Record-Breaking 10 Million Yen Prize! ABEMA Announces 'RAPSTAR 2026' Audition Project, Entries Open June 1, 2026

The 'new future TV' ABEMA has decided to broadcast the audition project 'RAPSTAR 2026' to discover the next generation of rappers, with applications opening on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM. This program is an original ABEMA audition show where aspiring rappers aim for the top with their own lyrics and performances. Participants will use original beats provided by the program to submit videos featuring their own lyrics and performances. After being judged by active rappers in the scene, only those who win through multiple stages will advance to the final stage to compete for the title of 'RAPSTAR'. This season, the prize money for the winner has been set at 10 million yen, the highest in the series' history. Attention is focused on the birth of a 'new RAPSTAR' who will carry the future of the Japanese hip-hop scene. Since the start of Season 1 in 2017, the program has produced rappers who lead the modern hip-hop scene, such as ¥ellow Bucks and Kohjiya. Furthermore, in 'RAPSTAR 2025' broadcast last year, Pxrge Trxxxper won the title of 'RAPSTAR' after intense battles. 'RAPSTAR' has gone beyond a mere audition to send 'talents who create the next era' into the world. In the new season, 'RAPSTAR 2026', the largest battle in history will begin. This time, the original beats used by participants in their application videos are created by seven top-tier beatmakers: Chaki Zulu, D3adStock, GRADIS NICE, krynX, Lion Melo, Neetz, and rxl. On beats with different personalities, participants will pour their lives and values into lyrics and challenge for the seat of the 'next RAPSTAR'. Furthermore, 'STARZ 2026', a hip-hop event hosted by 'RAPSTAR 2026' where the final 'RAPSTAR 2026 FINALS' will be held, is scheduled for Tuesday, December 29, 2026. It will be a moment when a new history of the domestic hip-hop scene is born. Applications for 'RAPSTAR 2026' start on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM, and the deadline is Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM. For details on how to apply, please check the official 'RAPSTAR 2026' website.