Yuji Beleza, a popular Japanese blogger and polyglot has once again arrived in Kazakhstan to meet his followers, enjoy the nature of the Almaty region and enhance his Kazakh language skills. The 26-year-old blogger has gained popularity in Kazakhstan thanks to his resemblance to Kazakhs and his love for Kazakhstani chocolate. A Kursiv LifeStyle reporter met with Yuji to discuss his popularity in Kazakhstan and his approach to learning foreign languages.
Beleza launched his blog in September 2023, when he first posted videos of him speaking in Turkish. In these videos, he approaches tourists, asks where they are from and then begins speaking their native languages. This unexpected twist surprises people and catches them off guard or evokes amusing reactions.
«I got my master’s degree in Vienna two years ago and couldn’t find a job within the diplomatic sphere. My goal was to join the UN, but I couldn’t make it there. As a result, I began searching for my lifework. Together with a friend, I came up with the idea of creating language-related content outdoors. Initially, I filmed in Turkish, and now I create content in various languages.»
Interestingly enough, Yuji has never been to Turkey. He creates the content in Austria, where he stayed after graduation, and in Japan, where he was born and raised.
The current blogger’s subscriber count totals 1.6 million people on Instagram and 2.2 million on TikTok. The young man’s language arsenal features nearly 15 languages, including Japanese, English, Kazakh, Russian, German, Turkish, Croatian, Serbian, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Persian, Kurdish and Bengali languages.
«I am fluent in Kazakh, Russian, English, German, Turkish, Serbian, Spanish and Danish. As for most other languages, I know only basic words and sentences, as I am still learning them.»
The blogger’s incredible physical resemblance to Kazakh people paved the way for his popularity in Kazakhstan. It all started with comments left by Kazakhstani subscribers of Yuji, who repeatedly highlighted this resemblance. These comments drew Yuji’s attention and motivated him to learn more about Kazakhstan, its language and culture. Like many other languages, he learned Kazakh online.
«I believe my appearance contributes to my popularity in Kazakhstan, as I resemble Kazakhs. People often discuss this online and share friendly laughter about it.»
According to Yuji, he is currently on his fourth visit to Kazakhstan. The experience he has gained in the country has made him love Kazakhstan and its welcoming people.
«I have wonderful impressions of Kazakhstan. I feel at home here. Locals are friendly to tourists. I highly recommend visiting the country, especially via the Joinme travel agency. They have organized a beautiful tour around main sites in Almaty.»
It’s worth noting that the popular blogger promotes Kazakhstan as a country attractive for tourists. Of course, state and private organizations aren’t spared from the discourse. While it remains unclear how much Yuji earns or what the outcomes of these collaborations are, internet users often refer to him as «Kazakhstan’s ambassador.»
