Many people in Japan use hashtags on Instagram to look for ideas, products and information. Most of these hashtags are written in Japanese, which makes it hard for foreign companies to be seen by Japanese users. If a brand does not know the language or the way people use Instagram in Japan, it can be difficult to connect with the right audience.
In this article, you will find some of the most popular hashtags in Japan and learn how influencers use them to reach their followers. Influencers have a big impact in Japan because many people trust their opinions more than adverts. Watching how they use hashtags can give useful clues about how to make your own posts more successful.
Below is a list of the hashtags that are trending in 2026. Using them can help your brand get more attention from Japanese audiences. These hashtags show what topics, interests and trends are most popular on Japanese Instagram right now.
You can find translations for each hashtag in the tags below.
Top Hashtags in Japan
1.＃写真好きな人と繋がりたい (I want to connect with people who like photography)
56.5M
For several years, this has been the most used hashtags among Instagram users in Japan. “〇〇好きな人と繋がりたい” ー” I want to connect with people who likes 〇〇” is a useful tags to remember, as you can put any descriptive words after 〇〇 and search for people who share the same interests.
2.＃ハンドメイド (Handmade)
43.8M
Ever since the pandemic, the demand for content related to handmade crafts and creative hobbies that people can pick up at home is high. Compared to previous years, this hashtag gained more popularity than #My world through the viewfinder, taking over the 3rd position. Crafting/making something handmade is one of the things that have always been popular among Japanese people.
3.＃ファインダー越しの私の世界 (My world through the viewfinder)
40.7M
As the main feature of Instagram is posting photos and videos, many Japanese people are keen to post what they find visually appealing, whether it’s a place they visit, or the food they eat.
4.＃ランチ (Lunch)
37.0M
As many Japanese people are foodies, content related to food has always been of interest. Especially in Japan, the lunch menu is typically cheaper than the dinner menu. This makes Japanese people always on the lookout for places where they can eat delicious meals at a reasonable price.
5.＃おうちごはん (Home cooking)
35.0M
As there is a bento (lunchbox) culture in Japan, home cooking is and will always be popular. Tasty Japan, Kurashiru and Delish Kitchen, which posts contents about home cooking, for example, are one of the most popular accounts run by companies in Japan. People always get cooking ideas from Instagram.
6.＃カフェ (Cafe)
34.2M
Cafes are a main hangout spot in Japan, and therefore, many Japanese people are interested in knowing where they can eat delicious pastries in a nice atmosphere. As most of the cafes have an instagram account, people rely on instagram to look for their hangout spots.
7.＃ファッション (Fashion)
33.3M
Just like how the trend of posting “#ootd”ー”outfit of the day” became popular globally as well as in Japan, people have strong interest in content related to fashion in Japan. Younger generations are increasingly seeing fashion as a way of self-expression, and are always looking for inspiration and role models.
8.＃ネイル (Nail Art)
33.3M
Japanese nail art is known for its cute designs and perfectness. Nail art is of great interest to people between 20 to 40 who are university students, working women and stay-home moms.
9.＃可愛い (Kawaii, Cute)
29.9M
The kawaii culture is embedded in the daily life of Japanese people. The hashtag is often used in posts by accounts sharing pictures of cute animals, characters and pets, as well as fan accounts of idols and celebrities, referring to their ‘oshi’ (推し) as kawaii.
10.＃写真 (Photography)
21.1M
People use this hashtag with a wide range of pictures as this hashtag is convenient and easy to use with any photo. As the platform itself is a visual-based media, this makes complete sense. If you have a photo and want to promote it, just post it with #photography and expect the reach.
Conclusion
These are some of the top trending hashtags in Japan for 2026. Instagram continues to be one of the most important platforms for Japanese users, not only for sharing personal photos but also for discovering new products, brands and services. Many people in Japan use Instagram as a search tool, turning to hashtags when they want to explore new trends, check reviews, or learn more about a company. Because of this, understanding which hashtags are popular is essential for any brand that wants to build awareness and trust in the Japanese market.
Knowing the right hashtags can also make a big difference in influencer campaigns. Influencers play a central role in Japan’s digital culture, and they often set the tone for what becomes fashionable or widely accepted online. If you are planning to work with Japanese influencers, being aware of the latest trending hashtags will help you connect with their audiences more effectively and ensure that your message is seen by the right people.
Whether you are new to the Japanese market or looking to refine your current strategy, keeping track of these Instagram trends can give you a real advantage. If you would like guidance on running an influencer campaign in Japan, choosing the right hashtags, or simply getting started with social media in this market, please feel free to contact us. If you are looking to run an influencer campaign in Japan or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to contact us.
