Japan is at the forefront of a new influencer economy driven by AI-powered virtual personalities. Companies are increasingly adopting these digital entities to promote brands and engage audiences without human involvement. A notable example is Nomura Holdings, which in 2023 employed the virtual influencer imma to advertise Japan's Nippon Individual Savings Accounts (NISA) program, targeting younger investors. Developed by Aww Inc., imma has gained popularity with nearly a million followers on social media. Aww's founder, Takayuki Moriya, envisions a future where virtual humans become fully autonomous, integrating AI to enhance storytelling and community engagement. The company is also collaborating with Nvidia to improve the capabilities of these virtual influencers. The commercial appeal of AI personalities lies in their ability to operate continuously without the risks associated with human influencers, such as burnout or scandals. Major brands, including BMW and Walt Disney Company, have already engaged with Aww's virtual influencers. Despite the advantages, the rise of AI influencers prompts debates about authenticity and consumer trust, as audiences often feel a stronger connection to virtual influencers when they appear alongside humans. As the creator economy evolves, Japan's experiment with AI influencers could redefine marketing strategies globally, potentially leading to a hybrid model that combines AI efficiency with human emotional connection.