Awich, born Akiko Urasaki in Okinawa, has made a significant mark in the Japanese hip-hop scene with her unique blend of Okinawan heritage and Western influences. Her stage name, derived from “Asia Wish Child,” reflects her deep cultural roots and personal artistic journey.
Rise in the Hip-Hop Industry
Awich’s foray into music started in Japan before her move to the United States. In 2006, she independently released her debut album ‘Asian Wish Child’. After returning to Japan, she founded Cypher City, a branding company promoting Okinawan products overseas. Yet, her passion for music drew her back to the hip-hop industry.
In 2017, Awich joined the Japanese hip-hop collective YENTOWN as its only female member. With the crew, she released notable projects like the ‘8’ and ‘Peacock’ studio albums and EPs such as ‘Beat’ and ‘Heart’. Her distinctive sound and storytelling quickly set her apart in the industry.
By 2020, Awich had signed with Universal Music Japan’s sublabel, Universal J, marking her major-label debut with the EP ‘Partition’. She continued to gain traction with hit singles like “Shook Shook” and “Bad Bad.” In 2022, she released ‘Queendom’, an album that highlighted her artistic growth and personal reflections. Later that year, she dropped the single “Tsubasa”, which featured her daughter’s vocals, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s return to Japan
Cultural Influence & Performances
Awich’s music is deeply rooted in her heritage, often addressing themes of Okinawan beauty, identity, and socio-political issues. Her ability to blend Japanese, English, and the Okinawan language in her lyrics has set her apart as an artist with a truly global appeal.
Her impact on the music scene has led her to perform at prestigious events including Fuji Rock Festival 2022, ONE UNIVERSE FESTIVAL 2024 in Seoul, National Sawdust in Brooklyn, and POP YOURS 2023. These events showcase her unique blend of Okinawan and hip-hop influences. Often referred to as Japan’s hip-hop queen, Awich has also collaborated with artists like XG and performed at LuckyFes and RASEN in Okinawa, cementing her influence in the global music scene with powerful stage presence and storytelling.
Recent Collaborations & Upcoming Performances
In 2025, Awich continues to dominate hip-hop with major releases, events, and collaborations. Awich did her first anime song “Frontier”, which was the opening song for Shangri-La Frontier Season 2. Awich also released the “Asian State of Mind” track featuring prominent Asian rappers such as Jay Park (South Korea), KR$NA (India), Masiwei (China), and VannDa (Cambodia). On March 14, 2025, Awich was featured in YENTOWN Japanese hip-hop label’s “バグり (Baguri)” track alongside kZm, PETZ, MonyHorse and JNKMN.
Awich is scheduled to perform at MAIZURU P.B. Harbor Park on April 20 and at GREENROOM FESTIVAL on May 24, 2025. Awich remains a dominant force in the hip-hop world, both in Japan and internationally. Her ability to fuse personal experiences with larger societal themes has solidified her place in contemporary music, ensuring her influence will continue to grow in the years to come.
—-Karen Mwenda
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