Polyglot Yuji Beleza vows to learn Arabic at SIBF 2025

The international social media sensation, best known for his engaging street interviews that break cultural and linguistic barriers, drew large crowds at SIBF’s Social Media Station, where fans gathered for photos, autographs, and candid conversations.

Bridging cultures through language

Celebrated for his warmth and humour, Yuji has become a modern ambassador for global dialogue through language. His online presence includes 5.9 million followers on Instagram, 7.2 million on TikTok, and over 768,000 subscribers on YouTube, where his spontaneous, multilingual videos have inspired millions across continents.

Reflecting on his journey, Yuji said, “It was never just about the followers but about sparking genuine connections through language.” He advised aspiring content creators to persevere and stay authentic, saying, “Take risks and stay true to what excites you. Many times, I faced rejections and failed videos before breaking through.”

Yuji’s message resonated with young audiences at SIBF, strengthening the fair’s dedication to fostering creativity, cultural curiosity, and digital literacy across the world’s youth.

A lifelong dedication to language and connection

Born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1998 to a Japanese father and an Irish mother, Yuji grew up immersed in two cultures — an experience that sparked his lifelong fascination with languages and identity. His passion started as a teenager in Ireland when he attempted to communicate with Eastern European neighbours, leading him to explore a wide range of languages, including Kazakh, Russian, Turkish, Serbian, Spanish, German, English, and Danish, among others.

Yuji started creating multilingual video content in 2023, beginning with Turkish street interviews. His charismatic style and cultural sensitivity quickly gained international recognition. By December 2024, his influence was acknowledged when he was appointed Tourism Ambassador of Kazakhstan, honouring his efforts to promote the country’s culture and natural beauty globally.

“That title means a lot to me,” he said. “It showed that social media can be a bridge for understanding between nations.”

Yuji wrapped up his SIBF talk by praising the UAE’s multiculturalism and his enthusiasm for learning Arabic, saying, “Sharjah feels like a home for cultures. Learning Arabic here feels like the natural next step in my journey.”