Top 50 Running & Marathon Influencers in Japan to Know in 2026

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 15 October 2026 (YouTube).

Miki Shimura has 191K YouTube subscribers and posts training sessions, race-eve routines and overseas 10K starts. The Instagram account is larger, at 448K. Miki ran 2:47:48 at the 2024 Kagoshima Marathon and has been a guest runner at the Hokkaido Marathon in 2025 and 2026 and an official PR runner for the 2024 Ibigawa Marathon.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 18 October 2026 (YouTube).

SUI runs the UtaRun channel, which has 190K YouTube subscribers and pairs singing with running, with a sub-3 marathon as the stated goal. SUI ran 2:56:46 at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon and was a guest runner at the Hokkaido Marathon in 2022, 2023 and 2025. SUI is also the author of the book “Zurui Running”.

Affiliation: TKD PROJECT (two-person unit) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

TKD PROJECT is run by Shuhei and Yoshiki, both Toyo University track and field alumni in long-distance events, and has 161K YouTube subscribers. Yoshiki’s personal Instagram has 170K followers and the personal TikTok has 97.2K. The duo were official influencers for the Fukui Sakura Marathon.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Aiko fronts a YouTube channel with 78.5K subscribers that documents the climb toward a sub-3 marathon, and an Instagram account with 170K followers. Aiko ran 3:24:21 at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon and was an invited runner at the 2025 Hokkaido Marathon for Sports Depo.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Gachio has 45.8K YouTube subscribers and started running after a metabolic-syndrome warning. The channel covers training, gear and race attempts, and lists ten sub-3 marathons, four sub-10-hour 100K runs and finishes at Fuji 100 and the Shinetsu Five Mountains 100-mile. The channel also publishes on note and Voicy.

Affiliation: Coach at Maruo Seisakusho RC (running club) · Last post: 15 October 2026 (YouTube).

Yuki Yamada has 44.8K YouTube subscribers and returned to competition as a working adult. The channel lists a 2:17:37 marathon best from the 2021 Lake Biwa Marathon and wins at the 2019 Mt. Fuji Marathon, the Shonan International Marathon and the 2024 Saga Sakura Marathon. Yamada also runs a restaurant, Running Shokudo, and coaches.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

HAGI has 44.2K YouTube subscribers and, as a marathon and ekiden enthusiast, covers the Hakone Ekiden, corporate-team racing and marathons. A former Hosei University track and field club member, HAGI lists a 2:35:18 marathon at the 2026 Beppu-Oita Marathon and a 1:13:35 half marathon.

Affiliation: Independent (own coaching and apparel brand, Liberty Running) · Last post: 16 October 2026 (YouTube).

Kowada-kun has 35.8K YouTube subscribers and posts training, race attempts, half and full marathon tactics and new-shoe comparisons. The channel says Kowada-kun ran the ninth leg of the 2020 Hakone Ekiden for Kanagawa University. The Liberty Running brand sells its own apparel and offers training plans and online coaching.

Affiliation: MILESTONE (personal training gym for runners; head) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Atsushi Takayama has 113K YouTube subscribers and posts stretching, injury-prevention and training explainers for marathon runners, plus pre-race practice vlogs from events such as the Kanazawa Marathon. The profile lists a 2:39:19 marathon and a 1:14:36 half marathon. Takayama heads MILESTONE, a personal training gym for runners.

Affiliation: SPIRITS RUN (head) · Last post: 15 October 2026 (YouTube).

Micchi has 106K YouTube subscribers and teaches amateur runners aiming for sub-3 how to improve running form, avoid fading after 30 km and handle fuelling and toilet stops on race day. The profile lists a path from Kurashiki High School captaincy to Kokushikan University track and field and then professional coaching. SPIRITS RUN sells a running-economy course, one-to-one support and a membership service.

Affiliation: Own clinic, Seitai-in Yu · Last post: 16 October 2026 (YouTube).

Yu-sensei has 73.3K YouTube subscribers and explains running aches, heavy legs and pace keeping through stretches and body use. The channel lists qualifications as a physical therapist and a JRTA running trainer. Yu-sensei opened the Seitai-in Yu clinic and founded the Run-fun-kai running community.

Affiliation: Well-being Ikegami (channel) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Well-being Ikegami has 53.2K YouTube subscribers and presents itself as a learning place for amateurs who want to run long distances faster, covering workout types, mindset and runner success stories. An English-language channel, @japaneserunnningmaster, has 3.26K subscribers and lists coach Hideyuki Ikegami with a 2:13:41 marathon, a 1:03:09 half marathon and more than 500 amateurs coached over six years.

Affiliation: Independent (runs the running team FROG) · Last post: 14 October 2026 (YouTube).

Taku Harada, known as Takupro, has 34.3K YouTube subscribers and describes the channel as a place to learn marathon running, with Q&A explainers and run-alongs at races such as the Niigata City Marathon. Harada works as a professional marathon runner, runs the online marathon programme Takupro DOJO and leads the running team FROG.

Affiliation: FS☆RUNNING (head) · Last post: 18 October 2026 (YouTube).

Shoes Advisor Fujiwara has 22.3K YouTube subscribers and reviews models such as the Mizuno Hyperwarp, Nike Pegasus Plus and adidas Adizero by wearing and running in them, alongside form explainers. FS☆RUNNING, based in Hiratsuka, offers paid shoe-selection consulting. The channel lists a directorship at the Japan Footwear Technology Association and a 2:34:28 marathon best.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 18 October 2026 (YouTube).

Marathon Physio has 12.9K YouTube subscribers and is a physical therapist who has bought more than 70 pairs of running shoes and rates them against ten criteria of the creator’s own, alongside training, injury-prevention and research explainers. The channel states that the shoes are bought, not supplied. Marathon Physio also offers channel membership and a note account.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 16 October 2026 (X).

Tetsuhiko Kin is a professional running coach with 33.1K followers on X, where the account shares running form and training advice. Kin also runs a running club.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Reiri Nakajima runs the Reylee Channel, with 44.1K YouTube subscribers, covering life as a runner and commentary on Hakone Ekiden. The profile mentions studying at Tokai University, running for a corporate team and winning Hakone. A recent video reacts to the TV drama about the Hakone Ekiden.

Affiliation: Aoyama Gakuin University · Last post: 17 October 2026 (X).

Susumu Hara is head coach of the Aoyama Gakuin University track and field club and a professor in its School of Global Studies and Collaboration. With 136.1K followers on X, Hara posts about ekiden, team building and promoting running. Hara also works through lectures, books and television appearances.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 16 October 2026 (X).

Ryuji Kashiwabara has 117.9K followers on X, where running and daily updates are shared. Kashiwabara also writes on note under the name Gahara-san. Current work centres on commentary, lectures and event appearances.

Affiliation: MABP Maverick (playing manager) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (Instagram).

Daichi Kamino is a professional runner and playing manager of the MABP Maverick team, and produces the brand RETO. Kamino shares training, races and team life on YouTube and Instagram, and has 111.2K followers on X. The YouTube channel has been quiet since July 2026, so Instagram and X carry the recent activity.

Affiliation: Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance · Last post: 18 October 2026 (X).

Yuki Kawauchi posts about races in Japan and overseas, training and travel to 68.5K followers on X. The profile names Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance as the employer and lists in Jelly, Garmin, ASICS and AirFly as sponsors. It also notes a Gakushuin University law degree and a domestic travel services qualification. Kawauchi runs an official marathon website.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 January 2026 (X).

Naoko Takahashi has 56.3K followers on X, where posts cover how to enjoy running, children’s running and cheering at races. Work centres on commentary, race guest appearances, lectures and ambassador roles. Posting on X is infrequent, with the latest post in January 2026.

Affiliation: Wacoal (adviser) · Last post: 11 October 2026 (Instagram).

Kayoko Fukushi has 13K followers on Instagram, where posts show race guest appearances and regional events. Wacoal announced Fukushi as adviser to its women’s track and field club and as a CW-X WOMEN’S ambassador. Other activities include commentary and lectures.

Affiliation: RIGHTS. Inc. (management) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (Instagram).

Yuko Arimori has 8,715 followers on Instagram, where posts cover guest appearances at regional marathons, the Asian Games and the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon. A recent post shows a marathon event in Chippubetsu. Other work includes lectures and charity activity linked to the Angkor event.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 18 October 2026 (X).

Tomoka Hasegawa has 70K Instagram followers and works as a freelance announcer, with credits across race MC work, programmes, events, talks and modelling. The Hokkaido Marathon website lists a 3:13:33 marathon from the 2018 Okayama Marathon. Hasegawa is a contracted MC for the Hokkaido Marathon, and the content covers guest runs and ultra challenges.

Affiliation: Independent (organiser of the Sayapan RUN event) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (Instagram).

Sayapi has 26K Instagram followers and runs the Sayapan RUN event under the theme of connecting people through running. The posts cover race cheering and shoe-launch events. Sayapi is also involved in the YELL CREW cheer project at the Tokyo New Year Half Marathon, and appears as an MC and guest at run events.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Yuri Tokushige has 20.9K YouTube subscribers and 39.9K Instagram followers. The channel teaches women a sustainable way to run, with a focus on body shape and building a running habit, drawing on a 30kg weight gain after leaving competitive running. The profile lists a past as a corporate-league runner. Tokushige works as a running trainer in Tokyo and Osaka and runs the Bi-Run Friends community.

Affiliation: JE SUIS HEUREUSE beauty team · Last post: 16 October 2026 (YouTube).

Makarun has 20.3K YouTube subscribers and 41.9K Instagram followers. The channel mixes beauty work with a sub-3 roadmap, training advice and daily running vlogs. The Fukui Sakura Marathon website lists Makarun as an official race influencer, a 2:40 marathon, Interhigh and national high-school ekiden appearances for Mikata High School, and six years of corporate-league ekiden.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 13 October 2026 (YouTube).

Hikari Minami, who posts as pikari, has 17.4K YouTube subscribers and 44.5K TikTok followers. Starting from no exercise background, the creator has run for four years and combines daily morning runs with beauty, fashion and wellness lifestyle vlogs.

Affiliation: Maimu Pro (actress and reporter) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Yukino Miyazaki has 15.6K YouTube subscribers and 35.9K Instagram followers. The channel follows a run-for-fun approach, with a sub-3:30 marathon goal and a plan to race in all 47 prefectures, through training and race vlogs. The profile lists a 3:44 marathon. Miyazaki has also posted an invitation to a Mizuno launch event.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (Instagram).

Anna has 23.4K TikTok followers and 12.5K Instagram followers. The channel began as a fashion channel and moved into running, showing running outfits, shoes and fun-run vlogs under the idea of running to enjoy dressing up. The latest long video covers the half marathon at the Yamagata Marugoto Marathon 2026.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Tomomi Bitoh has 62.6K YouTube subscribers and posts vlogs from tough races abroad and events in Japan. The latest race video covers a 200km mountain race. The channel lists completion of the seven-continents marathon challenge, and a paid monthly fan club, TOMO RUN FAMILY, is run alongside it.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Myaco has 57.4K YouTube subscribers and 58.1K Instagram followers, posting race reports from 100km and 200km ultras, trails and full marathons. The channel lists a 2:56:43 marathon, a 9:01:05 100km, a 2024 Mt. FUJI 100 finish and third place among women at the 2018 Tateyama Wakashio Marathon. Myaco has appeared at The North Face store talk-and-run events and runs the Myacon-bu community.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 14 October 2026 (Instagram).

Takao Kitada has 19.8K YouTube subscribers and runs the Adventure Runner Japan channel, with channel descriptions in English. The content follows adventure marathons in polar and other extreme regions, shared in Japanese and English. The channel’s most recent video was posted on 20 August 2026.

Affiliation: Independent (organiser of team yuzu) · Last post: 12 October 2026 (Instagram).

Yuzu has 12K YouTube subscribers and shares road running and trail running after 15 years of running, which began with a parent. The channel lists a 3:48 marathon best and a 2024 Mt. FUJI 100 mile finish. Yuzu runs YUZU RUNNING beginner classes and team yuzu running events in several regions.

Affiliation: Independent (official site ruyueda.jp) · Last post: 16 October 2026 (X).

Ruy Ueda has 62.1K Instagram followers and posts about races, mountain training and the appeal of skyrunning on YouTube and Instagram. The X profile lists World Champion and Guinness World Record Holder titles. Ueda competes as a professional athlete with sponsor support.

Affiliation: FUJIO PROJECT / RUNNING ZUSHI (founder) · Last post: 18 October 2026 (Instagram).

Fujio Miyachi has 34K Instagram followers and posts weekday trail-running club sessions, Imperial Palace runs and drill explainers. City of Zushi materials list Miyachi on Japan’s mountain running national team for seven consecutive years from 2013. Miyachi works as a running coach, runs a running club and operates a honey business called Hashiru Hachimitsu-ya.

Affiliation: Independent (official site trailrunningworld.jp) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (Instagram).

Tsuyoshi Kaburaki has 32.2K Instagram followers and posts about trail races and the spread of the sport. Kaburaki works as a professional trail runner and is also active in race production, lectures and books. The official site is trailrunningworld.jp.

Affiliation: Fullmarks · Last post: 13 October 2026 (Instagram).

Kenichi Yamamoto has 13K Instagram followers and shares trail running content. Yamamoto spent 17 years as a school teacher before turning professional at 40. Yamamoto is from Yamanashi, works as a professional mountain athlete with sponsor support, and gives clinics and talks.

Affiliation: Talent agency · Last post: 17 October 2026 (Instagram).

Misako Yasuda is a television talent with 396K Instagram followers, plus 118.6K on X and 22.6K on YouTube. The X profile reads “work, running and nature”. In June 2026 the YouTube channel carried a comeback-run video after a fracture, and the accounts also cover non-running topics such as parenting and cooking.

Affiliation: Talent (agency not stated) · Last post: 18 October 2026 (Instagram).

Wakana Fukushima has 38.7K Instagram followers and runs the YouTube channel TREAD WORLD, with 11.1K subscribers. The YouTube profile lists three sub-3 marathon finishes, and the content mixes running with outdoor pursuits and food. The most recent YouTube upload was in August 2026, so current activity sits mainly on Instagram and X.

Affiliation: Yoshimoto Kogyo · Last post: 17 October 2026 (X).

Kanpei Hazama is a comedian signed to Yoshimoto Kogyo, with 376.2K followers on X. Running events and an official site, run-forward-kanpei.com, are part of the profile. The feed is mostly general entertainment posts, with running and event news appearing alongside.

Affiliation: Talent agency · Last post: 17 October 2026 (X).

Masato Wada is an actor with 88.4K followers on X and 67.1K on Instagram. Alongside acting and television appearances, Masato Wada posts about running and does ekiden commentary. Acting and personal posts also appear in the feed.

Affiliation: WAHAHA Honpo · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Neko Hiroshi is a comedian with 43.0K followers on X, 27.3K on Instagram and 14.2K YouTube subscribers. The X profile lists a place on the Cambodian men’s marathon team at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a master’s degree in sport and health science from Juntendo University. Neko Hiroshi appears as a guest runner at races.

Affiliation: Talent (agency not stated) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Kenji Moriwaki is a television personality with 52.1K YouTube subscribers and 38.9K followers on X. The channel covers running, marathons and jogging, and the description lists a regular spot in the Akasaka Mini Marathon on TBS’s All-Star Thanksgiving programme.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 18 October 2026 (YouTube).

Jake Barraclough runs Ran To Japan, an English-language YouTube channel with 130K subscribers, alongside 51K Instagram followers. The content follows a runner’s training and racing in Japan.

Affiliation: Independent (japanese-running-coach.com) · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Tex runs the English-language YouTube channel TexJRC, with 6.52K subscribers and 5,401 Instagram followers. The profile lists a 2:28:51 marathon, a 1:08:21 half marathon and a 14:57 5K. The site japanese-running-coach.com sells paid training programmes, including a 25-week sub-3 plan.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 20 September 2026 (YouTube).

The Hitori de Tabi-Ran channel has 4.79K YouTube subscribers and is built around “tabi-run”, running while travelling alone around Japan.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 17 October 2026 (YouTube).

Marc is an American runner living in Japan who posts in English as Running in Japan, with 2.25K YouTube subscribers. The channel covers shoe reviews and Japanese races, and the latest review, in October 2026, was of the HOKA Rocket X 3.

Affiliation: Independent · Last post: 9 October 2026 (YouTube).

YOKO’s Travel Running has 818 YouTube subscribers. The channel shows running routes in Japanese cities as travel runs, with English descriptions that address overseas viewers, and a recent upload covers a run from Sanjo to Nanzen-ji in Kyoto.