Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
Hip-hop is a music genre that has developed alongside its own culture, including dance, rap, and sampling.
Although it originated in the United States, there are many artists in Japan who have been influenced by hip-hop.
This time, we’ll introduce a ranking of popular Japanese artists who perform hip-hop.
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- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
Popular Hip-Hop. Japanese Artists Ranking [2026] (91–100)
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi92rank/position
This is a distinctive work by the rock band Quruli, woven from the bustle of the city and a sense of nostalgia.
Featuring inventive orchestration and Shigeru Kishida’s memorable rap, the piece captures listeners with catchy melodies and poetic lyrics as it explores themes of farewell to the city, loneliness in modern society, and bonds with family.
Released in July 2016 as the title track of an EP, it also marks the band’s 20th anniversary.
In the music video, animation by Thai artist Wisut Ponnimit brings a warm, inviting world to life.
With the band’s signature, richly varied production taking on R&B, it’s a perfect pick for music fans seeking fresh expression.
public executionkingu gidora93rank/position
This song was included on the album “Saishuu Heiki” (The Final Weapon), released on October 17, 2002 by King Giddra, who reigns as the champion of Japanese rap.
Its lyrics, sharply criticizing fakes in the music scene, made a strong impression and sparked discussion as a work that threw a stone into the hip-hop world.
Packed with fierce critiques of imitation and commercialism, it’s a track that conveys the true spirit of hip-hop.
This is a must-listen song for anyone seeking to understand the history of Japanese rap.
FriendKetsumeishi94rank/position
Ketsumeishi is a music group that has gained popularity with emotional hip-hop numbers such as “Natsu no Omoide” and “Sakura.” Their major 4th single “Tomodachi,” which was used as the ending theme for the music program JAPAN COUNTDOWN, is also known as a hit tune that made the name Ketsumeishi widely known.
Its lyrical atmosphere and their trademark melodious rap make it easy to remember and easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a track that was even included in high school teaching materials, serving as a good reference for how to weave scene-painting lyrics into a rhymed, coherent story.
Knock Knockpirafu seijin95rank/position
Pilaf Seijin is a rapper who draws attention—for better or worse—in the MC battle scene.
While he tends to attract a lot of haters in battles, his recorded music has been quite successful, racking up over a million plays, which is rare in hip-hop.
Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Knock Knock.” It’s delivered in a style that sits between rapping and singing, and it’s performed within a narrow vocal range throughout all parts.
It’s a big hit with teens and up, so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
Gimme×GimmeHachiouji P × Giga96rank/position
A collaborative track by Hachioji-P, known for his techno music, and Giga, popular for songs like “Hibikase.” Both handled the composition, with lyrics by q*Left.
The track hooks your ears with sound-effect-like elements at its core and a rhythmic melody.
It has a mature vibe.
Flowing delivery layered with English rap gives it a lush, seductive charm.
It’s a cool track, but the call-and-response between Miku and Rin is a lot of fun.
Highly recommended when you want to get pumped up!
Come Be My Bride 2015Kayama Yūzō feat. PUNPEE97rank/position
This is the song “Oyome ni Oide 2015,” which features rapper PUNPEE from the indie label SUMMIT, home to many rapidly rising hip-hop artists.
It’s a modern remix of Yuzo Kayama’s signature song.
The lyrics, which depict everyday life with realism, are sure to make you chuckle.
It’s a track we especially recommend to couples who are hesitant to take the plunge into marriage.
mysteryHoshino Gen98rank/position
This is the fourth digital-only single by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who has released numerous hit songs with his one-of-a-kind pop sensibility.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Why I Dress Up for Love,” the track leaves an impression with its pop yet sentimental atmosphere.
The fusion of sounds evocative of the late 1980s with a modern, complex chord progression results in an R&B piece for a new era that’s more than just nostalgic.
It’s a number that serves as a model of pop grounded in Black music, evoking both history and evolution.