In this paper, we analyze the lyrics of rap music expressing the theme of war as data to examine the evolution of war-related expressions in Japanese rap music and the unique style of approach to this theme. From 2000 to 2006, many songs were made based on themes such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the War on Terror; they depicted a clear contrast between the battlefield and the safety of Japan, where the rappers were watching. The reality of war felt distant, which was reflected in rappers’ everyday observations. From 2007 to 2016, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, concerns about future wars became more common in rap music, and World War II was recalled as a memory of a controlled social situation. From 2017 onwards, war was no longer seen as a distant event but as something that is interconnected with everyday life.

    A key stylistic feature of these expressions is the technique of “Representing,” in which rappers express their localities and link their everyday lives to war, bringing the two closer together. “Sampling” is also an important technique in which songs about past wars are reinterpreted from a contemporary perspective, providing deeper insight into current events and a new perspective on the future. Internet platforms allow for real-time expression, and artists can avoid traditional content restrictions by corporations, creating a broader perspective on war. Future research will involve investigating other aspects of rap music, such as rhyme, flow, and beat, and conducting interviews to understand artists’ creative processes.