[2026] A roundup of domestic female rappers gaining attention
Beyond the boundaries of hip-hop, the presence of female rappers—appearing on main stages at music festivals and headlining venues like the Nippon Budokan—has grown more influential than ever in Japan’s music scene and culture.
In 2024, the modern queen of hip-hop, Awich, was prominently featured in the U.S.
edition of GQ, which is still fresh in our minds.
And in the 2020s, a wave of talented Gen Z female rappers has been emerging one after another.
In this article, we introduce a range of domestic female rappers, from promising newcomers to seasoned veterans.
Whether you’re eager to dig deeper into Japanese hip-hop or you’re a complete beginner, be sure to check it out!
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[2026] Roundup of Notable Domestic Female Rappers (21–30)
BOWMFS
Born in 1998 and originally from Tokyo, MFS is a highly skilled artist based in Osaka who also thrives as a member of the hip-hop crew Tha Jointz.
Drawing on a multicultural background, MFS crafts a unique style that blends a variety of genres, including trap and R&B.
After debuting with the 2021 EP “FREAKY,” MFS released the album “COMBO” in April 2024, featuring collaborations with standout artists like JJJ and anddy toy store.
Selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024,” MFS is widely recognized as a next-generation talent.
With genre-defying expression and lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners, MFS’s music stands out at festivals and is perfect for anyone seeking fresh sounds.
UCHIRARei©hi
A powerhouse female rapper born in Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture.
With a background in mixed martial arts, Rei©hi captivates audiences with energetic, fighting-spirit-fueled performances.
Grounded in hip-hop while drawing from reggae, R&B, and amapiano, she has forged a unique musical world.
In February 2018, she made her major debut with the mini-album “JK wa Brand” on Avex’s SONIC GROOVE label, and has steadily raised her profile—her music was even selected as the opening theme for TBS’s CDTV Saturday.
Since 2022, she has launched her own label, KOYOMI, evolving into a new stage as an independent artist.
Beloved by younger generations—especially on social media—Rei©hi’s songs move listeners with raw, honest lyrics and an energetic sound.
I Luv Mary JaneNOPPAL
Starting her music career in the early 2010s, NOPPAL is a gifted female rapper/singer who moves effortlessly across diverse genres such as chillout, lo-fi hip-hop, and R&B.
Her musical journey began with the crew of SQUIDS magazine, a web magazine based in Toyama.
Since her rap debut in 2013, she has released a steady stream of tracks that delicately portray everyday emotions and the changing seasons.
In 2014, she unveiled the EP “Crystal EP,” drawing attention with her melodic yet rhythmic rap style and distinctive artistic vision.
In 2015, she appeared on the compilation album “G.I.R.L.S RAP,” which spotlighted female rappers.
She has also steadily built her career through guest features, including on “LUVRAW” by Tatsu Maeda & The Magnetics.
With her delicate sensibility and gentle singing voice, NOPPAL’s music is recommended for those who want to spend peaceful, unhurried moments.
Bad City ～Yokohama～MARIA
Raised in a multicultural environment, MARIA grew up alongside R&B and hip-hop from an early age.
A bilingual rapper with a Japanese mother and American father, she’s also the sole female member of the crew SIMI LAB.
She appeared on SIMI LAB’s 2011 album “Page1: ANATOMY OF INSANE,” and made her solo debut in 2013 with the album “Detox.” With a distinctive style that blends diverse influences such as R&B, Afrobeats, and Latin music, she continues to captivate listeners.
She also supports the next generation—serving as a judge for the High School Rap Championship—and has remained active even after becoming a mother, releasing the EP “True Color” in 2023.
Her fluency in both Japanese and English, coupled with lyrics grounded in real-life experience, make her a compelling recommendation for those seeking genre-crossing musical expression.
I’ll let you go.namichie
Namichie is a female rapper with an unconventional background: she graduated at the top of her class from Tokyo University of the Arts.
With her boyish look, you might expect a straight-up, hardcore rapper, but her style is a surprisingly surreal, idiosyncratic one.
That said, her rap skills are exceptionally strong, and perhaps thanks to her international roots, she delivers with an outstanding flow.
Her work is remarkably unique across the board—musically, of course, but also in her music videos and lyrics, all of which are executed at a high level.
Maybe being top of the class at Geidai speaks to a different level of raw talent.
Keep a close eye on her future artistic endeavors!
DIARYvalknee
Female rappers used to be a rare sight, but thanks to artists like Chanmina and Awich, many female rappers are now gaining attention.
Among them are some truly unique personalities.
Valknee stands out in the female rap scene as an individualist; instead of the stereotypical rapper look, she wears fashion reminiscent of early-2000s gyaru styles.
Her art school background informs both her fashion and her music, creating a curious kind of addictiveness.
If you’re looking for distinctive female rappers, she’s a must-check!
CycleCOMA-CHI
COMA-CHI is a female rapper who made her mark in the 2000s.
While she now balances motherhood with her artistic career, back in the 2000s she was releasing hard-hitting hip-hop.
Her biggest appeal, above all, lies in her vibes and vocals.
Her rap isn’t exactly old-school, but it has a punch you don’t often find in today’s sleek styles.
On top of that, she has outstanding vocals—she’s such a rare talent that she can carry and complete a track all on her own.
She’s also well-versed in soul and neo-soul, so if you’re into Black music, she’s a must-check!