Instagram is extremely popular in Japan and has many influencers on the platform. In this article, we highlight 10 of the most popular male instagram influencers in Japan to keep an eye on for 2026. The list has a whole range of influencers from actors and musicians to fitness models.
Top 10 Japanese Male Influencers on Instagram
Kento Yamazaki
6.2 million followers
This actor and model has starred in the popular Netflix series ‘Alice in Borderland’, as well as many popular Japanese movies and TV dramas such as the ‘Kingdom’, ‘Death Note’, ‘Your Lie in April’, ‘Orange’ and ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’.
Bayashi
5.6 million followers
Bayashi is a cooking ASMR video creator and TikTok star whose Instagram Reels also regularly gets millions of views internationally. He is known for his cooking and Mukbang videos, cooking original recipes and a wide variety of dishes.
Mackenyu
5.4 million followers
Mackenyu is a Japanese actor who rose to fame after appearing in the ‘Chihayafuru’ movie in 2016, and has since been in many Japanese movies including ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ and ‘Tokyo Ghoul S’. Having grown up between Japan and the US, he is fluent in English and has expanded his acting career into Hollywood. In 2021, he was also cast in the American Netflix live adaptation of the manga series ‘One Piece’.
Tomohisa Yamashita
5.3 million followers
Also widely known as Yamapi, Tomohisa is an Ikemen (good looking, handsome) idol, actor, singer and TV host. He is a former member of the Japanese boy band NEWS and known for his acting career in dramas such as ‘Code Blue’, ‘The Honest Real Estate Agent’ and ‘From Five to Nine’.
Sho Hirano
4.6 million followers
Sho Hirano is a Japanese actor, a member of the boy band Number_i and formerly a member of King & Prince. He gained popularity after his role in the movie adaptation of the high school romance manga ‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War’ and its sequel, and adored by his fans for his funny characters that contrasts with his cool performance on stage.
Arashi
4.4 million followers
Arashi is one of the most famous boyband group in Japan, made up of 5 members formed way back in 1999. After taking a break since 31st December 2020, they announced in 2025 that they will officially end their activities with a final concert tour in the spring of 2026. This farewell live will be held out of their desire to directly express their gratitude to fans, which they were unable to do in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Takuya Kimura
4.3 million followers
Takuya is arguably one of the most famous celebrities in Japan. He is an actor, singer and cultural icon, best known as a former member of the legendary boy band SMAP. Often nicknamed “Kimutaku,” he has starred in numerous hit TV dramas and films. Beyond music and acting, he has also become a prominent figure in fashion and advertising, maintaining popularity across generations.
Hideo Kojima
4.2 million followers
Hideo Kojima is a world-renowned Japanese video game designer, writer, and director, best known as the creator of the Metal Gear series. He is praised as a visionary in the gaming industry, and blends cinematic storytelling with gameplay. In 2019, he released Death Stranding, solidifying his reputation as a creative pioneer.
Tatsuya Tanaka
4.0 million followers
Tatsuya Tanaka is a Japanese miniature artist and photographer who has gained a global audience through his “Miniature Calendar” project on Instagram. He creates imaginative worlds by combining everyday objects with tiny figurines, offering a whimsical perspective on ordinary life. His work has earned him millions of followers and international exhibitions.
Ryoya Ohira
3.8 million followers
Ryoya Ohira is a Japanese fitness model and Instagram influencer, known for his bodybuilding, fitness and lifestyle content. He posts impressive physique shots, workout routines, and motivational posts highlighting training progress. His feed also gives us a peek into more personal moments, giving followers both inspiration for their own training and a glimpse into his everyday life.
Conclusion
As the number of Instagram users in Japan continues to grow, these top male influencers are shaping trends, entertaining audiences, and inspiring millions both locally and worldwide. From music and cooking to fashion and fitness, the range of influencers that we see reflects the evolving interests of the younger generations. If you would like to learn more about how to partner with Japanese Instagram influencers in 2026 to reach local audiences, please contact us and we would be happy to help!
