Japanese street culture can largely be explained from the eyes of vibrant Japanese youngsters, engaged in urban colors of Hip-Hop. Influenced by the African-American culture from the west, many kids in Japan have embraced its culture in the form of dance, apparel, music, graffiti and simply…through life. Even at this moment, one could catch the sight of teenagers practicing their moves inside the train station trying to master their moves and trying to find ways to express themselves.
 

One of the most inspiring messages which Hip-Hop has transcended internationally was the idea of ‘Expressing Oneself’. Whether you are old or young, rich or poor, no matter what color and roots you hold, Hip-Hop has reminded us to express ourselves through our thoughts and action. Although it is doubtful if all the Hip-Hop fans in Japan are conscious of its deep origin, they certainly love it and they admire it in their own style.
 

It is often said that Japanese are capable of absorbing one culture and recreating a new one by adding value to them. This goes the same with the Hip-Hop culture in Japan. Here is the perfect example. The Japanese Street Brand, ‘Bathing Ape’ or simply ‘Ape’ has now gained recognition in the world, as huge number of kids and celebrities are rocking the cute monkey logo. The founder of Ape Clothing is called NIGO. This talented billionaire had been a huge fan of Hip-Hop, the output for his expression was achieved through making cloth ware. Its ‘Cute Monkey’ logo is recognized by many youngsters as the symbol of ‘Cool and lavish urban life’. Some criticize Ape, because it goes against the origin of Hip-Hop, but considering its essence, it definitely sends out messages to street conscious youngsters in Japan to express their style through wearing what they think is unique.
 

Another example of street culture associated with Hip-Hop in Japan, is the presence of the legal wall, which has created sanctuary for artists to express their style without restrictions. The movement started in Shibuya lead by the NPO KOMPOSTION, which always had been craving to create a space where street art can be displayed without concerning about complicating legal issues. Certainly, it gave voice or civil rights to all the graffiti artists in Japan, the movement now spreading out of Shibuya to Yokohama. Especially in Japan, people tended to consider graffiti as mere scribbles on the wall rather than a professional art form. Yet, by providing a whole wall of a building for the graffiti artists, they could use it as a canvas to depict their style, thoughts or life to a large mass to observe.
 

 From the eyes of the author, Japanese street culture is tightly linked with the essence of Hip-Hop which has initially started on the streets of Bronx, New York. However, its style or output has been adding more edge by Japanese youngsters on the street with their own perspectives on the world. They are expressing their life, whether in the form of clothing, drawing, singing or dancing having in mind one similar goal: to express their identity out to the world.