Hip Hop Culture in Japan

The youth are who determine what the next popular object, person, or musical sensation will be. This is very much the case in Japan, where entire districts of cities are run by Japanese youth because they set the trends. Hip hop, although still a small but growing genre in Japan, has made its way into the clothing and homes of Japanese families. As Yo Takatsuki states, "But unlike most fads before it, Japanese hip-hop is not just staying on the streets, but is making its way into the nation's homes." Because of hip hop and rap artists focusing more on home life and social and political issues in Japan, the genres have stuck around and artists are finding themselves not only engaging the younger crowds but families and even older generations as well. Its not just the culture either, its the clothing too, which is a very important aspect of Japanese youth culture. 

Pictured below are two Japanese youth wearing hip hop inspired clothing. 

Image credit: http://www.choreographiccolor.com/category/tokyo-street-fashion/