Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese (J-pop) rappers.
Japanese hip-hop has now gained enough mainstream recognition to appear on J-POP charts.
From veteran rappers who have built the scene to up-and-coming artists who’ve risen to prominence in recent years, a wide variety of rappers are active today.
In this article, we’ll introduce these rappers all at once, regardless of generation!
It’s a lineup that will catch the eye of hardcore hip-hop heads as well as those who are just thinking about getting into hip-hop.
Let’s dive right in!
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- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- [2026] A Compilation of Classic and Popular Tracks for Hip-Hop Beginners
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- From Pop to Hip-Hop: Nostalgic Rap Recommendations for People in Their 30s
- A hip-hop love song. A rapper’s tale of love.
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of popular songs by the rapper t-Ace, known by the nickname “Erotic God Scumbag.”
Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese rappers (61–70)
Rexas GucciDABO
As a rapper from Chiba Prefecture, DABO has led the Japanese hip-hop scene.
He began performing in 1995 with the group CHANNEL5 and made his solo debut in 1999.
As the first artist signed to Def Jam Japan—where Will Smith was also affiliated—he has consistently delivered rap with a clean yet powerful flow.
He has an impressive track record, including being featured on the Japanese release’s ending theme for the film The Fast and the Furious.
His album PLATINUM TONGUE sold over 100,000 copies.
Beyond music, he’s also showcased his talents as an illustrator and writer, highlighting his remarkable versatility.
While rooted in a classic style, his quick-witted vocabulary and sense of rhythm make him highly recommended even for newcomers to hip-hop.
Rampaging Dream SongDiggy-MO’
Diggy-MO’ has a broad musical background spanning classical, jazz, and J-pop.
He grew up playing piano, formed bands, and in 1999 co-founded SOUL’d OUT.
Their major debut came in 2003, and his distinctive flow and impeccable rhyming quickly drew wide attention.
While still in the group, he made his solo debut in 2008 and contributed numerous songs to anime tie-ins.
After SOUL’d OUT disbanded in 2014, he fully shifted to solo work, releasing ambitious albums such as DX and BEWITCHED.
Expanding his scope with projects like the collaboration “DOPAMINE” with m-flo, he also showcased his versatility by writing Japanese lyrics for a Disney film in 2024.
Grounded in solid musical fundamentals yet relentlessly pursuing a unique voice within hip-hop, he is highly recommended for listeners seeking fresh musical encounters.
PoetryGOMESS
GOMESS is an artist who loves poetry and possesses a finely honed sensitivity to language.
Drawing on his experience as a person on the autism spectrum, he weaves together reflections on his inner world with questions for society, crafting a distinctive expression and a style reminiscent of Sibitt.
He gained attention after appearing in the 2012 High School RAP Championship, and launched his solo career in 2014 with his self-titled album, “GOMESS.” In 2015, he won the 7th CD Shop Award Tokai Block Prize, proving his talent.
Beyond music, he explores crossovers with jazz and classical, poetry readings, lectures, and other diverse activities.
Valuing the power of words and the nuanced expression of emotion, his work is recommended for those seeking deep insight into life or wishing to face themselves through music.
ICEYJinmenusagi
Emerging from Hokkaido’s hip-hop scene, Jinmenusagi is a rapper who captivates many listeners with his unique worldview and lyrically profound writing.
His collaborations with artists like SALU and Peanuts-kun have drawn attention, cementing his position in Japan’s hip-hop landscape.
Blending personal experiences with social themes, his tracks stand out for their distinctive flow over beats and keen sense of rhythm.
On stage, he exudes an overwhelming presence, delivering energetic performances that mesmerize audiences.
Although he initially faced unfair criticism due to his roots as a net-based rapper, his aforementioned talents—along with his skills as a beatmaker—have earned him strong support from many heads, making him a leading figure among the “taste-forward” artists today.
airplaneKOHH
KOHH, known as a pioneer of Japan’s trap scene, is a half-Korean, half-Japanese rapper who grew up in Oji, Kita Ward, Tokyo.
His hallmark is raw, realistic lyrics born from a harsh childhood.
He made his full-scale debut in 2014 with the album “MONOCHROME,” and in February 2016 won “BEST HIP HOP ARTIST” at the Space Shower Music Awards.
That same year, he crossed genre boundaries by featuring on a track on Hikaru Utada’s album “Fantôme.” More recently, under his alternate name Yuki Chiba, he has produced mega-hits including “Team Tomodachi.” With a strong likelihood of future collaborations with rappers worldwide, he’s indispensable if you’re following Japan’s trap scene.
Think Feel Pt.2Silent Killa Joint
Born and raised on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, SILENT KILLA JOINT is a rapper known for a distinctive sound that blends smoky boom bap vibes with elements of Detroit techno.
He began his YouTube career around 2012 as Kazuki Mugicha, later transitioning into rapping and releasing numerous works, including the collaborative album DAWN with beatmaker dhrma.
He has also competed in MC battles, and his victory at the UMB Grand Championship in December 2022 marked a major turning point that proved his skill.
His unique style combines a mellow, laid-back flow with an effortless bounce, deftly expressing darker themes and ineffable emotions.
He’s a recommended listen for those who want to delve into sonic depth or feel the subtle nuances of life.
Cheerschinza DOPENESS
Chinza DOPENESS captivates with exceptional rhythm and a uniquely expressive use of his voice.
Emerging in the mid-2000s, he won the nationwide Ultimate MC Battle in 2009, cementing his status as one of Japan’s top improvisers.
With his 2011 album “100% RAP,” he established a distinctive style that fuses hip-hop with a wide range of genres like jazz and reggae.
Among Japanese rappers, his musical sensibility is undoubtedly top-tier—easily among the best—effortlessly riding complex structures like 7/4 time.
If you’re a newcomer looking to dive into skillful, tastefully crafted rap, starting your dig with him is a great move.