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)
Chit-Chit-ChatSKY-HI
When summer comes, you start craving stylish, refreshing tunes, don’t you? If you’re looking for songs like that, I recommend SKY-HI’s “Chit-Chit-Chat.” The track is built on a groove influenced by Black music like funk and R&B, and just listening to it will get you moving.
It’s perfect for a hot summer night and will put you in an amazing mood.
Perfect Blue (feat. Tiji Jojo, Daichi Yamamoto, RYO-Z)STUTS & ZOT on the WAVE
This track is a collaboration by the powerhouse producer unit STUTS and ZOT on the WAVE, featuring an all-star lineup of guest artists.
Produced as the unit’s second single in July 2025, it includes contributions from Tiji Jojo, Daichi Yamamoto, and RYO-Z of RHYMESTER.
A smooth track themed around summer drives and the glossy tones of a talkbox make a strong impression.
Energetic flows, emotive rap, and verses radiating veteran poise come together to create a mellow, groovy soundscape.
Another highlight is that this marks STUTS and RYO-Z’s first collaboration since “Magic Hour.” Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind with some chill hip-hop.
A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: Classic tracks in Japanese hip-hop (31–40)
ItsunaroubaKICK THE CAN CREW
One of the groups leading Japan’s hip-hop scene, KICK THE CAN CREW released their summer anthem “Itsunarouba” as a single in 2001.
Its lyrics, urging you to make the most of the short summer and enjoy it to the fullest, are both refreshing and passionate, inspiring the feeling of “Let’s treasure this moment that exists only now.” Even after all these years since its release, it remains one of KICK THE CAN CREW’s most popular tracks, cherished by many fans.
Take It Easy feat. Tsubaki (Prod. GeG)WILYWNKA
WILYWNKA, one of the most popular young rappers from Osaka, collaborated with another hugely popular young rapper, Tsubaki, on this track, “Take It Easy.” The chill, stylish beat produced by GeG pairs perfectly with the two artists’ flows.
It’s the kind of song that can help you unwind on a hot summer day.
Tonight is Boogie BackSuchadarapā
When it comes to Japanese old-school, I bet a lot of people think of “Konya wa Boogie Back.” Given the era, the rhymes are very simple, but that simplicity is part of the fun.
This time I picked the version by Scha Dara Parr only.
It was released as a winter song, but I think many people associate it with summer.
There’s something about the track that feels summery.
Be sure to check it out!
Well, since it’s summer,kaseki saidaa≡
A classic that shines brilliantly in the history of Japanese rap, this is a masterpiece by Kaseki Cider.
It nostalgically and languidly raps about memories of Japanese summers—Kajii Motojirō, yukata, fireworks, shaved ice, festival music… It’s more poetic sentiment than lyricism.
A summer tune by a Japanese artist for Japanese listeners that gives off Ghibli-esque good vibes; the sticky, all-in-Japanese flow—standing in contrast to the smooth, bilingual rap style—is, ironically, now fresh and incredibly cool.
Pretenders feat. C.O.S.A. & Yo-SeaSTUTS
A perfect BGM to soak in on a summer night is this track where the talents of STUTS, C.O.S.A., and Yo-Sea blend seamlessly.
Set over a mellow beat that makes you forget the bustle of the city, it paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of people wearing masks, hiding their true feelings, and surrendering themselves to a fleeting night.
It may well draw listeners into a pleasantly extraordinary world.
The song is included on the album “Orbit,” released in October 2022, and it also has a music video featuring striking night views of Chatan, Okinawa.
Give this refined sound a spin during a drive or while relaxing at home—it’s sure to enrich your summer nights.