August 19, 2026 – In a striking reversal of traditional consumer electronics trends, Chinese imaging brand Insta360 has opened its first flagship store in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, drawing massive crowds of Japanese consumers eager to experience its latest technology. Despite sweltering summer heat, long lines formed outside the store, with many enthusiasts carrying traditional cameras from domestic giants like Canon and Panasonic.
Located adjacent to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, a cultural landmark that attracts tens of millions of visitors annually, the store was originally scheduled to open at 1:00 PM. However, eager customers began queuing as early as 8:00 AM, with some even taking the day off work to secure their spot. To prevent heat-related health issues during the prolonged wait, the store proactively distributed entry tickets. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Japan’s beloved Hello Kitty appeared as a “One-Day Store Manager,” allowing consumers to test and pre-order the latest 360-degree camera, the Insta360 X6.
Among the crowd was a Japanese photographer with nearly 30 years of experience using Panasonic and Nikon equipment. He noted that despite never having used a panoramic camera before, he was ultimately won over not by hardware specifications, but by the intuitive and highly attractive software experience offered by Insta360.
The Insta360 X6 features 360-degree panoramic shooting, automatic invisible selfie stick effects, and AI-driven auto-editing. Since its launch, it has dominated sales across major Chinese e-commerce platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin. Internationally, it has secured the top spot for single products on Amazon in the US, Germany, and Japan. Domestically in Japan, Insta360 is now present in 1,500 offline retail stores, tops the Rakuten sales chart, and occupies the top four positions on Yodobashi Camera’s category rankings. According to IDC data, Insta360 commanded a staggering 71% global market share in panoramic cameras in the first quarter of 2026.
Insta360 founder Liu Jingkang acknowledged Japan’s status as a powerhouse in the camera industry. He emphasized that the brand is successfully competing against established names by delivering an integrated experience that combines hardware, algorithms, AI, and a robust content ecosystem to create globally recognized innovative products.
