Lately, Japan has kind of become a really lively place for hip-hop, mixing its unique culture with the energetic vibe of rap. While the Japanese rap scene has been around for quite some time, it’s only recently started getting international attention. Local rappers are often making an impact not just in Japan but also by catching the eyes and ears of fans worldwide with their special styles and powerful lyrics. Here’s a bit about five Japanese rappers you might want to check out.
Genre: Conscious Rap, Boom Bap
Notable Tracks: “BoSS RuN DeM,” “Day n Nite (Remix)”
Kojoe is pretty much one of Japan’s top underground artists when it comes to influence, famous for his bilingual rhymes that seamlessly move between English and Japanese. Spending many years in the U.S., he brings what could be called an authentic New York boom-bap sound into Japan's music scene. His songs typically dive deep into subjects like identity, cultural background, and self-expression while keeping that raw edge intact. If you're into thought-provoking lyrics and meaningful rap tunes, Kojoe should be on your radar.
Why You Should Listen:
Raps fluently in both English and Japanese
Heavy inspiration from New York's hip-hop culture
Deeply thoughtful lyrics
2. Awich
Genre: Trap, R&B-infused Rap
Notable Tracks: “GILA GILA”, “Shook Shook”
Awich, which stands for "Asian Wish Child," is one of Japan’s most prominent female rappers. Hailing from the beautiful island of Okinawa, she combines hard-hitting trap beats with deeply personal and powerful lyrics. Her music often mirrors her life journey, touching on themes like love, loss, and motherhood. For instance, her track “GILA GILA,” featuring JP The Wavy, is almost a trap anthem that highlights her fierce delivery and infectious hooks. Awich’s confidence and charisma make her a truly standout figure in Japan's male-dominated rap scene.
Why You Should Listen:
Bold and unapologetic lyricism
A strong female voice in Japanese hip-hop
Heavy trap beats with emotional depth
3. JP The Wavy
Genre: Trap, Cloud Rap
Notable Tracks: “Cho Wavy De Gomenne”, “Louis 8”
JP The Wavy is easily one of the most recognizable faces in Japan’s new wave of trap music. Known for his eccentric style and playful delivery (which could be described as swagger-filled), JP The Wavy seamlessly merges Japanese culture with the laid-back aesthetics typical of trap and cloud rap genres. His viral hit “Cho Wavy De Gomenne” catapulted him to stardom; since then, he has been collaborating with international artists (thus bridging the gap between Japanese and global hip-hop scenes).
Why You Should Listen:
Unique style paired with fun and catchy delivery
Major influencers within Japan's trap culture
Collaborations with international artists
4. SALU
Genre: Alternative Rap, Hip-Hop Fusion
Notable Tracks: “In My Life”, “LIFESTYLE”
SALU is an artist who loves to experiment by blending different genres such as pop, and electronic music (and traditional hip-hop). With a sleek yet polished delivery style (that tends to captivate listeners), his music ranges from introspective storytelling pieces to upbeat anthems that make you feel good instantly. His collaborations with pop stars along with other rap icons have helped him gain mainstream recognition while maintaining his artistic edge intact all along the way! SALU’s knack for creating cross-genre hits makes him quite a versatile force within the Japanese music industry.
Why You Should Listen:
A diverse blend combining elements of rap and pop
Slick production values coupled with smooth flow
Cross-genre appeal mixed perfectly with mainstream influence
5. Tohji
Genre: Experimental Rap, Trap
Notable Tracks: “Propella”, “Higher”
Tohji is one of Japan's most innovative rappers, often mixing surreal visuals with unique beats that might seem out there to some. His take on trap music tends to be quite minimalistic, focusing a bit more on creating a mood and an atmosphere rather than just aggressive delivery. Tohji’s music feels almost dreamlike, making it stand out among the more intense rap styles around today. By the way, his artistry isn't limited to just music; he's also involved in fashion and visual arts (pretty cool right?), which shows off his role as a cultural trendsetter.
Why You Should Listen:
Dreamy and experimental beats that transport you somewhere else
Strong influence in both the world of music and fashion
Minimalistic yet highly impactful delivery
Japan’s rap scene is so diverse and lively that it’s almost like its traditional culture but modernized through hip-hop lenses. From conscious lyrics to experimental sounds, these five rappers—Kojoe, Awich, JP The Wavy, SALU, and Tohji—are seriously redefining what it means to be a hip-hop artist over there. Whether you’re into trap tunes or classic boom-bap vibes (or something entirely different), there's something for everyone in the Japanese rap scene.
