Ryoff Karma

Ryoff Karma (呂布カルマ; born January 7, 1983) is a Japanese rapper, critic, actor, and voice actor.

Ryoff was born in Nishinomiya, Kobe in 1983, and spent the majority of his childhood in Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka. He developed early language skills but struggled academically, and was often reprimanded for drawing violent manga during class.^[1] In junior high, his family moved to Nagoya, where he noticed his classmates generally came from wealthier families.

After graduating, he worked various part-time and full-time jobs, including one at a karaoke chain, a pest control company, and later as a pharmaceutical delivery worker and cram school manager.^[2] During this period, he began performing at clubs, gradually shifting his focus from employment to live rap performance as his musical activities became more official.

Ryoff has composed and performed various rap songs for commercials, working with brands such as Yanmar and the Central Japan Railway Company.,^[3][4] as well as for organizations like the Ad Council Japan^[5] and for local government agencies.^[6][7] His commercial with AC Japan won awards for contributions towards the Sustainable Development Goals.^[8] He has also composed rap songs for adult products^[9] and for gambling-related promotions (boat racing and pachinko).^[10][11]

In September 2024, Ryoff criticized the design of Koi-Yamagata Station, a train station in Tottori Prefecture.^[12] Many social media users criticized Ryoff's remarks;^[13] however, the governor of Tottori Prefecture and railroad companies welcomed Ryoff's feedback,^[14][15] creating publicity for the station. In response, Tottori Prefecture and the station's operating company, Chizu Express, immediately launched a promotional campaign.^[16]

Ryoff Karma has collaborated with many of Japan's leading rappers, such as DJ Krush, Hannya (般若), Shinpeita, Gaki Ranger (餓鬼RANGER), Kan a.k.a. GAMI, and DOTAMA.^[17]

He has also collaborated with artists outside of hip-hop.

In March 2023, he also released "Gure" with the rock band "ANABANTFULLS".^[18] In January 2024, he released the track "On the Earth" with the idol group LINKL PLANET.^[19] In August 2024, he worked with TRF members DJ KOO and SAM, known for their Eurobeat dance music, as part of the unit "B.O.C."^[20] The composition and arrangement of this work were done by renowned Japanese musician Tetsuya Komuro.^[21]

Ryoff became a television personality in 2023. He appeared on television 156 times and was ranked 8th in the "Breakout Talents of 2023" list.^[22] Several reasons have contributed to his visibility on television.^[23] His manner of speaking has been likened to that of a comedian.^[24] He has appeared multiple times in televised debates, including instances in which he made contentious statements. ^[25] While he is a rapper, his education at Nagoya University of the Arts contributes to his work as a cultural critic.^[26] In addition, he hosts a weekly radio show that features academics and discussions on complicated topics.^[27]

Ryoff has been described by various publications as one of the best battle rappers in Japan.^[28][29] Prominent Japanese rappers like R-Shitei, Shinpeita, and FORK have also praised Ryoff's rhyming abilities.^[30][31][32]

In the first half of 2023, Ryoff ranked third place in a survey of television personalities who had gained popularity but were not widely accepted by the public.^[33]

Ryoff's appearance has been described as reminiscent of the "old-school Japanese Yakuza."^[34]

Ryoff's early work aligned with Japanese hip-hop conventions; however, his later style used less traditional rhyming. In his lyrics, Ryoff typically avoids referencing his personal background or upbringing, rather focusing on social commentary, satire and philosophical themes.^[35]

In 2005, Ryoff graduated from the department of design and illustration at Nagoya University of the Arts, located in Kitanagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.^[26] Prior to becoming a rapper, he was an office worker for about eight years before pursuing rapping at age 33. Ryoff also has a wife and two children.^[36]

• 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.

• Ryoff Karma on Twitter
• 【Official】Ryoff Karma NUMA's channel on YouTube
• Japanese Wikipedia "呂布カルマ"