CastingAsia launches Tokyo influencer network

AnyMind Group's influencer marketing business CastingAsia is launching a Tokyo influencer network to take advantage of the growing interest in Japan ahead of the 2020 Olympics.

AnyStyle.Tokyo will provide resources and support for foreign influencers and content creators residing in Japan, along with overseas influencers and creators who feature insights around Japanese culture, services, products and attractions.

The network will look to tap into increased interest in travel to Japan, and leverage the anticipation surrounding international events such as the 2020 Olympics.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan has been growing rapidly since the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization. A record 31.2 million foreign tourists visited in 2018, an 8.7% rise from the previous year and the highest figure recorded since 1964 when statistics were first collected. The government is aiming to reach 40 million overseas visitors in 2020, when the Olympics will be held.

“We’re right now experiencing a growth in demand for both inbound and outbound marketing for the Japan market, and marketers around the world should have a way to reach their ideal audience through influencer marketing," Kosuke Sogo, chief executive and co-founder of AnyMind Group, said in a release. "Together with our recent launch of CPA and CPC capabilities on our platform, we’re looking to lead the drive for more accessibility and addressability to influencer marketing globally.”

At present, AnyStyle.Tokyo is home to over 30 influencers and content creators including Kevin LaSean (XpertThief), Shamov Dmitry (who runs the YouTube channel, Шамов Дмитрий), Kim Dao (KimDao), and more.

Overall, CastingAsia has a network of more than 100,000 influencers, celebrities and creators in more than 17 markets around the world. It offers marketers the ability to manage influencer marketing activity and obtain campaign analysis and insights in real-time. Meanwhile the CastingAsia mobile app enables influencers to manage their activities, join campaigns and receive payments.