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 hip-hop and rock collide with a deeper purpose as Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK and Paledusk reunite under their collaborative project YAO for the new song “ありふれた世界の果てに.” Released on September 4, the track is YAO’s second release and pushes the supergroup beyond simply bringing major Japanese artists from different genres together. This time,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
By Eli Jesse Masato Hayashi Takes a Major Step Forward With “暴走東京” Tokyo’s hip-hop scene continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and one of its most exciting rising stars is preparing for the biggest performance of his career. Japanese rapper Masato Hayashi has officially announced his upcoming one-man live concert, “暴走東京” (Bōsō Tokyo), scheduled…
Japanese hip-hop continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. Every year, new artists emerge, fresh sounds dominate streaming platforms, and social media trends reshape how audiences discover music. In such a fast-moving environment, maintaining relevance can be difficult even for the most talented artists. Yet one rapper has consistently managed to remain at the forefront…
As the Tokyo hip-hop scene continues to grow, a new wave of talented artists is stepping into the spotlight. While Japan already has established rap stars, 2026 is shaping up to be the year when fresh voices redefine the sound of Japanese hip-hop. During the first week of January, several rising Tokyo rappers made noise…
