A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: classic tracks of Japanese hip-hop
When you think of Japanese rap summer songs, does any track come to mind?
Even listeners who don’t usually listen to hip-hop probably know signature songs by popular groups and tracks by legendary artists who’ve led the scene—there are so many to choose from.
In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of hip-hop tracks you’ll want to play as summer approaches.
Alongside timeless classics, there are plenty of great picks from artists who’ve been getting attention recently.
We hope you discover some amazing songs here.
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A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: Classic J-hip hop tracks (21–30)
tropical nightRIP SLYME
Delivering a hot night! Speaking of RIP SLYME, they’re known for their summer tracks, and this song—with its sexy sound and music video—is a perfect fit to color those summer nights.
DJ FUMIYA really crafts stylish sounds! Enjoy it on a night spent with your lover.
Good Vibes Only feat. JP THE WAVY, EXILE SHOKICHISALU
Salu, a rapper from Hokkaido, has become incredibly popular.
His 2018 release “Good Vibes” is a stylish, laid-back, and absolutely perfect summer tune.
Plus, he collaborated with the star-studded duo JP THE WAVY and EXILE SHOKICHI.
With these three, it goes without saying the track is top-notch.
SushiJinmenusagi
Jinmenusagi is a highly acclaimed rapper known for his sophisticated style, despite originally coming from the net-rapper scene.
Born from his travel experiences in Thailand, this track features a dreamy, drowsy sound that evokes a sense of freedom away from the bustle of the city.
Released in June 2024, it marks his first solo single in nine months.
The music video was also shot in Thailand, effectively capturing the song’s atmosphere.
It’s a perfect track for when you want a brief escape from the summer heat or when you’re craving a new experience.
Merry Go Round feat. BASI, Tsubaki, VIGORMAN, WILYWNKAGeG
GeG, the producer of Hentai Shinshi Club.
Released under his name, “Merry Go Round feat.
BASI, Tsuwaki, VIGORMAN, WILYWNKA” features not only Hentai Shinshi Club members VIGORMAN and WILYWNKA, but also the “Ai no Mama ni” duo, Tsuwaki and BASI.
My recommendation has to be WILYWNKA’s verse.
His flow is on a whole different level for a Japanese rapper (lol).
human power plantBUDDHA BRAND
A Japanese hip-hop classic perfect for summer evenings.
After performing under the name Uwasa Channel starting in 1988, they changed their group name to BUDDHA BRAND in 1990 and became a legendary group representing Japanese rap.
When you think of a cool hip-hop group, many people probably picture them.
Their track Ningen Hatsudensho (Human Power Plant) is, as the title suggests, a masterpiece crafted with provocative lyrics.
With a New York-honed flow, it’s a must-check!
Summer Ride (feat. ¥ellow Bucks)LANA
The perfect song for a summer coastal drive is LANA’s summer tune released in July 2025.
Featuring the renowned “hitmaker” ¥ellow Bucks and produced by JIGG, its West Coast-style groovy track feels effortlessly smooth.
The lyrics, inspired by LANA’s hometown of Shonan, capture a glittering summer filled with the exhilaration and freedom of a weekend that never ends.
The contrast between LANA’s husky vocals and ¥ellow Bucks’ breezy rap is sure to elevate the mood as your in-car soundtrack.
It’s a refreshing number that colors your summer memories, tied in with her arena tour set for 2025.
Hey GirlOZROSAURUS
Amazingly, their first live debut was at the age of 12.
For many, when it comes to OZROSAURUS’s summer tracks—now that they’ve risen to the top—this is the definitive song! It’s one of the first titles that comes up when talking about classic love songs in hip-hop.
The manly lyrics resonate deeply as well.