Ryoff Karma

Ryoff Karma 呂布カルマ
Ryoff Karma during a live performance at Sasa Folk Jamboree 2021
Background information
Birth name	Yuya Mishima
Born	(1983-01-07) January 7, 1983
Origin	Japan
Genres	Hip hop J-pop
Occupation	Rapper
Labels	Jet City People

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

Ryoff Karma is known for his approach to rap battles.^[1] His performances often use satire to critique his opponents.^[2]

One such example was Freestyle Dungeon in 2018,^[3] where he faced R-Shitei of Creepy Nuts. Though he lost the match,^[4] Ryoff acknowledged his opponent's strength and ended the battle voluntarily.^[5] In the 2020 GAISEN MC BATTLE finals against MU-TON, his performance incorporated theatrical elements, earning positive reception and later recognition in the Japanese edition of Forbes for his creative approach.^[6] At the 2022 Battle Summit at Nippon Budokan, he competed against SON-GONG (孫-GONG), drawing attention for displaying sponsor logos on his body. Despite criticism from his opponent, Ryoff won the match.^[7]

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.^[8] In May 2022, Ryoff performed at MusicUnity2022 at Haneda Airport.^[9]

In 2024, Ryoff took part in A-Nation.^[10] In February 2024, he performed a live set in Australia at Mediterranean.^[11] In June 2024, he appeared at the Tora-Fes event for the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers.^[12] In July, he participated in Japan's first concert combining a symphony orchestra and a rapper. The concert was held at Suntory Hall, featuring the Tokyo New City Orchestra.^[13] In August, he performed in Taiwan at the ATT 4 FUN venue.^[14]

Ryoff has composed and performed various rap songs for commercials, working with brands such as Yanmar and Central Japan Railway Company.^[15][16], as well as for organizations like Ad Council Japan^[17] and for local government agencies.^[18][19] His commercial with AC Japan won awards for contributions towards Sustainable Development Goals.^[20] He has also composed rap songs for adult products^[21] and for gambling-related promotions (boat racing and pachinko).^[22][23]

In September 2024, Ryoff criticized the design of Koi-Yamagata Station, a train station in Tottori Prefecture.^[24] Many social media users criticized Ryoff's remarks;^[25] however, the governor of Tottori Prefecture and railroad companies welcomed Ryoff's feedback,^[26][27] which created publicity for the station. In response, Tottori Prefecture and the station's operating company, Chizu Express, immediately launched a promotional campaign.^[28]

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.^[29]

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 Eurobeat dance music, as part of the unit "B.O.C."^[30] The composition and arrangement of this work were done by renowned Japanese musician Tetsuya Komuro.^[31]

In January 2024, he released the track "On the Earth" with the idol group LINKL PLANET.^[32] In March 2023, he also released "Gure" with the rock band "ANABANTFULLS".^[33]

Ryoff became a television personality in 2023. He appeared on television 156 times and ranked 8th in the "Breakout Talents of 2023" list.^[34] His visibility on television can be contributed to several factors.^[35] His way of speaking, which has been compared to that of a comedian,^[36] and his ability to remain composed even when making provocative statements, have made him a frequent guest on debate programs.^[37] As a rapper, his education at an art university contributes to his work as a cultural critic.^[38] In addition, he hosts a weekly radio show that features academics and discussions of complex topics.^[39]

Ryoff has been described by many publications as one of the best battle-rappers in Japan.^[40][41] Prominent rappers like R-Shitei, Shinpeita, and FORK have praised Ryoff's rhyming abilities.^[1][42][43]

In the first half of 2023, Ryoff ranked third in a survey of television personalities who had gained popularity but were not widely accepted by the public.^[44]

Ryoff's appearance has been described as reminiscent of the "old-school Japanese yakuza."^[45]

Ryoff initially followed Japanese hip-hop conventions. However, in time he began to develop his own style that was less reliant on rhyming. In his lyrics, Ryoff typically avoids referencing his personal background or upbringing.^[46]

In 2005, Ryoff graduated from the department of design and illustration at Nagoya University of the Arts, located in Kitanagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.^[38] Prior to becoming a rapper, he was an office worker. At age 33, he quit his job to become pursue rapping. He is a father of two.^[47]

• 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"