From the Bronx to Tokyo: A Hip-Hop Bridge Between Cultures
Emerging from the Bronx in the 1970s, hip-hop began as a vibrant outlet for creative expression among Black-American youth. Over time, it has evolved into a powerful global cultural force—reshaping music, dance, and art across the world. In Japan, a new generation of artists is blending hip-hop with traditional Japanese music, resulting in a captivating cultural fusion.
To explore this dynamic exchange, the Japan Society in New York will host a special in-person event featuring three trailblazing artists: COMA-CHI, Asuka Yoshizaki, and MeccaGodZilla. Together, they will reflect on their personal journeys and discuss the ways hip-hop connects the creative landscapes of New York and Japan.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
- Format: In-person | Reserved tickets required
This one-of-a-kind event invites hip-hop fans, cultural explorers, and music lovers to engage with the stories of artists who embody hip-hop’s global evolution. It offers an intimate glimpse into how this genre, born from resistance and creativity, continues to transcend borders—becoming a true language of unity.
Featured Artist: COMA-CHI (@coma_chi)
A groundbreaking figure in Japanese hip-hop, COMA-CHI was the first woman to reach the finals of the iconic B-Boy Park MC Battle. Her powerful lyricism and collaborations with heavyweights like ZEEBRA, RHYMESTER, and AK-69 helped shape the Japanese rap scene. Her hit album Red Naked featured standout tracks like “name tag” and “B-girl IZM.”
Founder of the Queen’s Room label, she earned a Grammy nomination for her work with Sly & Robbie and has since continued to evolve artistically. Through her JOMON GREEN and OTO projects—combining hip-hop with English lyrics, jazz-funk, and Japanese traditional instruments—COMA-CHI exemplifies how tradition and innovation can harmoniously collide.
