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!
- Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
- [Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
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- Classic rap songs recommended for people in their 20s
- Japanese Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- 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
- [Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing Japanese rap songs
- 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 (71–80)
Stop doing drugs.SHO
SHO is a hip-hop artist with a unique background as a former member of Japan’s national alpine ski team.
While boasting an impressive record—junior national team at 17 and national team at 19—he was sparked by the early impact of Tupac and DMX to start making music.
Since 2007, he has been active primarily on the streets, in clubs, and on YouTube, steadily growing his fanbase with over 50,000 CDs sold and 30 million video views.
He made his debut with the album “RIZE & PEACE” and has raised his profile through distinctive tracks.
Since 2021, he has gained traction in Europe and has since been recognized in the U.S., Africa, and Asia, showcasing a truly global presence.
Though unconventional, he delivers a core, powerful message and, perhaps unexpectedly, an authentic drill sound—promising to keep entertaining heads for years to come.
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Tokyo-born rapper Shogen captivates hip-hop heads with his unique, melodious style that incorporates elements of jazz and soul.
He discovered hip-hop during his school years, building his name by performing at local clubs and events.
He won a nationwide freestyle battle, earning recognition for his exceptional improvisational expression.
His sharp lyrics, which cut into social issues and everyday life, and his genre-defying musical diversity are key attractions.
Beyond his music, he actively gives back to his community through initiatives like supporting music education for young people and hosting workshops in local neighborhoods, so if you go to Sumida Ward, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to connect with him in some way.
He’s a highly recommended rapper for anyone seeking music with a distinctive worldview and profound messages.
Knock Knockpirafu seijin
Pilaf Seijin is a rapper drawing attention with experimental sounds and a unique personality.
Rooted in hip-hop, his pop-leaning style incorporates elements of trap and electronica, making him especially popular among younger audiences.
He first rose to prominence through MC battles and also has a strong talent for beat-making and production.
His deep knowledge of sound design and flexible, genre-crossing approach often invite harsh critique from heads who prefer the underground, but for listeners seeking new musical experiences, he’s a perfect fit.
TURN IT UPLANA
Hailing from Kanagawa, LANA made her debut on SoundCloud in February 2020, bringing a fresh breeze to the hip-hop scene.
She’s known for her genre-defying musical range and lyrics that weave in her own experiences with striking realism.
In 2023, she released singles like “TURN IT UP” and “L7 Blues,” as well as the EP “19,” drawing significant attention.
She has also performed at major events such as POP YOURS and COUNTDOWN JAPAN, captivating audiences with her live performances.
LANA’s music is compelling for the way it embraces both strength and vulnerability, and it’s particularly praised for the strong messages it conveys to female listeners.
She’s highly recommended not only for hip-hop fans, but also for anyone who wants to connect with honest, down-to-earth lyrics.
LOW BATTERY BOYRin Oto
Rin-ne, a rapper from Fukuoka Prefecture, is known for his gentle, laid-back flow.
He began rapping at 18, made a name for himself in MC battles, and debuted in May 2021 with his first album, “swipe sheep.” His total views on YouTube have exceeded 130 million, and he also won the New Artist Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.
With an emotional vibe and richly expressive Japanese lyrics, he’s especially popular among younger listeners.
His catalog ranges widely—from nostalgic sounds reminiscent of the ’90s to message-driven songs themed around encounters and farewells.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience Rin-ne’s unique world.
apology press conferenceDOTAMA
DOTAMA is a rapper from a family of educators.
He has been competing in MC battles since 2003 and has won numerous titles.
While experiencing life as a salaried worker, he released songs from the perspective of working people and is known for his unique style of rapping in glasses, a necktie, and a suit.
His albums “SURVIVAL” and “Shakaijin” (Working Adult) frequently tackle themes of contemporary society, resonating with listeners.
After overcoming the tragedy of his younger brother’s suicide, he devoted himself to music following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
He launched his independent label, Shakaijin Music, and has been active across a wide range of fields.
His powerful diss tracks and sharp social insights are compelling—recommended not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone who questions modern society.
CHAOSNovel Core
Born in Tokyo in 2001, Novel Core is emerging as a standout young rapper.
He made his indie debut in 2018 and his major debut in 2020 under BMSG, led by SKY-HI.
With a unique style that fuses rap and rock, his appeal lies in a genre-defying musicality.
His talent is highly regarded by SKY-HI, who has even said, “It feels like looking at myself 10 or 15 years ago.” A hard worker who has practiced up to eight hours a day, his dedication underpins his high-level rap skills.
Beyond music, he is also active as a model.
He’s an artist recommended not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone looking to discover something new.