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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Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese rappers (31–40)
Challengedatto
Rapper Datto, based in Okayama City.
A solo MC known for lyrics that directly reflect real life and a rugged, heavyweight flow.
He began his career in 2013 and has consistently pursued the path of hip-hop.
His style of stacking honest, no-frills words resonates deeply, as heard on the 2024 EP “Itsu no manika no Ima wo” and the album “With U,” which includes a lead track filled with feelings for someone dear.
In 2021, he proved his solid skills by being chosen as Okayama’s representative in an MC battle tournament.
He’s also admirable for contributing to the local scene as a coffee shop manager.
If you love hip-hop written with sincere words that stand close to everyday life, he’s an artist you should definitely check out.
How Many BoogieSKRYU
SKRYU has carved out a unique position in Japan’s hip-hop scene and is a proven talent with a championship win at Sengoku MCBATTLE.
Tracks from his July 2023 album “Transform -Charcoal side-” caught fire on social media and lit up the charts.
His appeal lies in addictive raps that balance humor and seriousness, paired with aggressive beats.
Collaborations with a roster of star producers have also generated buzz, and his solo show in Tokyo in August 2023 sold out immediately, drawing attention to his live performances as well.
He’s the perfect artist for anyone seeking pure, high-grade hip-hop.
Osaka UPSHINGO★Nishinari
As his name suggests, rapper SHINGO★Nishinari represents Osaka’s Nishinari.
His lyrics, drawn from his upbringing in Nishinari, are truly real, and their use of Kansai dialect is part of the appeal.
What’s more, his unadorned, candid words hit home, and that raw honesty is a defining feature of his music and a key to his popularity.
He also actively engages in volunteer work in his hometown, representing Nishinari not just in words but through action as well—and that character is another reason he’s loved by so many heads.
DreamTKda kurobuchi
When it comes to distinctive rappers from Kasukabe City in Saitama Prefecture, TKda Kurobuchi is the name to know! He once worked as a company employee, but pursued his dream of music and switched careers to become a rapper.
In works like his 2015 album “LIFE IS ONE TIME, TODAY IS A GOOD DAY,” he paints a worldview that reflects his own life.
What truly put his name on the map was his performance in MC battles.
He claimed numerous titles, including winning the 2012 Sengoku MC BATTLE, proving his skill.
His rapid-fire delivery, unleashed like a bullet, and his technical style packed with relentless rhymes are absolutely stunning.
The power of his words—transforming life’s struggles into strength—will resonate not only with fans of hard-hitting hip-hop, but also with anyone seeking the courage to take on a challenge.
A slight fever in springKubota Kai
Singer-songwriter/rapper Kubota Kai emerged from the freestyle rap world and burst onto the scene.
Grounded in hip-hop while blending in R&B and rock, his literary word choices shine.
After formally launching his career with the 2019 EP “Myōjō,” he drew attention as songs released on YouTube surpassed 3 million views, and in 2021 he completed the album “Raikō.” He’s also known for the anecdote of winning an NHK show’s competition with only three months of rap experience.
He has many tie-ins, including “Tonari,” the theme song for the film Side by Side: The Person Next to Me, and “gear5,” the opening theme for the drama Hakobiya.
His mellow groove, woven from words and sound, is truly one of a kind—perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in emotionally rich music.
Popular Japanese rappers. Recommended Japanese rappers (41–50)
JappcatsHUNGER
This is a classic by Hunger, the rapper from Gagle, who imagined a new set of values in a style that lists the legendary figures of Japanese hip-hop.
Over a mid-tempo track with gritty breakbeats, his crisp, pleasing flow rides the beat, making it stand out as a highly polished work.
Feelin29 Feat.KOJOE5lack
5lack, the younger of the Takada brothers, was born into a musical family in Itabashi, Tokyo.
True to the name “Slack,” meaning a lazy, careless person, he’s a rapper known for his laid-back, languid flow.
With a charming blend of sloppiness, cheeky attitude, and sarcasm—traits hip-hop heads love—he quickly rose to become a top contender in the Japanese hip-hop scene.
He has since relocated to Fukuoka, shedding the fussy local entanglements and steadily producing a stream of original, high-quality works.
