It's Not Just About Follower Count: The New Faces Driving Regional Revitalization – Three Unique Approaches, One Shared Principle

SAKIYOMI Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; CEO: Atsushi Yoshida; hereinafter 'SAKIYOMI') announced on June 17, 2026, the publication of a series of interview articles on its official note platform, spotlighting three influencers who are leveraging social media in the field of regional revitalization.

Through these interviews, a common thread emerged: individuals who do not aim to maximize follower counts or personal revenue, but instead begin their activities from a foundation of 'contributing to the local community.' As a result, they are increasingly becoming vital contributors to regional economies.

Can social media transform rural areas? https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/nfc75fc3ec943

Background: The Rise of Content Creators and the Question of 'Purpose Behind Influence'

The number of people creating content on social media is growing, as is the number monetizing their influence. However, the pursuit of metrics such as follower count and view numbers has increasingly become an end in itself, often leading to a loss of purpose in content creation. SAKIYOMI, which provides social media operation support, has long held concerns about this trend of 'metric-driven content creation.' Meanwhile, in regional areas, a new type of content creator is emerging—one who uses their influence for the benefit of the community and is becoming a key player in local economies and social networks.

This interview series was conducted under the belief that the next generation of influencers lies not in those chasing numbers, but in those who act for the sake of their communities. As the first installment of the 'Influencer Discovery Project,' which aims to uncover the ideal form of next-generation influencers, SAKIYOMI visited three such individuals actively working on the ground in regional Japan.

Key Insight from the Interviews: Diverse Approaches, One Shared Principle

The three interviewees differ greatly in their regions of activity, methods, and relationships with social media. Yet, one clear commonality stands out.

They do not aim to maximize follower counts; instead, they begin by taking action 'for the benefit of the local community and the people right in front of them.' As a result, all three have become trusted, go-to partners for local businesses and government bodies. The interviews also revealed on-the-ground insights that clearly distinguish their approach from metric-driven content.

For example—

For small local businesses, excessive 'virality' can actually be a burden. That's why deliberately avoiding viral content builds trust within the community. (Shota Kodate, Co-Representative of LocaLink LLC)

Content should not be based on 'what I want to share,' but on 'what the audience needs.' I've learned this by listening to feedback and repeatedly visiting the community in person. (Jackie, Yoron Island Tourism Ambassador)

While there's an abundance of information about Shimane's tourist spots and cuisine, there's a lack of voices from 'people who actually live in Shimane' in virtual spaces. That's why I decided to represent that perspective. (Fumataka Noda, 'Producing Shimane.')

The Three Influencers Interviewed

(1) Shota Kodate, Co-Representative of LocaLink LLC

LocaLink runs a program to nurture local influencers. From its community, 15 individuals have become independent (left corporate jobs) within two years, and the company is actively building systems to enable people to make a living from social media in rural areas.

[Article] https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n2951505e9181

(2) Jackie, Yoron Island Tourism Ambassador

A marketer who transitioned from a major IT company to freelancing. While promoting information about his hometown, Yoron Island, he has expanded his activities to include commissioned work from local governments and marketing support for regional businesses.

[Articles]

Part 1: https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n5a7b2bad5564

Part 2: https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n57920566d999

(3) Fumataka Noda, 'Producing Shimane.'

A content creator based in Shimane Prefecture. He continuously shares stories about local people, lifestyles, and culture, while also providing SNS and marketing support to various organizations involved in regional development, including corporations, local governments, and universities.

[Article] https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n56cb0d758390

Related Event: Online Study Session

In conjunction with the release of this series, SAKIYOMI will host a free online study session titled 'SNS × Regional Revitalization: Online Study Session' on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, featuring the interviewees. The session aims to create a space for individuals, businesses, and local governments interested in using SNS for regional development to exchange real-world insights.

Registration: Available at the bottom of the summary article.

https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/nfc75fc3ec943

Article URLs

Summary Article: What We Learned from Visiting Three People – The Common Condition for Transforming Rural Areas with SNS

https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/nfc75fc3ec943

Shota Kodate, LocaLink Representative

https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n2951505e9181

Jackie, Yoron Island Tourism Ambassador (Part 1)

https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n5a7b2bad5564

Jackie, Yoron Island Tourism Ambassador (Part 2)

https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n57920566d999

Fumataka Noda, 'Producing Shimane.'

https://note.com/insta_sakiyomi/n/n56cb0d758390

About the 'Influencer Discovery Project'

The 'Influencer Discovery Project' is an initiative launched by SAKIYOMI to explore the ideal form of next-generation influencers. The project will continue to spotlight content creators with unique philosophies and ideas across various themes.

About SAKIYOMI Co., Ltd.

CEO: Atsushi Yoshida

Headquarters: 7F, MF Sakurahashi 2 Building, 2-6-24 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Business: Instagram marketing support, etc.

SAKIYOMI is a company that comprehensively supports individuals and businesses in their use of social media. Through services such as Instagram management, an online school for learning SNS operations, and a matching platform connecting SNS talent with companies, SAKIYOMI aims to create opportunities for more businesses to engage with social media and to build sustainable career paths for SNS professionals.