Do you like Japan? There are a lot of Japan-loving celebrities in the world. Of course some may just be saying that they love Japan, but there are many celebrities who has lived in Japan or can even speak Japanese!
Japanophilia refers to the appreciation and love of Japanese culture, people or history. In Japanese, the term for Japanophile is “shinnichi” (親日), with “shin” (しん) equivalent to the English prefix ‘pro-‘, and “nichi” (にち), meaning “Japanese” (as in the word for Japan “Nihon”).
Celebrities who speak Japanese
People who dote on Japan
There are many celebrities in this list with study abroad experiences in Japan or are regular appearances on Japanese TV!
It’s no secret that Japan is one of the most beautiful and most visited countries in the world. And once you’ve been here, it’s hard not to fall in love with the culture, the food, the people, and the places that would make you want to never leave.
Everyone gets hit by the country love bug including some of your favorite celebrities who have openly expressed their admiration for Japan and have even gone great lengths to express it.
These celebs are madly in love with the Land of the Rising Sun.
① ARIANA GRANDE
On her social media posts, she often tweets about her love for the country saying “I love Japan so much, it’s heaven. I’ve taken a million photos on my little Polaroid camera. I’m such a tourist. Love to everybody back home”.
Ariana is a frequent visitor and enjoys shopping in Harajuku. In 2016, she and her boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez, traveled to Japan to spend the weekend together.
The singer’s love affair with the country has gone far that she’s even learning to write hiragana, often posting pictures of her practice writing in notebooks. She also posts Japanese tweets such as “I love Japan” and “I miss Japan!” and even talks Nihongo to her Japanese fans.
② KATY PERRY
While once accused of racism following her opening performance in a geisha outfit at the 2013 American Music Awards, Katy Perry has always been obsessed with the Japanese culture and people.
She revealed in an interview that her obsession was developed as a result of her parents taking in Japanese exchange students when her sister was banished from the family home.
“I am obsessed with Japanese people, I love everything about them and they are so wonderful as human beings.”
③ KEANU REEVES
Keanu Reeves is no stranger to Japan. Having been touted as one of the most well-loved Hollywood celebrities in the country, he has been spotted many times doing location scouting and being just a simple tourist.
His movie, 47 Ronin, is a samurai movie that was filmed in Japan. During an interview, Keanu mentioned that he was trying to learn the bushido, the way (or the moral) of the warrior, what does it mean to live by the bushido code, and its sacrifice.
④ LADY GAGA
Lady Gaga is a well-known Japanophile and has always expressed her love for the country. Tokyo is her favorite place. It’s no wonder why she keeps on coming back and why she loves donning Japanese-inspired outfits and makeup.
She even got her “TOKYO LOVE” tattoo in Japan during her trip.
She supported the advocacy of MTV Video Music Aid Japan Benefit Concert that raised money and awareness to help the earthquake and tsunami victims of the Tohoku region in 2011. She also designed “We Pray for Japan” charity bracelets to raise money for the disaster victims giving all proceeds to the Tsunami Relief Efforts in Japan.
Aside from these, the “Born This Way” singer helped in boosting the country’s sagging tourism industry saying that “everyone should come visit this beautiful place”.
⑤ TOMMY LEE JONES
Since 2006, Jones has appeared in a series of Boss coffee ads and commercials in Japan.
While foreign celebrity appearances in Japanese commercials is nothing new, Jones expressed his sincere admiration for Japan by being the only foreign celebrity to appear in an unpaid commercial along with a whole host of Japanese celebrities to raise Japan’s spirit after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
The “Man in Black” star has been often spotted in Japan enjoying his private time. A few years back, he was seen feeding the deer in Nara, Japan.
Celebrities who have openly expressed their affinity to Japan
Among many others ……!
We are Japanophiles
There are celebrities who are interested in Japanese food and culture, celebrities who visit Japan on vacation many times.
It’s a famous story that Lady Gaga tattooed “LOVE TOKYO” on her shoulder, and many celebrities name their pets after Japanese words.
Alina Zagitova (Russian figure skater) got Akita-breed dog. She became enamored with the breed after seeing a magazine photo while training in Japan. Zagitova is not the first prominent Russian figure to receive the gift of an Akita-breed dog.
The Akita prefectural government gave Russian President Vladimir Putin an Akita puppy called Yume in 2012 as thanks for Russia’s support after the northeastern Japan earthquake and tsunami.
In addition, many celebrities guest star on Japanese TV! It is very flattering so many celebrities love Japan!