Where to Hear Hip Hop in Tokyo

Harlem

Named for the New York neighborhood that gave birth to a legion of world-famous names and a renowned style of rap, this nightclub in Shibuya hopes to follow in the footsteps of its American namesake as a meeting ground for Tokyo’s new and established talent.

Bloody Angle

Located in Shibuya, this record bar draws Tokyo’s fashion and music communities to sit amongst vintage décor, sipping inexpensive drinks while listening to carefully curated old-school tracks.

WREP Bar

Touting itself as Tokyo’s “home of hip hop,” this outpost is the physical manifestation of WREP, a 24-hour, 365-day radio station dedicated to the genre. Founded by Japanese hip hop star Zeebra, this intimate space for live DJ sets keeps the party going until five in the morning.

Sound Museum Vision

Often shortened simply to “Vision,” this megaclub in Shibuya hosts both domestic and international acts, packing partygoers into three floors of electronic, rap, and house music.

Yoyogi Park

This famously serene park has a duality to it. Every Saturday, rappers and hip hop fans from across the city and beyond gather for a freestyle-rap block party. Established by artist Ill Effects, the series provides a fun musical interlude for visitors wandering between peaceful Meiji Shrine and their next destination.

Or check out…

ChilledCow Radio

A pioneer of the 24-hour internet radio stations for Japanese-inspired lo-fi hip hop, ChilledCow features soothing tunes that will ease you into a tranquil state with smooth beats and an anime-style backdrop that changes every 12 hours.

Leon Fanourakis

Born in Yokohama to musically inclined parents, Tokyo-based rapper Leon Fanourakis achieved national fame at just 17. Now signed to Tokyo hip hop label 1% (ONE PERCENT), he released his latest album, CHIMAIRA, in early 2019 to industry-wide acclaim.

Bae Tokyo

Founded by radio host Jayda B., this feminist collective focuses on promoting women DJs, rappers, and hip hop artists in Japan and throughout Asia, as well as throwing parties and events for female creatives in Tokyo.