HIRAI

Rapper and practicing physician MASATAKA joins forces with Daddy K of legendary Kumamoto Hip Hop crew MAMUSHI MC's for a unique tribute to "Obento no Hirai," a beloved local food chain deeply woven into everyday life in Kumamoto, Japan.

At a time when roadside landscapes across the country are becoming increasingly uniform, the song celebrates a business that has maintained its distinct local identity while continuing to serve generations of workers, families, and travelers. More than a tribute to a restaurant chain, the track stands as a celebration of regional culture and community pride.

"This project came from a place of genuine appreciation," says MASATAKA. "As roads across Japan start to look the same, Hirai remains something uniquely Kumamoto. It supports working people every day and stays true to its own style without chasing trends or influencer-driven marketing. To me, that's incredibly Hip Hop."

The production is handled by Kumamoto-based singer-songwriter Tomohiro Higashida, while the music video is directed by renowned Kyushu Hip Hop filmmaker Cota Ono.

Blending local pride with authentic Hip Hop expression, the song captures a piece of Kumamoto's cultural landscape and transforms it into music. It serves as both a tribute and an archive of a community institution that continues to shape everyday life in the region.

*Obento no Hirai is a Kumamoto-based deli and restaurant chain with approximately 150 locations across Kyushu. Its signature menu item, "Chikuwa Salad," has been loved by local residents for more than 40 years and is widely regarded as one of Kumamoto's iconic comfort foods.*