Breaking into the Japan market from Ireland via Instagram? Sounds like a tall order, but it’s doable if you know the ropes. As an Irish influencer or brand looking to collab with Japanese companies, you’ve got to play it smart—understand the local customs, payment methods, and how to build that trust between two very different markets. In this piece, I’ll lay out how Instagram influencers in Ireland can team up with brands in Japan, with practical tips and a few local examples to make it real.
As of May 2025, Ireland’s influencer marketing scene is buzzing, with Instagram still king for lifestyle and travel niches. Meanwhile, Japan’s brands are eyeing global influencers to reach new audiences. Getting this cross-border collab right means nailing the details on both ends.
📢 Ireland and Japan Instagram Collabs What You Need to Know
First up, Ireland’s Instagram influencers are generally savvy with content that resonates locally—think foodies like @dublinfoodie or travel bloggers like @wildirishways. These creators know how to engage Irish followers with authentic storytelling. Japan’s brands want that same authenticity but targeted at their market or global fans of Japanese culture.
Payment and Currency
Irish influencers get paid in euros (€), while Japanese brands work with yen (¥). Most deals are settled via international payment platforms like PayPal or Wise, which handle currency conversion smoothly. When negotiating, be clear about payment terms and who covers conversion fees—this avoids nasty surprises.
Legal and Cultural Stuff
Ireland has clear advertising laws governed by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), requiring transparency in sponsored posts. Japan also has strict rules around influencer disclosures and consumer protection. To keep things kosher, Irish influencers must always tag sponsored content (#ad, #sponsored), and clarify the brand relationship in captions.
Culturally, Japanese brands favour politeness, patience, and building long-term relationships. Instant “one and done” deals rarely cut it. A bit of research into the brand’s values and a respectful approach can open doors.
💡 Practical Tips for Irish Influencers to Score Japanese Brand Collabs
-
Speak Their Language (Sort Of)
While many Japanese marketers speak English, showing you’ve done some homework on Japanese culture or even a few words in Japanese can impress. Use apps or hire translators for contracts and communications. -
Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels
Japanese brands love video content on Instagram, especially Reels that can showcase products in action. Irish influencers should highlight how their style fits the brand’s image, using engaging, bite-sized content. -
Work with Local Irish Agencies Familiar with Japan
Some Irish marketing agencies specialise in bridging the Ireland-Japan gap. For example, companies like GlobalEdge Media have contacts in Japan and can help with negotiations and campaign management. -
Be Clear on Deliverables and Timelines
Japan’s business culture values punctuality. Make sure your content calendar aligns with the brand’s campaign schedules to avoid misunderstandings.
📊 Ireland Examples in Action
Take @caitrionacooks, an Irish food influencer who partnered with a Japanese green tea brand in 2024. She created a series of Instagram posts and Stories showing how to blend the tea with traditional Irish recipes—blending cultures and flavours. The brand appreciated her authentic approach and the campaign doubled their Instagram engagement in Ireland.
On the brand side, Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) has been instrumental in supporting Irish food producers looking to export to Japan, including digital marketing initiatives that involve influencers. This kind of institutional backing makes collaborations smoother.
People Also Ask
How do Irish influencers get noticed by Japanese brands on Instagram?
Start by engaging with Japanese brands’ Instagram profiles, commenting genuinely, and using hashtags related to Japan and Irish-Japan culture. Also, pitch your unique angle—how you can make their brand relatable to Irish or global audiences.
What payment methods are best for Ireland-Japan influencer deals?
Most use PayPal or Wise for ease of currency exchange and security. Wire transfers are possible but come with higher fees and longer processing times.
Are there legal risks for Irish influencers working with Japanese brands?
Yes, always comply with Ireland’s ASAI advertising codes and ensure Japanese disclosure laws are followed. Avoid misleading claims and be transparent about sponsorships to stay legit.
❗ Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t ignore the time difference—Japan is 9 hours ahead of Ireland, so schedule calls accordingly.
- Avoid one-off deals; build relationships for repeat collaborations.
- Don’t underestimate language barriers—clarify everything in writing.
Final Thoughts
For Irish Instagram influencers, working with Japanese brands is a golden chance to expand horizons and income streams. It takes cultural respect, clear communication, and a bit of hustle. By combining Ireland’s creative flair with Japan’s tech-savvy brands, you can build campaigns that break the mould.
BaoLiba will keep you posted on the latest Ireland influencer marketing trends, so stay tuned and keep smashing those collabs!
