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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- 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
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- 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 (J-hip hop) rappers (21–30)
Touch The SkyMol53
Known as a leading figure representing Fukuoka, and having teamed up with Sengoku, this is a classic track by Mol53 where essential lyrics blend with a no-nonsense, back-to-the-’90s beat.
The secret to its strong popularity lies in the high-tone flow that sticks in your ears, showcasing a professional presence and delivering a work that highlights outstanding rap skills.
Monkey4Gaki Renjā
Despite being party-style rap, this is a classic by Gaki Ranger that shocked many listeners with its eroticism and trippy lyrical expressions.
Their exceptional flow has cemented their position as an overwhelming presence, and beyond the production itself, their rap has made them a defining force representing Kyushu.
Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese rappers (31–40)
Do The Gariya ThingRappa Gariya
This is a classic track by Rappagariya, a legendary presence in Japan’s hip-hop scene.
They’ve collaborated with many prominent artists and, as one of the earliest active rappers in Japanese music, are highly trusted.
Their grand rhyming and large-scale sound have earned them widespread popularity.
Junji TakadaKOHH
KOHH, a rapper discovered and debuted by producer 318, who is active mainly in Tokyo.
With a tattoo-covered, flamboyantly star-like look and lyrics that feel casually off-the-cuff, his presence—almost as if chosen by the times—couldn’t be contained within Japan’s narrow music scene, leading him to expand his activities overseas.
He also produces avant-garde fashion brands, expanding hip-hop as an art form and relentlessly pursuing originality—a truly charismatic rapper commanding devoted popularity.
Mellow AkiraLick-G
This track is by Lick-G, who made a name for himself in numerous battles, including the High School Rap Championship, yet took a step back from the battle scene to focus on recorded music.
It’s a cool piece of domestic hip-hop, featuring an overseas-influenced flow over a gritty yet mainstream-leaning beat.
Do My ThingNORIKIYO
This is a classic track by Norikiyo, who enjoys immense popularity and captivates fans with his overwhelming lifestyle charisma and coolness.
With its intense flow and accessible rhymes, it’s an easy track to connect with, and it’s also a crowd favorite at live shows—highly recommended.
Hate My LifeRyuzo
This is a classic track by Ryuzo, a rapper who represents R-Rated and legitimately carries on hardcore gangsta rap in Japan.
With his razor-sharp flow, the song showcases just how high his level is, projecting a cool yet sublime presence.