Apple Podcasts Launches Creators We Love in Japan
Editor’s note: this has been translated from the original Japanese
Japan is one of the fastest-growing podcast markets in the world on Apple Podcasts, with listener growth in 2026 outpacing the global average by nearly nine times. At the same time, it is decentralizing and diversifying, with more than four in five new shows coming from independent and non-traditional creators.
In Japan’s accelerating podcast market, Apple Podcasts today launches “Creators We Love” in Japan for the first time. The program introduces listeners to the creators who deserve the spotlight right now, and celebrates their talent and appeal. With “Creators We Love,” the Apple Podcasts editorial team curates and celebrates podcasters who are changing the way stories are told and shared. The program has spotlighted incredible voices across the US, UK and Canada.
For this milestone launch in Japan, four creators and groups are featured: Ryunosuke Fukai, Kiyonori Higuchi and Yang Ruizhi of [Coten Radio](Coten Radio). Sakiko Hirano of 味な副音声 ～voice of food～. Ren Emma of サイエントーク Scientalk. And Kei Tanaka and Kensuu (Kentaro Furukawa), known for VALTURE RADIO and 限界突破ライフハック Genkai Toppa Life Hack. Selected as creators who are leading their eras and genres, they are introduced through Apple editors’ curated picks of what makes their shows fun and what makes the hosts so appealing. The feature page also includes original photography shot by Apple exclusively for this program. It offers something for longtime podcast listeners and newcomers alike, with new shows and creators to discover.
To commemorate the launch in Japan, Apple Podcasts and Today at Apple will also host a special event, “Talk: Experience the World of Podcasts Live with Top Creators."
This stage brings together two popular shows, Genkai Toppa Life Hack and COTEN RADIO. The creators will share why they started their shows, what goes on behind the scenes, and what podcasting means to them. It’s a rare chance to connect with the creators in person and feel the energy of a live event up close.
On the occasion of this launch, Ben Cave, Head of Apple Podcasts, said: “Apple Podcasts in Japan is seeing strong momentum in 2026, with double-digit growth in both audience and plays. Japan’s podcast creator ecosystem is expanding rapidly, highlighted by an over 70% year-over-year increase in new Japanese show launches. We are thrilled to launch Creators We Love at such an exciting moment for podcasting in Japan, and to shine a spotlight on these incredible local creators.””
Apple Podcasts will continue to be a bridge between creators and listeners, delivering high-quality content that moves people through the power of audio. We invite you to check out Apple Podcasts and find your next favorite show.
Overview Creators We Love
“Creators We Love” is an exclusive Apple Podcasts initiative that recognizes and celebrates standout podcasters who are driving culture and defining their genres. First launched in the US in 2023, the campaign has expanded globally and now makes its debut in Japan, aiming to further elevate and energize the broader podcast industry.
Users in Japan can see the feature page here
Overview Special Event
Join Apple Podcasts and Today at Apple for a special session celebrating Japan’s first “Creators We Love” campaign. Featuring a unique collaboration between two popular shows, Genkai Toppa Lifehacks and COTEN RADIO, the creators will discuss the origins of their podcasts, behind-the-scenes production stories, and their thoughts on audio storytelling. Experience the passion and intimacy of live podcasting firsthand.
Event Title: Talk: Experience the World of Podcasts Live with Top Creators
Speakers: Kei Tanaka & Kensuu (Kensuke Furukawa) (Genkai Toppa Lifehacks), Kiyonori Higuchi & Ruizhi Yang (COTEN RADIO)
Date & Time: Friday, November 13 | Doors open at 5:30 PM / Starts at 6:00 PM
Venue: Apple Marunouchi
About Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is the world’s premier destination for podcast discovery and listening. It provides the best experience for listeners to explore millions of shows on every imaginable topic and to directly support the creators behind them. For fans looking to deepen their connection with their favorite podcasts, Apple Podcasts also offers thousands of premium subscriptions with benefits like exclusive content and ad-free listening. The entire library is available for free, and is seamlessly integrated across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and CarPlay, and on the web at https://podcasts.apple.com.
This is a press release which we link to from Podnews, our daily newsletter about podcasting and on-demand. We may make small edits for editorial reasons.