Instagram launched as a square-photo app in 2010, got bought by Facebook, and lost Twitter previews. Even with more filters and non-square photos, it still has fans. Hashtags work like other SNS; I tried some Japanese ones and got hooked. Here’s a tour.

#冷蔵庫記録 (fridge log)

Peeks into people’s fridges—about 200 posts, maybe a few dedicated posters. You can spot storage tricks and what they eat. Posters usually show tidy, decanted containers and meal prep. Great inspo for my own chaotic fridge.

#冷蔵庫の中 (inside the fridge)

Yes, I really like seeing strangers’ fridges—like Flickr’s “What’s in your bag.” More posts here than the previous tag. Not all are regular logs; a few have cats inside (!).

#作りおき (make-ahead/meal prep)

Found via the fridge tags—lined-up cold dishes like MUJI café sides. If I prepped this much, dinner stress would vanish.

#野田琺瑯 (Noda enamelware)

These white square enamel containers show up in meal prep posts. Enamel (glass-coated metal) is light, conducts heat, and feels glassy; in English it’s “enamel.” Because the core is metal, no microwaves; stovetop is okay if the size fits the grate. Colorful pots too—tempting for my kitchen.

#パックアンドレンジ (Pack & Range glass containers)

Glass solves the “I forgot what’s in the opaque enamel box” problem and microwaves well. Some people mix both.

#アヲハタ (Aohata jam)

I’d just written about Aohata peach jam, so I searched. Found a cute Snoopy peanut butter I’d never seen—retro vibe.

#トースト (toast)

Breakfast heaven—bread, coffee. This popular one looks amazing (no jam though). Instagram even accepts emoji tags like #🍞: #🍞 • Instagram

#悪魔のトースト (devil’s toast)

Recipe: sliced cheese + 2 tbsp sugar (some add honey). Rough calories:

To burn ~300 kcal: 90 min walking, 30 min jumping rope, or an hour of hiking.

#コロッケ (croquette)

Typhoon days = buy croquettes (Japanese meme). Instead I found a curry shop’s tomahawk croquette. Also spotted a celebrity account for comedian “Croquette” (@crocro5656)—mostly goofy faces.

#リビング (living room)

Easy to post, so 100k+ entries. I’m shopping for furniture/layout ideas; it’s like flipping a magazine. Mostly Western-style rooms; tatami rarely appears.

#置き画くら部 (flatlay club)

Fashion flatlays without faces (and without the “smug” vibe). Sadly I haven’t found a male-focused version—please tell me if you know one.

#rakuten

I expected brand tags like UNIQLO/H&M; yes, and also #rakuten (Roman letters). Mostly seller posts, but the CEO pops up too—shared by celeb Ai Haruna.

#楽天#三木谷さん#RAKUTEN#r

AI HARUNA (@ai_haruna_) posted this on Jan 5, 2016

Commenter: “She’s pretty, but their face sizes are the same lol.” Harsh! Maybe Mikitani has a small face!

Wrap-up

Instagram’s web view is handy for browsing but slow to load; the app is better for hashtag dives. Plenty more fun tags are out there—share your favorites if you have them.