At the age of 2, Koya (whose last name is being withheld to protect his privacy) began to make videos on YouTube. Dressed as Spider-Man or the superhero Kamen Rider, he would perform for the camera, imitating content he discovered on the platform.

“Koya is a YouTube native in an era where content production has shifted from professionals to amateurs,” his mother says. With her help, he crafts creative and whimsical clips. Nemi-chan, his cousin, has since joined as a co-host; together they unbox toys, prepare candies and perform short dramas for their growing following — videos made by kids, for kids.

Internet know-how: KidsLine is the first Japanese YouTube channel to exceed 10 million subscribers. | COURTESY OF KIDSLINE
Internet know-how: KidsLine is the first Japanese YouTube channel to exceed 10 million subscribers. | COURTESY OF KIDSLINE