Bridging Beats: Japan Meets New York Through Hip-HopHosted by Japan Society, New York

Hip-hop, born in the vibrant streets of the Bronx during the 1970s, has grown into a global movement—one that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. From its roots in block parties and street battles, it has evolved into a rich cultural force that continues to shape music, dance, and visual art across the world—including in Japan, where the genre has found a deep and unique resonance.

An Intercultural Dialogue Through Music

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Japan Society in New York will host a one-of-a-kind conversation featuring pioneering artists from both Japan and New York. The evening will highlight the creative intersections between traditional Japanese music and modern hip-hop, showcasing how this genre has traveled, transformed, and returned even more powerful through global exchange.

Event Details
📍 Address: 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
🎟️ In-Person Event | Reservation Required

Featured Artists:

COMA-CHI

📸 Instagram: @coma_chi

Trailblazing the path for women in Japan’s hip-hop scene, COMA-CHI made her mark as the first female finalist in the iconic B-Boy Park MC Battle. With notable collaborations alongside ZEEBRA, RHYMESTER, and AK-69, her album Red Naked made waves with powerful tracks like “name tag” and “Perfect Angel.” She also founded Queen’s Room, her independent label, and earned a Grammy nomination through a collab with Sly & Robbie. Her most recent work, OTO, seamlessly blends hip-hop with traditional Japanese elements, showcasing her ongoing mission to fuse innovation with cultural heritage.

Asuka Yoshizaki

📸 Instagram: @asuka_koto

A master of the koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, Asuka combines classical training with bold artistic innovation. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, she’s performed at major global events—from embassies to royal ceremonies. Her fusion projects with artists like Jazztronik and Monday Michiru have expanded the instrument’s boundaries, captivating global audiences and amassing millions of streams.

MeccaGodZilla

📸 Instagram: @meccagodzilla

A Brooklyn-born artist with roots in Long Island, MeccaGodZilla blends music, visual art, and community activism. As a co-founder of G.A.ME, he champions support for independent artists. His music bridges continents, working alongside Japanese legends like COMA-CHI, while also co-founding MANAFEST VISION. As a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Department of State’s Next Level program, he continues to share the message of unity through hip-hop on a global scale.

Why You Should Attend

This event is more than a panel—it’s a celebration of how hip-hop builds cultural bridges. Whether you’re a music lover, an artist, or someone curious about intercultural exchange, this is your chance to witness how two seemingly distant cultures find harmony in rhythm, rhyme, and soul.