FORCE FESTIVAL 2026: What to Know Ahead of YZERR’s Kawasaki Hip-Hop Festival
Japanese hip-hop fans have another major event to look forward to this year as FORCE FESTIVAL 2026 prepares to return to Kawasaki, Kanagawa. The festival is scheduled for October 25, 2026, at Higashi-Ogishima East Park in Kawasaki, continuing the event’s development as an important platform for Japanese rap and hip-hop culture. The festival is closely…
DJ社長 Announces End of Music Activities After Years at the Center of Japan’s Hip-Hop Scene
DJ社長 has announced the end of his music activities, bringing a major chapter of his career to a close after years as one of Japan’s most recognizable and controversial figures in the country’s music and hip-hop-adjacent scene. The announcement was made on August 8, 2026, with DJ社長 confirming that he would end his activities on…
3 Tokyo Rappers Building Momentum in Japan’s Underground Hip-Hop Scene
Tokyo’s hip-hop scene continues to develop beyond the country’s biggest festivals and established stars, with a new generation of rappers building momentum through the city’s underground live circuit. Among the artists currently attracting attention are Tim Pepperoni, 18easy and 土偶センパイ, three rappers whose recent activity highlights the diversity of Tokyo’s emerging hip-hop community. Their growing…
DJ HAZIME Returns With New Single “Fukamachi Park” Featuring Tamaki Roy
Japanese hip-hop veteran DJ HAZIME has returned with a new single titled “Fukamachi Park,” featuring rapper and singer Tamaki Roy. The release marks another significant moment in the career of one of Japan’s most respected DJs and producers, reaffirming his influence on the country’s hip-hop culture while introducing a fresh collaboration that blends experience with…
MOMO and NARISK Announce Collaborative Album YAME JAM With Lead Single “YAMEICAN”
Japan’s regional hip-hop scene continues to gain momentum as Fukuoka rapper MOMO and producer NARISK have officially announced their collaborative album, YAME JAM. Alongside the announcement, the duo released the project’s lead single, “YAMEICAN,” giving fans a first taste of the sound they have been developing together. The project has generated excitement among Japanese hip-hop…
Yuki Chiba Launches First-Ever European Tour as Japanese Hip-Hop Reaches a Global Audience
Japanese hip-hop has reached another important milestone as Yuki Chiba embarks on his first-ever European tour, introducing one of Japan’s biggest rap stars to audiences across the continent. The tour includes headline performances in London, Paris, and Berlin, alongside appearances at major European music festivals, reflecting the growing international demand for Japanese hip-hop and the…
doooo Announces Third Album CONFUSION for July 29 Release, Marking His Long-Awaited Return
Japanese producer, rapper, and CreativeDrugStore member doooo has officially announced the release of his third solo album, CONFUSION, which is scheduled to arrive on July 29. The announcement has quickly become one of the biggest talking points within Japan’s underground hip-hop community, as fans eagerly await the return of one of the country’s most innovative…
LANA Strengthens Her Position as Japan’s Leading Female Rap Star Ahead of POP YOURS 2026
Japan’s hip-hop scene has no shortage of rising stars, but few artists have experienced the remarkable ascent of LANA. Over the past few years, she has transformed from one of the country’s most promising newcomers into one of its biggest rap stars, consistently headlining major festivals, dominating streaming platforms, and helping redefine the role of…
Masato Hayashi Launches ‘暴走東京’ Campaign Ahead of Career-Biggest Zepp Shinjuku Concert
Tokyo’s hip-hop scene has a new headline story this month as rising rapper Masato Hayashi officially begins the promotional rollout for “暴走東京” (Bōsō Tokyo), a campaign that combines new music, live performances, and fan events ahead of the biggest concert of his career. Following his rapid rise over the past year, Hayashi has entered a…
POP YOURS 2026 Expands to Three Days as Japan’s Biggest Hip-Hop Festival Reaches New Heights
Japan’s hip-hop community is preparing for one of its biggest weekends ever after POP YOURS 2026 officially announced that next year’s festival will expand into a three-day event, marking the largest edition in the festival’s history. Scheduled to take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, the expanded festival reflects the remarkable growth of Japanese…
