If you’re running a WordPress website and suddenly start noticing strange Japanese text or spammy links in your search results, you’re likely a victim of what’s commonly known as the Japanese SEO Spam or Japanese Keyword Hack. It’s one of the most frustrating and damaging hacks for WordPress site owners, especially if you’re trying to build your SEO traffic.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What exactly the Japanese SEO Hack is
- How to check if your WordPress site is affected
- The step-by-step method to remove the hack
- How to protect your website from future attacks
This is not a technical guide meant only for developers. We’ll keep it simple and practical so even non-tech users can understand and take action.
What Is the Japanese SEO Hack?
The Japanese SEO Hack is a form of cloaking attack where hackers inject Japanese keywords and spammy pages into your WordPress site. These pages are designed to sell counterfeit goods, usually related to branded items like watches or sneakers.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Your site appears fine when you visit it normally.
- But Google sees spammy Japanese pages instead.
- These fake pages get indexed and start ranking under your domain.
- Your SEO reputation takes a massive hit.
- Sometimes, hackers even create new users in your WordPress dashboard.
This type of attack is usually done to steal your SEO authority and redirect traffic to shady websites.
Signs Your WordPress Site Has Been Hacked
Here are some realistic signs to look for:
1. Japanese Text in Google Search
Search your domain name on Google. If you see Japanese characters or pages that you didn’t create, that’s a red flag.
2. Spammy Pages in Indexed Results
Try this:site:yourdomain.com
If the results show hundreds of weird-looking pages with Japanese text, your site is likely infected.
3. Google Search Console Warning
If you’ve connected your site with Google Search Console, you may receive a warning under “Security Issues” about spam or cloaking.
4. Unknown Users in WordPress Admin
Go to your WordPress dashboard → Users. If you see any unfamiliar usernames, that’s a serious security breach.
5. Sudden Drop in Traffic
These spam pages can ruin your reputation with Google. You might see a sharp drop in organic traffic even though your content hasn’t changed.
Why Is This Hack So Dangerous for SEO?
This is not just a nuisance; it’s a full-blown SEO crisis. Here’s why:
- Google might penalize your domain for having spammy content.
- Your legitimate pages stop ranking.
- Visitors lose trust in your site.
- Recovering SEO reputation takes time, even after the hack is fixed.
That’s why it’s important to act quickly and remove the infection completely.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix the Japanese SEO Hack
Let’s go step by step, with realistic and actionable instructions.
Step 1: Backup Your Website Immediately
Before making any changes, take a full backup of your site (files + database). You can use:
- UpdraftPlus (free plugin)
- Your hosting’s backup feature
- Manual backup via cPanel or FTP
Don’t skip this. If something goes wrong during cleanup, you’ll need a backup to restore your site.
Step 2: Scan Your Site with a Security Plugin
Install a security plugin that can scan your WordPress files and database for malicious code.
Recommended plugins:
- Wordfence (free)
- Sucuri Security (free)
- MalCare (free scan, paid cleanup)
These plugins will help you identify:
- Modified core files
- Unknown scripts
- Suspicious database entries
Run a full scan and note the results.
Step 3: Check File Manager or Hosting Panel
Login to your cPanel or file manager and check the following:
- Look for strange PHP files in
/wp-content/uploads/ - Check if there are
.phpfiles inside/uploads/,/wp-includes/, or/wp-content/themes/ - Look at recently modified files using the “Last Modified” filter
If you find unknown or suspicious files, delete them carefully.
Step 4: Clean the Database
Most Japanese SEO hacks inject spammy code into the database, especially in these tables:
wp_optionswp_postswp_users
You can use phpMyAdmin or a plugin like WP phpMyAdmin to open your database.
Search for:
- Base64 encoded strings (they look like long gibberish)
- JavaScript code injected into posts
- Redirects to Japanese domains
If you’re not confident editing the database, consider hiring a professional for this part. One small mistake here can break your site.
Step 5: Reinstall Core WordPress Files
This is a smart and safe way to remove any modified WordPress core files.
Steps:
- Download a fresh copy of WordPress from WordPress.org.
- Replace all folders except
wp-contenton your server. - Don’t touch the
wp-config.phpfile unless you know what you’re doing.
This ensures any backdoors placed in core files like functions.php or index.php are removed.
Step 6: Change All Passwords
Hackers often create backdoor access through FTP, WP admin, or even your database.
Change passwords for:
- WordPress admin
- All users (especially Admins)
- cPanel/hosting account
- FTP/SFTP
- MySQL database
Also, remove any unknown users from the WordPress dashboard.
Step 7: Submit Your Site to Google for Review
Once you’ve cleaned the site, ask Google to review and remove the hacked pages.
How:
- Go to Google Search Console
- Click on “Security Issues”
- If you see warnings, click “Request Review”
- Explain briefly that the Japanese spam hack was removed
Google will take a few days to recheck and remove the warning.
Extra Measures to Secure Your WordPress Site
Fixing the hack is only half the battle. You must harden your site so it doesn’t happen again.
Here are some realistic security measures that actually work:
1. Keep WordPress Updated
Outdated themes, plugins, and core files are the #1 reason for hacks. Always keep everything updated.
2. Delete Unused Plugins and Themes
Even inactive plugins can be a security risk. Delete what you don’t use.
3. Use a Firewall Plugin
Install Wordfence or Sucuri to monitor traffic and block malicious bots.
4. Limit Login Attempts
Use a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to prevent brute-force attacks.
5. Change Login URL
Default WordPress login is at /wp-admin. Hackers know this. Use a plugin like WPS Hide Login to change it.
6. Disable XML-RPC
Most WordPress users don’t need this feature, and it can be exploited. Disable it using a plugin or through .htaccess.
7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of login security using plugins like Google Authenticator or Two Factor.
Is It Better to Hire a Professional?
If you’re not comfortable editing PHP files or MySQL databases, yes hire someone. A professional can clean your site completely within a day or two, without risking further damage.
Services like:
- Wordfence Malware Removal (paid)
- Sucuri Cleanup Service
- Local developers or freelancers
The cost may vary from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the damage, but it’s a worthwhile investment to protect your brand and SEO.
Quick Recap
The Japanese SEO Hack is serious, but it’s not the end of your site. With the right steps, you can clean the infection, regain control of your site, and protect it from future attacks.
Here’s a recap:
- Regularly monitor your search appearance on Google
- Install a good security plugin
- Clean your site as soon as you detect the hack
- Change all credentials and update everything
- Submit your site for review in Google Search Console
- Take proactive steps to harden your site against future threats
Stay consistent with maintenance. SEO takes time to build, and protecting your WordPress site is an essential part of that journey.
