Polyglot vows to bring more content in Arabic
- Last updated: November 11, 2025 | 10:04
Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter
Scores of visitors at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) have showed great admiration and met world-renowned polyglot Yuji Beleza, who speaks more than 40 languages fluently.
In his appearance at the SIBF and while addressing the audience, he revealed that he is already working on adding Arabic to his linguistic repertoire.
The global social-media sensation, celebrated for his rapid-fire street interviews that break language barriers, drew large crowds at SIBF’s Social Media Station, where fans lined up for selfies and questions.
Known for his warmth and humour, Yuji’s videos have turned him into a modern ambassador for cultural dialogue through language. Yuji’s online following includes 5.9 million on Instagram, 7.2 million on TikTok, and 768,000 subscribers on YouTube. Reflecting on his rise to fame, he said: “It was never just about the followers but about sparking authentic connections through language.”
He advised aspiring creators to embrace perseverance and authenticity: “Take risks and stay true to what excites you. Many times, I faced rejections and unsuccessful videos before breaking through.”
A lifelong dedication to language and connection Born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1998 to a Japanese father and an Irish mother, Yuji grew up navigating two cultures—an experience that inspired his fascination with languages. His passion began as a teenager in Ireland, where his efforts to communicate with Eastern European neighbours sparked a lifelong pursuit that now spans Kazakh, Russian, English, German, Turkish, Serbian, Spanish, and Danish, among many others. He turned to content creation in 2023, launching his first videos in Turkish. His spontaneous style quickly resonated with millions.
In December 2024, Yuji was appointed Tourism Ambassador of Kazakhstan - an honorary role recognising his efforts to promote the country’s culture and natural beauty worldwide.
The appointment fulfilled his youthful dream of advancing global understanding—through social media and cultural storytelling rather than traditional diplomacy.