Shibuya Crossing – How to Stand Out in a Crowded Blogging World

It’s Saturday morning and I’m sitting here with my coffee, thinking back to my last trip to Tokyo. One memory that always sticks with me is standing at the edge of Shibuya Crossing, watching the chaos unfold in perfect order. Hundreds of people coming from every direction, moving all at once, yet somehow, nobody crashes. It's intense, fast, and impossible to forget.

That crossing reminds me a lot of the blogging world right now. Everyone’s trying to move forward, to be seen, to make an impact. And just like in Shibuya, the space is packed. But also like in Shibuya, there’s still room for movement if you know how to navigate it.

First, accept that the crowd is real

A lot of new bloggers ask if the market is “too saturated.” My honest answer is yes, there are millions of blogs out there, but that doesn't mean yours can't succeed. The key isn’t to try to push everyone else out of the way, it’s to walk with intention and carve out a path that’s unmistakably yours.

Shibuya doesn't stop being crowded just because you want to cross it alone. Blogging works the same way. You’re in the mix, but you can still shine.

Know your direction before you step into the flow

If you’ve ever stood at Shibuya Crossing, you know there’s a short moment when all the lights turn red and people hesitate. Then suddenly, the surge begins. The same moment exists in blogging. If you rush in without knowing what you want to say, who you’re speaking to, or why it matters, you’ll feel lost.

Before publishing your next post, ask yourself:

• What makes this idea mine?

• How can I say it in a way only I would?

• Who do I want this to actually help?

Once you’re clear on those, the blogosphere doesn’t feel so overwhelming anymore. It becomes manageable, even exciting.

Use your uniqueness as your signal

One thing I noticed in Shibuya was how some people stood out effortlessly. A woman in a bright kimono. A guy in a full punk rock outfit. A dad with twins dressed like anime characters. They weren’t trying to go viral, they were just being themselves. But in the flood of people, your eyes naturally landed on them.

That’s the exact energy you want to bring to your blog.

Your voice. Your backstory. Your format. Your humor. Your honesty. These things will always cut through the noise, not because they’re louder, but because they’re real.

And when it comes to writing? Don’t just optimize for SEO, optimize for being remembered. Tell stories. Use examples from your life. Let people into your process.

Don’t fight the traffic, learn to move with it

Some bloggers get frustrated when a post doesn’t perform well or when a new algorithm update changes their traffic. I get it. I’ve been there too.

But one thing Shibuya taught me is that flow matters more than force. Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep adjusting. People move differently at different times of day, just like readers do. Sometimes it’s about timing. Other times it’s about rhythm. Stay in the motion, and the momentum will come.

Final thoughts from my desk, thinking of Tokyo

I don’t think blogging is broken or overcrowded or outdated. I think a lot of people just don’t know how to navigate the space with their own voice and pace. And that’s okay. It takes time.

Standing at Shibuya Crossing, I realized something: nobody waits for permission to cross. They look up, see the green light, and go. That’s what blogging is. You don’t need a huge platform or a perfect niche or a viral idea. You just need a starting point, a clear lane, and the courage to step in.

The rest? You figure it out as you go.

So if you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck, think of that crossing. You don’t need to run or push. Just walk with intention, one post at a time.

Your readers are out there. Your path is out there. You just need to take the first step.