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.
- [Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
- [Summer Classics] When it comes to summer, it’s got to be this song! A roundup from timeless staples to the latest hit tracks.
- Classic Western hip-hop songs recommended for summer
- Reiwa-era summer songs: A roundup of new staple tracks that color the hot summer
- Summer songs with great lyrics. Tracks that make your summer memories even more wonderful.
- [Make Your Summer Pop] A High-Energy J-POP Playlist to Boost Your Mood! [2026]
- A collection of hip-hop/rap anime songs
- Rap songs you want to sing at karaoke—tracks everyone can sing together and get hyped
- A collection of summer-like songs: tracks that go perfectly with summer, like the sea and the sky.
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- From Pop to Hip-Hop: Nostalgic Rap Recommendations for People in Their 30s
- Classic “summer songs” you’ll want to listen to in summer. Timeless J-pop summertime anthems perfect for summer guys and summer girls.
A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: Classic J-hip-hop tracks (41–50)
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
Here’s one summer staple from Ketsumeishi.
This song gradually brought them into the spotlight, and they became so popular that people started saying, “When it’s summer, it’s these guys!” They’re cool gentlemen, and there’s no doubt they’ll keep thriving from here on out!
Wave feat. C.O.S.A.Dangaryu
Rapper Dengaryu, repping Yamanashi Prefecture.
His track “Wave feat.
C.O.S.A.” was released in January 2020.
Right after dropping the song, he announced a large-scale tour covering 23 locations nationwide, which became a hot topic.
The song uses summer as its theme and sings about the spirit of adventure in taking on new challenges.
As you can tell from the tour announcement that followed immediately, “WAVE” likely refers to a new wave or a new challenge.
It’s an uplifting track, so if you’re feeling down, definitely give it a listen!
WAVEBODY (Remix)JP THE WAVY
Featuring a stellar lineup including JP THE WAVY, this track is a guaranteed mood-lifter for the summer.
In the music video, child actors evoking the rappers’ younger selves appear, and the 2000s-inspired visuals add a nostalgic touch that brings back warm memories.
It’s a song you can’t look away from, with powerful bonds among friends and a performance full of confidence.
The MV was released in October 2021, and the track is included on the album “WAVY TAPE 2 (Deluxe)” from the same year.
It drew attention at the time, topping LINE MUSIC’s real-time video chart, among other achievements.
It also saw heavy play in the club scene, including appearances on Red Bull RASEN.
Put it on for summer drives or when you’re hanging out with friends and want to hype things up—you’re guaranteed an even bigger boost.
Let the powerful, deep bass beat take over and enjoy it as the perfect summer BGM!
TricksterSKY-HI
This is SKY-HI, famously known as a member of AAA.
At first listen it may sound quite pop, but beneath the catchy surface lie exceptional skills and profound messages! It’s no exaggeration to say he’s one of the most handsome in the rap scene.
His high-level fast-rap skills and popularity among women are top-notch.
Live Like SummerSkaai × KM
It’s a track by next-generation rapper Skaai and producer KM that vividly conjures up a seaside drive.
The sound is refreshingly bittersweet, evoking the end of summer in a way that feels just right.
The contrast between KM’s meticulously crafted beat and Skaai’s smooth flow—balancing intellect and playfulness—creates an exquisite groove.
Released first as a single in July 2025, it was later included on the EP “Podium.” The lyrics, which seem to cherish fleeting brilliance while lingering over the passing seasons, may also tie into the duo’s shared love of cars and a sense of speed.
It’s a perfect number not only for weekend drives, but also for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.
Miss Luxury feat. LANA, JP THE WAVY, ¥ellow Bucks Prod. DJ PMXYZERR
YZERR, also known as the brains behind the hip-hop crew BAD HOP.
Among his solo works, there’s one track in particular that I’d especially recommend to women, included on the album “Dark Hero,” released in February 2025.
The track features LANA, JP THE WAVY, and ¥ellow Bucks—an impressively star-studded lineup.
Over a G-funk-inspired beat produced by DJ PMX, the lyrics explore the theme of a sophisticated, luxurious image of womanhood.
Each artist’s distinctive flow makes the song even more vibrant, and just listening to it can fill you with confidence.
It’s a mellow, stylish piece that even women who aren’t into hard-edged rap can enjoy.
Lego!! RemixKEN THE 390
Here’s a summer track from KEN THE 390, well-known as a judge on Freestyle Dungeon! The music video has that summer vacation vibe—so good.
Everyone’s got such high skills that no one gets overshadowed, and each person’s character really stands out.
Parts of Tamaki ROY’s verse were frequently sampled in some circles.