As part of an ongoing series, Branding in Asia talks to influencers across the globe, learning more about how they got started, what has driven their success, and other insights to inform both brands and aspiring influencers.
This week we talk to Osaka, Japan native, Shoji Sugimori, who currently lives in Sydney where he broadcasts out 213 thousand subscribers on his YouTube channel “Balance and Posture“.
Takuji holds a takes the importance of making a contribution to the world as an influencer telling us that, “it is better to understand the pros and cons, the influential power of an influencer and use it for the betterment of society, and more importantly, know what they want in life and what they stand for.”
The Basics
Name: Shoji Sugimori.
Age: 45
Hometown: Osaka
Current Residence: Sydney
Platforms You Work With: YouTube
Date of your first post: 2014年
Brands you’ve worked with: None
Agency Representation: CastingAsia Creators Network
Accounts: YouTube, Facebook
Eight Questions
What were you doing before you became an influencer?
I was managing two clinics in Sydney as a body posture correction therapist. Also, I was teaching people in Japan and Australia how they can better correct body posture.
What inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I have been thinking that I want to spread this knowledge, and also want as many people as possible to be healthier and happier than before. I knew that YouTube could help me realize my intention of spreading knowledge about body posture and reach a wide audience, and I made the decision to focus more on social media.
I didn’t expect such a great reception when I started this project, I am really surprised.
As you were building a following, was there a particular post or posts you felt pushed you to the next level?
The video about how you can check your own pelvis alignment has been played the most times, but I personally prefer the video about chest and bust enhancement exercises, because the exercises are simple and can work wonders for the body.
What do you love most about being an influencer?
For me, I really love being able to receive gratitude from viewers of my content and helping to spread joy. Additionally, having chances to go to in-person meetups to meet my subscribers and followers also makes me really proud.
What do you like the least?
Well, one thing I can say is that my eyesight is worse than before! Jokes aside, it takes a lot of effort in front of the computer to edit my content, but I’m always motivated to keep going because of my subscribers and followers.
How do you decide which brands to partner with, and how do you ensure that sponsored content resonates with your followers?
What is important to me when I decide to cooperate with sponsors is whether a certain piece of sponsored content can add value to the lives of my followers, or help them feel happier than before. My followers are the reason why I continue producing content, and I want to ensure I can add value to their lives.
What inspires you to consistently create new content?
I have an idea of what I want people to know about, and I also have ideas for content that I think will possibly make viewers feel happier or healthier, so I turn these ideas into my content. Interestingly, I feel like I’m more likely to come up with good ideas when I take a shower or take a walk, because my body is in various postures and motions.
Do you have any tips for someone who wants to become an influencer?
I just want to say that it is so important to plan about your future. I know many young people want to become influencers or YouTubers, but I don’t think they have considered how to manage problems like “writer’s block” or how to treat their followers. Also, they might not have carefully considered their reasons for wanting to become an influencer.
I don’t think it’s realistic to be a successful influencer for a long period of time, or being an influencer only to pursue money and social status. If they want to be an influencer, it is better to understand the pros and cons, the influential power of an influencer and use it for the betterment of society, and more importantly, know what they want in life and what they stand for. This way, your authenticity can be easily felt through your content.
