Kohjiya is continuing one of the biggest years of his career with the release of his new single “So Far” and a headline appearance at the inaugural STRAIGHT UP FESTIVAL ’26 by WILKINSON. The Nagasaki-born, Tokyo-based rapper released “So Far” on September 4 through STARBASE RECORDS, with the track created specifically to commemorate the launch…
Tokyo’s hip-hop scene is preparing for another massive night as JP THE WAVY, ralph, CYBER RUI, Shurkn Pap, Campanella and more come together for Jack & Music in Shibuya on September 26. The late-night event will take over both Spotify O-EAST and duo MUSIC EXCHANGE, bringing 25 artists and DJs into the heart of Shibuya…
Tokyo’s nightlife is getting another major hip-hop takeover as Tiji Jojo prepares to headline Urban Jam at ZEROTOKYO in Shinjuku on September 26. The former BAD HOP member will appear as the night’s special live performer, leading a lineup that brings together several major names from Japan’s current club and hip-hop scenes. Joining Tiji Jojo…
Tokyo-based creative platform AFB has brought together some of the most exciting names from Japanese, Korean, Chinese and American hip-hop for its first compilation album, AFB IS HERE®. Released on September 18, the 12-track project pushes AFB beyond its fashion roots and deeper into music and international street culture, connecting artists and producers from four…
Japanese producer EVISBEATS and singer Nagipan are preparing to release their new collaborative album Beauty on September 25, continuing a creative partnership built around warmth, restraint and music designed to live alongside everyday life. The 10-track project arrives through AMIDA STUDIO and follows a string of September singles that have gradually revealed the album’s direction….
Japan’s search for its next rap star has reached a new level. RAPSTAR 2026 has attracted 12,953 applicants, giving this year’s competition one of its biggest pools of aspiring rappers yet. The latest edition is now moving into its audition phase, with selected audition videos beginning to appear from August 15. The scale of this…
Yokohama artist and creator HAM384 has officially released his debut EP, Dear Friends, marking an important new chapter for an artist who has already built connections across Japan’s hip-hop community. The project arrived on August 19, giving listeners a first full-length introduction to HAM384 as a recording artist. The release is particularly notable because of…
Japanese artist CYBER RUI has released her latest single “I AM NOT HUMAN?!”, continuing the rollout toward her upcoming concept album PROJECT REBOOT. Released on August 19, the track serves as the second advance single from the forthcoming project and follows July’s “超☆Lucky.” The new release continues CYBER RUI’s exploration of alternative hip-hop and electronic-influenced…
OZworld and CHICO CARLITO have been crowned the winners of BATTLE SUMMIT III, taking home the tournament’s ¥50 million prize after defeating Zeebra and T-Pablow in the final. The major Japanese hip-hop battle event took place on August 11 at K-Arena Yokohama, bringing together some of the country’s most recognizable rappers for a high-profile team…
Japanese rapper Tohji has announced what will be his final live performance, with the artist set to take the stage at Tokyo Dome on November 17, 2026. The concert, titled “Tohji Last Live ‘TOKYO MALL,’” was announced by the rapper during his August 9 performance at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY. The announcement adds a major new…
