As a Tokyo-based digital Marketing agency, we have two adjectives to describe guest posting in Japan: challenging but promising. Japan remains a country with a unique culture and Marketing techniques certainly differ compared to other countries.

Japanese link building and guest posting approaches have evolved to help you to expand your online presence and reach new audiences. In this article, we will explore guest posting strategies that work in Japan and provide tips for building relationships with Japanese publishers. 

Why is guest posting in Japan challenging?

Long story short, contacting publishers or website owners to publish your own content will require a very rigorous approach since guest posting opportunities are very limited in Japan. Even though some websites, mainly owned by foreign companies, can provide you with Japanese website listings to publish your own content, these blogs or websites usually have a moderate domain authority and may actually hurt your website reputation because the site itself has been built only for link building. 

Considering that, you may think it’s a waste of time and money to invest in guest posting in Japan, we would say that it’s actually getting very promising in 2025 if you adopt the right approach and take into consideration Japanese preferences and cultural nuances.

1.    Copy, layout and imagery – The essentials to get the permission to publish your content

To create content that resonates with Japanese readers, it’s essential to understand their preferences and cultural nuances. Here are some tips:

•   Cultural Differences: In Japan, you won’t succeed if you don’t adopt the Japanese business etiquette. This is essential while contacting website and blog owners. We always recommend using phrases that convey respect, humility, and politeness. Neglecting these principles will have a negative impact on your response rate.

Although most guest posting communication occurs via email, understanding basic business communication is crucial for demonstrating respect and establishing harmonious working relationships.

•   Focus on Visuals: Visuals, such as images and infographics, are highly effective in Japan. Use visuals to complement your written content and engagement. According to different surveys, Japanese readers tend to focus more on content that includes imagery and infographics.

Providing a publisher with content that engages with the Japanese audience is mandatory if you want to build strong relationships with locals.

•   Hiragana, Katakana & Kanji: The Japanese language is quite complex for an outsider. As a local agency, we see many websites auto-translated that sound robotic or grammatically incorrect. To create content that resonates with the Japanese audience, a deep understanding of the language is essential.

Local businesses will prioritize the quality of your website before agreeing to implement a link. We can help you to post your content on our partner’s websites.

2.   Strict policy to control content

Japan has strict regulations that may impact guest posting strategies. There are significant restrictions around advertising and disclosure, mainly regarding “stealth marketing” where promotional content is presented without clearly identifying it as an advertisement, which is now considered illegal under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations; meaning all sponsored content on blogs needs to be clearly labeled as such.

Therefore, even if guest authors have opportunities to publish their content, they are not allowed to insert a link as they want. 

3. No demand for contributors

Compared to foreign media, there are far fewer Japanese media sites that are looking for contributors. In Japan, each media company has its own writers, and in many cases, they are screened in advance. It means that Japanese companies typically don’t request external help or even think about it when it comes to publishing content.

This is something that any outsiders need to understand while contacting local companies. The content you may provide to a local publisher must add a real value to the blog or website and has to answer a need.

What are the guest posting strategies to avoid in Japan in 2025?

1.   Posting content on Satellite sites to increase traffic or website authority

Posting articles on satellite sites to increase traffic or domain authority is obviously the easiest option for an outsider since some SEO agencies provide such services in Japan. However, this technique is generally considered a bad idea for several reasons:

•   Lack of quality: Search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing prioritize the quality of backlinks over the quantity. Satellite sites often have lower authority and may not provide the high- quality backlinks needed to significantly boost your domain authority.

•   Risk of Penalties: Search engines can penalize websites that engage in manipulative link- building practices. Requesting services from companies that provide you with satellite sites can be seen as an attempt to manipulate search rankings, which can lead to penalties and a decrease in your site’s authority.

•   Waste of time: Posting content on multiple satellite sites can dilute your efforts and resources. It’s usually more effective to focus on creating high-quality content for high quality websites and building strong relationships with local blog/website owners. Business relationships are a very important factor to take into consideration while conducting business in Japan.

•   Trust and Experience: Japanese users are more likely to trust and engage with content on well- established, authoritative sites. Satellite sites may not provide the same level of trust and user experience, which can negatively impact your brand’s reputation.

•   Long term risk: Building domain authority through satellite sites is not a wise long term strategy. Search engines continuously update their algorithms to detect and penalize manipulative practices. A focus on high-quality content and organic link-building is a strategy that guarantees better results.

2. Sales-First Approach

In Japan like in many countries, content that sounds too commercial won’t make you succeed. We always recommend to focus on providing valuable, informative content rather than overtly pushing your products or services.

3.   Ignoring the Host Blog’s Guidelines

Each blog has its own set of guidelines for guest posts. Not paying attention to these guidelines can result in your submission being rejected. Always read and follow the host blog’s requirements carefully.

Effective Japanese Guest Posting Strategies

1.   Find paid guest posting for your industry

The first thing you will have to think about while requesting guest posting services in Japan is to identify relevant websites that would fit with the content of your articles.

Ensure they are relevant to your industry and have a good reputation so that they can help you to increase your domain authority and drive traffic to your website.

You will then have to create a compelling pitch that outlines your proposed topic and explains why it would be valuable to their audience.

Again, focus on Japanese etiquette, visuals and Japanese language expertise. Prices range from $500 to $15,000 per article, mostly depending on the popularity and reputation of the website you target.

2.   Create High-Quality Content to reassure blog owners

As an outsider, it is very important to reassure local publishers in your ability to provide their users with high quality content in Japanese. Providing the publisher with such content as an example will help you to build a strong relationship since they will be able to measure your ability to contribute to their website. This can lead to better collaboration and a smoother guest posting process.

Having a well-researched and high-quality article that you believe would be a perfect fit for a particular blog can demonstrate your commitment and the value you bring. This can sometimes make your pitch more compelling.

3. Use the popular blogging platform ‘’Note.com’’

This platform has been popular among Japanese bloggers for a few years. It focuses on SEO, helping users rank on Google.

Note.com allows you to post content and get backlinks implemented on a high authority domain. It is also a good opportunity to increase brand awareness since Japanese users will read your article.

For programmers, a free blog platform such as Qiita is also an interesting option to post content in Japanese and increase your domain authority as well as brand awareness.

4.   Networking Events

Meeting key decision makers face to face remains one of the most efficient ways to promote your services and build strong relationships with Japanese companies.

We recommend attending industry events, conferences, webinars, podcasts and meetups in Japan where bloggers are likely to be present.

5. Collaborate on Projects

Another effective way to promote your services to Japanese bloggers is to propose collaborative projects. You can for example co-host webinars with local bloggers or provide social media campaigns content.

Working together on a project can strengthen your relationship and provide mutual benefits. Again, keep in mind that it is very important to find the right match and create content that resonates with the target audience.

Conclusion

Guest posting in Japan is challenging due to the complexity of the language and cultural factors but using the right approach can be a game-changer for your digital marketing strategy. The minimal foreign competition and the growing need for external expertise indicate a bright future.

Providing high-quality content and adopting a strategic outreach can boost your SEO, increase your brand’s visibility, and build authority in one of the world’s most dynamic digital markets.

As a Tokyo-based agency, we have built strong relationships with local companies in various industries.If you are looking to implement your content on high authority Japanese websites, our agency and our partners can help you to achieve this goal, so if you are interested, please contact us.

About Bloomstreet

Bloomstreet is a digital marketing agency based in Tokyo that integrates functions to help foreign companies doing business in Japan.

We maximize lead generation in Japan with our unique methods, communicating closely with both headquarters and the Japanese branch office.

You can take a look at our SEO services for more information.

About the Author

Junichi Takayama

CEO

Experienced in studying abroad and working in New York as a web marketer. Joined Alibaba Japan to gain knowledge from their Chinese headquarters.
Have excellent knowledge and understanding of SEO as well as digital marketing, specialized in South Korea and China.