Line Japan is a highly popular messaging and social media app developed by Line Corporation. It was released on June 23, 2011, and has gained immense popularity in Japan. The app offers a wide range of features, including free messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and a timeline for sharing updates and photos.

Line Japan has become famous in the country due to its user-friendly interface, extensive sticker collection, and innovative features like Line Pay for mobile payments and Line Music for streaming music.

The app has also collaborated with popular characters and brands, further enhancing its appeal. As of the latest available data, Line Japan has amassed over 90 million downloads, highlighting its significant user base and its status as a leading communication platform in Japan.

Pros:

• Versatile communication features
  
• Wide range of additional services
  
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Some features require payment

Download:

• iOS : https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/line/id443904275
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.naver.line.android&hl=en&gl=US

Official Website: https://line.me/en/

Mercari Japan is a highly popular mobile app developed by Mercari, Inc. It was released on July 12, 2013, and has gained immense popularity in Japan. The app serves as a marketplace for buying and selling secondhand items, making it a convenient and sustainable option for consumers.

Mercari Japan has become famous in the country due to its user-friendly interface, secure payment system, and extensive selection of items, ranging from fashion and beauty products to electronics and home goods. The app also offers features like buyer protection and a rating system to ensure a safe and reliable transaction experience.

Additionally, Mercari Japan has collaborated with popular influencers and celebrities, further enhancing its appeal. As of the latest available data, Mercari Japan has been downloaded over 100 million times, highlighting its significant user base and its status as a leading e-commerce platform in Japan.

Pros:

• User-friendly platform
  
• Wide range of items
  
• Secure payment system

Cons:

• Service fees apply

Download:

• iOS : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mercari-your-marketplace/id896130944
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mercariapp.mercari&hl=en&gl=US

Official Website: www.mercari.com

TikTok, developed by the Chinese company ByteDance, has become one of the most popular apps in Japan. With its short-form videos and creative editing tools, TikTok has captured the attention of millions of users in the country. The app's popularity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, TikTok provides a platform for users to express their creativity and showcase their talents through music, dance, comedy, and various other forms of content.

This has resonated with the younger generation, who are drawn to the app's vibrant and engaging community. Additionally, TikTok's algorithmic recommendation system, which suggests personalized content based on user preferences, has contributed to its popularity.

This ensures that users are constantly exposed to content that aligns with their interests, keeping them hooked to the app. As of 2021, TikTok has amassed a significant user base in Japan, with over 30 million monthly active users, making it a cultural phenomenon and a dominant force in the Japanese social media landscape.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface
• vast content library
• personalized recommendations
  

Cons:

• Privacy concerns
• occasional inappropriate content
  

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/tiktok/id835599320
  

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zhiliaoapp.musically

Official Website: https://www.tiktok.com/

Pococha Japan, developed by 17 Media Japan Co., Ltd., burst onto the scene in November 2015 and quickly became one of the most popular apps in the country. With over 10 million downloads, Pococha has captured the attention of Japanese users with its captivating live streaming and social networking features.

Pococha's fame in Japan can be attributed to its interactive live broadcasts and virtual gifting system. Users can engage with their favorite streamers in real-time, sending virtual gifts and participating in chat rooms. This interactive experience has created a sense of community and connection among users, making Pococha a go-to platform for talent discovery and entertainment.

The app's popularity is also fueled by its ability to showcase a wide range of talents, from singing and dancing to gaming and comedy. Pococha has become a platform for aspiring artists and content creators to gain recognition and build a fanbase. Its user-friendly interface and talent showcase opportunities have solidified its position as one of Japan's most beloved apps.

Pros:

• Engaging live streaming experience
• virtual gifting system
• talent showcase opportunities

Cons:

• Limited language options
• occasional technical glitches

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/pococha/id1053877757
  
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dena.pokota

Official Website: https://www.pococha.com/en

SmartNews Japan, a highly popular app in the country, was developed by SmartNews, Inc. and released in October 2012. With over 50 million downloads, SmartNews has gained immense popularity in Japan for its unique approach to news aggregation and personalized content.

What sets SmartNews apart is its curated news articles from a wide range of sources, providing users with a comprehensive and diverse news experience. The app's offline reading mode allows users to access news even without an internet connection, catering to the needs of users on the go.

SmartNews has become famous in Japan due to its customizable news feed, allowing users to select their preferred news categories and receive tailored updates. The app's user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations have made it a go-to platform for staying informed in a convenient and efficient manner. With its extensive user base and commitment to delivering quality news, SmartNews continues to be a trusted source of information for millions of users in Japan.

Pros:

• Wide range of news sources
• offline reading mode
• customizable news feed
  

Cons:

• Limited international news coverage
• occasional slow loading times
  

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/smartnews-local-breaking-news/id579581125
  
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gocro.smartnews.android

Official Website: https://www.smartnews.com/en

AbemaTV Japan is a highly popular streaming app developed by AbemaTV Inc. It was released on April 11, 2016, and has gained immense popularity in Japan. The app offers a wide range of content, including live TV channels, on-demand shows, movies, and exclusive original programming.

AbemaTV Japan has become famous in the country due to its diverse content lineup, catering to various interests and demographics. It offers a mix of news, sports, anime, dramas, variety shows, and more, ensuring there is something for everyone.

The app's user-friendly interface and seamless streaming experience have contributed to its widespread adoption. As of the latest available data, AbemaTV Japan has amassed over 50 million downloads, highlighting its significant user base and influence in the Japanese streaming market.

Pros:

• Wide variety of live channels
• exclusive content
• interactive features

Cons:

• Limited availability outside Japan
• occasional buffering issues

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%99%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A1-for-abematv/id1126801743
  
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.abema

Official Website: https://abema.tv/

Yomiwa Japan is a highly popular mobile app developed by Yomiwa Ltd. It was released on January 15, 2012, and has gained significant recognition in Japan. The app's primary function is to provide instant translation and recognition of Japanese characters, making it a valuable tool for language learners, tourists, and anyone interested in Japanese culture.

Yomiwa Japan stands out due to its accuracy and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily translate and understand Japanese text by simply pointing their device's camera at the characters. Additionally, the app offers features like flashcards, handwriting recognition, and voice input, further enhancing the learning experience. As of the latest available data, Yomiwa Japan has garnered over 1 million downloads, showcasing its widespread popularity among users in Japan.

Pros:

• Accurate OCR translation
• extensive dictionary
• offline functionality

Cons:

• Limited language support
• occasional recognition errors

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yomiwa-japanese-dictionary/id670931120
  
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yomiwa.yomiwa

Official Website: https://www.yomiwa.net/

JapanTaxi is a highly popular mobile app developed by JapanTaxi Co., Ltd. It was released on February 20, 2011, and has gained widespread recognition and usage in Japan. The app allows users to easily book and pay for taxi rides using their smartphones. JapanTaxi has become famous in the country due to its convenience, reliability, and safety features.

The app offers various benefits such as real-time tracking of taxis, estimated fares, and the ability to choose between different taxi companies. It also provides a seamless payment experience through cashless options like credit cards and electronic money.

JapanTaxi's popularity is further enhanced by its extensive coverage, serving major cities and regions across Japan. As of the latest available data, JapanTaxi has been downloaded over 10 million times, highlighting its significant user base and the trust it has garnered among Japanese users.

Pros:

• Convenient taxi booking
• reliable drivers
• multilingual support

Cons:

• Limited availability outside major cities
• occasional surge pricing

Download:

• iOS: https://iphone.apkpure.com/app/japantaxi/jp.co.nikko-data.jtd-customer
  
• Android: https://japantaxi.en.softonic.com/android

Official Website: https://japantaxi.jp/

Cookpad Japan is a highly popular cooking app developed by Cookpad Inc. It was released on October 1, 1997, and has gained immense popularity in Japan. The app serves as a platform for users to share and discover recipes, making it a go-to resource for cooking enthusiasts.

Cookpad Japan has become famous in the country due to its vast collection of user-generated recipes, ranging from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisines. The app's user-friendly interface, step-by-step instructions, and vibrant food photos have made it a trusted companion for home cooks.

Additionally, Cookpad Japan offers features like personalized recipe recommendations, meal planning, and a community forum for users to interact and exchange cooking tips. As of the latest available data, Cookpad Japan has been downloaded over 50 million times, highlighting its significant user base and its status as a culinary staple in Japan.

Pros:

• Extensive recipe collection
• user-friendly interface
• community engagement

Cons:

• Limited international recipe variety
• occasional slow loading times

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/vn/app/id585332633?l=vi&ls=1
  
• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mufumbo.android.recipe.search

Official Website: https://cookpad.com

Ameba Japan is a highly popular social media app developed by CyberAgent, Inc. It was released on March 13, 2006, and has gained significant popularity in Japan. The app allows users to create and share blog posts, photos, videos, and engage with other users through comments and likes.

Ameba Japan has become famous in the country due to its vibrant and active community, where users can express themselves, connect with like-minded individuals, and follow their favorite celebrities and influencers.

The app offers various features like customizable blog templates, live streaming, and a wide range of content categories to cater to diverse interests. As of the latest available data, Ameba Japan has amassed over 30 million downloads, showcasing its widespread usage and influence in the Japanese social media landscape.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use blogging platform
• diverse content
• interactive features

Cons:

• Limited language support
• occasional interface lag

Download:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ameba

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.ameba

Official Website: https://www.ameba.jp/