- Source: Ryoff Karma
Ryoff Karma (呂布カルマ), born January 7, 1983) is a Japanese rapper. He is also prominent as a talent and critic. He has a track record as an actor and voice actor. He is regarded as one of the strongest rappers in Japanese rap battles.
Overview
His characteristic as a rapper is his strength in rap battles. For more details, read the "Evaluation" section.
He is also a popular TV personality. In 2023, he appeared on 156 television programs.
He has provided rap for many commercials and appeared in them himself. The most famous CM is the "Tolerant Rap(寛容ラップ)" produced by AC Japan (Advertising Council) in 2022.
Ryoff has the appearance of a Yakuza. This CM featured Ryoff rapping kindly to an elderly woman. This commercial won many awards in 2022.
Ryoff is also active as a critic. He specializes in critiquing swimsuit models and manga. Ryoff graduated from the Illustration Department of an art university. He views the bodies of swimsuit models as art. During university, he aspired to become a manga artist. He is skilled at drawing and creating manga, which is why he often works on manga critiques and promotions.
Ryoff does not have an official website and shares information on X (Twitter). His statements are often provocative. He often argues with ordinary people on social media.
In September 2024, Ryoff criticized the design of Koiyamagata-Station, a train station in Tottori Prefecture. Many Japanese criticized Ryoff's remarks. However, the governor of Tottori Prefecture welcomed Ryoff's remarks. Railroad companies also welcomed Ryoff's remarks. This is because "Koiyamagata-Station" attracted attention due to Ryoff's remarks. Tottori Prefecture and the railway company immediately launched a campaign. This event shows that Ryoff is influencing society through social media.
Evaluation
He is regarded as the "strongest" in rap battles. Many newspapers, TV programs, and magazines have evaluated him as the strongest. The table below summarizes his evaluations by various media outlets.
The "Nikkei MJ" series by Japan Economic Newspaper (Nihon Keizai Shimbun) featured the achievements of Japanese rappers. The feature stated: "Charismatic rappers like R-Shitei(ja:R-指定 (ラッパー)) and Ryoff Karma have started to appear frequently in the media.".
Rapper SKRYU has won multiple competitions, including ‘SENGOKU MC BATTLE’. In an interview with a women's weekly magazine, SKRYU said: "In the future, I want to become a TV star like R-Shitei and Ryoff Karma.".
Talent Activities
He broke through as a TV personality in 2023. That year, he appeared on television 156 times and ranked 8th in the "Breakout Talents of 2023" list.
Why is he popular as a TV personality? Here are the reasons.
Unique Appearance: He looks like an old-school Japanese Yakuza.
Sense of Humor : His way of speaking is like that of a comedian.
Even when he makes extreme statements, no one gets upset.: He is great for debate shows.
Politeness: He worked as an ordinary company employee until the age of 33. He also has two children.
He is a rapper:It is rare for rappers to appear on Japanese television programs.
Educated: He graduated from an art university.
Can Handle Difficult Topics: He hosts a weekly radio show that features scholars.
One of the most popular TV personalities in Japan is Matsuko Deluxe. Media have compared Ryoff to Matsuko Deluxe, saying, "Ryoff might become like Matsuko Deluxe."
Matsuko is a gay crossdresser who gained popularity from the underground world. Ryoff shares these two traits with Matsuko: a distinctive look and an underground background.
As Ryoff gained popularity, so did the number of people who disliked him. In the first half of 2023, he was ranked 3rd in the ranking of ``TV personalities whose popularity has increased but they are not accepted.
Rap Battle
He rarely rhymes in rap battles. Instead, he competes based on the content of his lyrics. His lyrics sharply satirize his opponents.
A clear example of this style was seen in the 2022 "BATTLE SUMMIT at Nippon Budokan," where he faced SON-GONG(孫-GONG).
At that event, Ryoff displayed advertisements on his body, receiving money from companies and placing their logos on his neck and arms.
SON-GONG criticized Ryoff, saying, "He's getting paid for these ads. I'm carrying the hip-hop world for free. I'm the real rapper." Ryoff countered, "He's narrowing the hip-hop world. I'm expanding it." Ryoff won the match.
In the 2020 "GAISEN MC BATTLE" finals, he faced MU-TON. Ryoff placed his jacket and wallet in two of the four corners of the stage. As the battle went into overtime, he switched places with MU-TON.
MU-TON saw Ryoff's jacket and wallet and rapped, "You're nervous, aren't you?" But Ryoff placed sunglasses and a wooden branch in the remaining two corners (at that time, he always carried a wooden branch as a talisman).
Then he rapped, "The magic circle is complete." It unfolded like an impromptu performance, and the audience was thrilled.
In the high-pressure situation of a finals overtime, Ryoff showcased innovative playfulness. His attitude serves as a hint for businesspeople, which is why the Japanese edition of Forbes featured this battle in detail.
Ryoff's most famous battle, however, is the one he lost. In the 2018 "Freestyle Dungeon 5th Season," Ryoff faced R-Shitei. Though R-Shitei retired from battles shortly after, like Ryoff, he has been regarded as one of the strongest rappers in the media.
Ryoff could no longer counter R-Shitei's rap. Ryoff eventually said, "I've got nothing more to say. He's strong." He stopped the match halfway through. "Freestyle Dungeon" is a famous battle tournament aired on TV. Such a development was unprecedented. Ryoff's words, "He's strong," became famous.
Live Performances
Ryoff Karma participated in Japan's first concert combining a symphony orchestra and a rapper. The concert was held at Suntory Hall, featuring the de:Tokyo New City Orchestra.
He also performed at Japan's first airport music festival, "MusicUnity2022." The event took place at Haneda Airport.
In 2024, Ryoff took part in "A-Nation" one of Japan's most prominent music festivals.
In June 2024, he performed at the "Tora-Fes" event for the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers.
In June 2021, Ryoff collaborated with popular rapper and singer Mitsuhiro Hidaka (SKY-HI), a member of the pop group AAA, in a two-man live tour.
In February 2024, he performed a live set in Australia at "Mediterranean." In August 2024, he performed in Taiwan at the "ATT 4 FUN" venue.
In addition to these, Ryoff has appeared at various outdoor festivals and rock festivals. Despite his mainstream success, he prefers performing at small clubs and live houses, maintaining his connection to the underground rap scene. He performs two to three times a week.
Recording
While Ryoff does not often use rhyme schemes in rap battles, he focuses more on rhyming in his recorded music. A prime example of this is his 2009 release, "Kakugen-ka-Kugen(格言か苦言)" (Proverbs or Complaints). This track is highly regarded by listeners who appreciate intricate rhyming.
Three prominent rappers—R-Shitei, Shinpeita(ja:晋平太), and ja:FORK—have praised Ryoff’s rhyming abilities. These three rappers are considered some of Japan's best rhymers.
Ryoff has created and performed many rap songs for commercials. On the serious side, he has composed raps for organizations like AC Japan (Public Relations Organization) and for local government agencies.
He has also created raps for major corporations such as Yanmar and Central Japan Railway Company.
Ryoff has also composed rap songs for adult products and for gambling-related promotions (boat racing and pachinko). He tailors his rap style to meet the client's needs.
Collaborations
Ryoff Karma has collaborated with many of Japan's leading rappers, such as DJ Krush, Hannya(般若), Shinpeita(晋平太), Gaki Ranger(餓鬼RANGER), Kan a.k.a GAMI(漢 a.k.a GAMI), and DOTAMA.
He has also collaborated with artists outside of hip-hop. In August 2024, he worked with TRF members DJ KOO and SAM, known for their pioneering role in Eurobeat dance music, as part of the unit "B.O.C.". The composition and arrangement of this work were done by renowned Japanese musician Tetsuya Komuro.
In January 2024, he released the track "On the Earth" with the idol group jp:LINKL PLANET. In March 2023, he also released "Gure" with the rock band ANABANTFULLS.
Appearance and Fashion
The media often describes Ryoff's appearance as reminiscent of the "old-school Japanese yakuza." His signature look includes sunglasses, flashy patterned shirts, and slicked-back hair. This style is often associated with the appearance of yakuza in old Japanese films.
This distinctive style is rare for both a rapper and a television personality, which has contributed to his popularity.
Rap Style
= Rhyming
=He does not often use rhymes in rap battles. This characteristic is explained in the "Battle Style" section.
When he started rapping, rhyming was important in Japanese rap, so he also placed great importance on rhymes. However, one day he heard an improvised rap by rapper FORK. FORK's rhyming was excellent. Ryohu gave up competing with rhymes in rap battles.
Rapping without rhymes was risky in Japan in the 2000s, but he continued with this style. Over time, his unique approach gained public support.
= Flow (Vocal Style)
=He performs in a calm, low tone. His rap style is unique and famous in Japan. He also appeared in a Snickers candy commercial. The ad states, "When this boy gets hungry, he turns into Ryoff Karma." A high school student raps like Ryoff Karma in the commercial. His style has become so well-known that it was featured in the advertisement.
When asked why he raps this way, he explained, "I can't rap with the free intonation like rapper Chinza-Dopeness(鎮座DOPENESS). I can't do passionate live performances like rapper Hannya(般若)." He realized he couldn't imitate these two rappers and decided to explore the opposite style of both.
= Lyrics
=His approach to songwriting is: "What I write in lyrics becomes reality." He has had many experiences where the things he wrote in his lyrics materialized. That's why he always writes lyrics with positive content. He does not lyrically talk about his upbringing. His current goal is to create a national hit song.
Media Appearances
= Variety Shows
== Regular and Ongoing Appearances
=One-Time Appearances
Limited to appearances where Ryoff's remarks within the program were picked up by the media and are of notable significance.
= FM Radio / Web Radio
=FLYING BED (April 7, 2019 - ZIP-FM) Main Personality
Scholar Meals (Web Radio)
Broadcast as a co-host with Mana Sakura.
= Internet and TV
=NEWS RAP JAPAN (AbemaTV) - Regular appearance since December 25, 2016 (as a "Rap-orter") [1]
"Yomoyama News Show" (March 30, 2023, ABEMA)
ABEMA Prime (April 18, 2022, May 16 - present, ABEMA) Monday MC → Commentator
= TV Dramas
=Red Eyes: Surveillance Investigation Team Episode 3 (February 6, 2021, Nippon TV) - Played the role of Shigeo Minatogawa
"MR. FLUSH" (May 26 - June 30, 2023, Tokyo Metropolitan Television|TOKYO MX) - Played the role of Go Numajiri
= Movies
="The Alien Painter" (released on July 2, 2022, Bright Horse Film)
"Seishun Hakaba" (released on July 8, 2023, IHA Films)
= Documentaries
="The Tree of Karma" (November 25, 2023, TV Tokyo)
= Books
="Burenjin" (June 12, 2023, Cosmic Publishing)
"Karma - Ryoff Karma Photo Collection" (December 25, 2023, One Publishing)
= Magazine Columns / Manga Series
=Weekly Playboy Column "Ryoff Karma's Freestyle Philosophy of Life"
"Me and the World" (June - November 2017, Portal site "googoo#goo ImaTupi|ImaTupi") - Total of 10 episodes
= Commercials
=AC Japan's 2022 national campaign ad "Tolerance Rap" (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
Mars Japan|Mars Japan Limited "Snickers|Snickers Mobile Bite" - Web CM
Karamucho 2024
Yanmar Construction Equipment Ultra Small Swing Radius Series "Delta (δ)" - Theme song & music video
JR Tokai - Radio CM "Meet in Real Life"
Myojo Foods - WEB MOVIE "Charumera Rap Battle"
Promise Music Video "Promise" (co-starring #KT-chan)
Boat Racing Gamagori - Theme song "GAMAGAMA GOGO!"
Bulk Homme Web CM "Karma vs. Ryoff Karma"
Graphite Design "G Series" and "RAUNE"
TENGA EGG Hard Gel Series - Collaboration Song
Maruhan North Japan Company - Web CM "Maruhan Freestyle"
= Voice Acting / Narration
=Movie "Korou no Chi 2" (Wolf of the Blood 2) - Provided voiceover for the Nagoya dialect in the trailer
Anime "Aim for the Top! Ito-chan’s Ambition" - Played the role of Babuyama
Documentary "Proof of Happiness - Cheers to the Disabled Baseball Team Captain" - Narration
Tie-ups
= Government and Local Authorities
=Aichi Prefectural Citizens' Safety Department "Driver Manners Improvement Campaign"
Nagoya City Public Relations Department "Nagoya Castle International Exchange Project" 4-panel comic (starring Ryoff as the main character)
Nagoya City Public Relations Department "STOP! The Dark Side of SNS Job Offers" 4-panel comic (same as above)
Nagoya City Public Relations Department "Kinshachi Water Campaign" 4-panel comic (same as above)
Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture "Come to Ogaki feat. Ryoff Karma"
Osaka Sports Groove "OSG Academy" Special Appearance (OSG = Osaka City, Cerezo Osaka, Orix Buffaloes, etc.) Participated as a rapper for an April Fool's Day event
= Corporate Campaigns
=Kirin Beer "Hyoketsu® Sugar-Free" Campaign "#It’s Not a Boom, It's an Era"
DUNLOP REFINED (Sumitomo Rubber Industries) collaboration project 3rd edition "#Ryoff Karma on a Journey" October 7–13, 2024.
= Anime Theme Songs
="Lucky Boy, Lucky Girl" (Anime "Nanaki ~Seven Lucky Gods~")
= Collaboration Raps
=Toei's "To Every You I've Loved / To The One Who Loved You"
Netflix's "PLUTO" Special Video
Kadokawa Comics Ace "Kenran Bankara" PV
Movie "SISU/Immortal Man" Explanation Video & Rap
Weekly Shonen Magazine's "Rent-A-Girlfriend" - TVCM & WebCM
Music project "Samurai Queen-dom" special theme song "The Survivor of the Turbulent Age" (co-starring with voice actor Ryo Horikawa)
Deadpool & Wolverine - Release Commemoration Festival (Rap for PR)
"Record of Ragnarok" Possession MC Battle: Played the role of Ryoff Housen
= Ambassador
=DUNLOP REFINED official ambassador (since 2023)
#Inapu Photo Fest 2024
= Other
=Fashion Show "Kobe Collection" Appeared as an official ambassador of DUNLOP REFINED
Judge for "Well-being AWARDS by PERSOL"
LINE Stickers "Ryoff Karma Animated Stickers" (Distributed by Izanagi Games / Artwork by Nyan Taniguchi (Takashi Taniguchi))
References
Further reading
Ryoff Karma『The Man who doesn't waver(ブレん人)』2023.Cosmic Publishing ISBN 978-4774792873
『Ryoff Karma 1st Photobook』2023.One Publishing. ISBN 978-4651204123.
External links
Ryoff Karma on Twitter
【Official】Ryoff Karma NUMA's channel on YouTube
Japanese Wikipedia "呂布カルマ"
