Key Facts
• On August 29, Osuke Kumagai, a 24-year-old influencer, visited Hirosaki City Hall.
• Kumagai reported the completion of a video promoting bicycle helmet use to Mayor Hiroshi Sakurada and Police Chief Taiki Sato.
• The video aims to counter the perception that helmets are “uncool.”
• Kumagai has approximately 70,000 followers across Instagram and YouTube.
• The city commissioned Kumagai to encourage helmet use among middle and high school students.
• The video begins with Kumagai being summoned by the police and city officials.
• Viewers are asked to suggest ideas for encouraging helmet use in the video’s comments.
• A second video installment is planned for release in early September 2025.
• Kumagai collaborated with a singer friend to create a song featuring Aomori landmarks.
• Mayor Sakurada expressed hope that the message would resonate with younger audiences.
Summary
Osuke Kumagai, a popular influencer from Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, has launched a campaign to promote bicycle helmet use through a video shared on social media. The video, commissioned by the city, aims to address the stigma surrounding helmet use, particularly among teenagers. Kumagai, who has 70,000 followers, collaborated with local officials and incorporated creative elements, including a song about Aomori landmarks. The campaign’s first video invites viewers to share ideas for encouraging helmet use, with a follow-up video scheduled for September 2025. Both Kumagai and city officials hope the initiative will inspire more young people to prioritize safety.
