
| Director (Secretary-General) | Eiko Yoshida |
| Auditor | Shukuen Kyoku |
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.
