The name 5Leaf now stands out in the Japanese hip-hop landscape. This Hiroshima-based rapper, endowed with raw talent, has made a remarkable impact on the scene. In just a few weeks, she captivated public attention, establishing her singular rap style. Her trajectory began in September 2023 with the release of her first single, “Way of Life“, which immediately sent shockwaves. The track went viral across social platforms, quickly climbing to the top of iTunes charts (Hip-Hop/Rap category).
However, it was in February 2024 that 5Leaf crossed a decisive threshold with “Bittersweet“, a track produced by ZERO (YVES & ADAMS). The track experienced a phenomenal explosion, crossing the one million views mark on YouTube and confirming her position as a rising star in the hip-hop scene. On February 11, 2025, she unveiled her debut album, “bud,” a project that marks a fundamental milestone in her artistic trajectory. In this exclusive interview, 5Leaf discusses her meteoric rise, the creative process behind “bud,” and her ambition to reinvent the paradigms of Japanese rap.
Hello, 5Leaf, thank you for accepting this interview. Let’s start with your background. Did growing up in Hiroshima influence your music in a particular way?
5Leaf: I grew up in Kure, a rural town in Hiroshima, where many families had difficult living conditions. It was a place where, if you didn’t do anything by yourself, nothing happened. So I always tried to think and act for myself. This mentality shaped me, and today, I believe this hunger to succeed is reflected in my music.
Your first single, “Way of Life,” achieved remarkable success. In your opinion, why does the public appreciate this track so much?
5Leaf: Since it was my very first official release, I put my personal story and past experiences into the lyrics of “Way of Life“. This allowed many listeners to identify with it. However, I don’t just discuss the problems or challenges I encountered; I also try to convey how I faced them, which resonated with the audience.
You collaborated with producer ZERO for “Bittersweet”. The music video even surpassed one million views on YouTube. How did this collaboration come about?
5Leaf: After several discussions within my team, we decided to bring in ZERO (YVES & ADAMS), the older brother of our main producer, as the project’s producer.
“There was a stretch where I wanted to die, and just living was hard. I couldn’t listen to music. Children’s shows were the only thing I could put on. Watching my son grow, day after day, the desire to die faded.”
In “Bittersweet”, you talk about an adolescence marked by difficulties and rebellion. What was the key moment that made you realize music could be an outlet for you?
5Leaf: When I was a child, I discovered the joy of expressing myself on stage through performances at my dance school. That experience shaped my relationship with the stage and with performance.
I also noticed these lines in “Bittersweet”: “Those days, my house was in disorder. I heard laughter coming from the neighboring house, and I rushed to the usual park.” Hearing your neighbors’ laughter while your own home was a difficult place, and the importance of your friends.
5Leaf: Of course, my past experiences are always present in my memory, but they’re not the reason I seek comfort in music. That said, when I wanted to escape the tensions of my family environment, I often met my friends at the park, and it was a way for me to escape anxiety.
You mention 2Pac in “Way of Life” as an influence during your school commutes. What impact did his music have on you at that time?
5Leaf: 2Pac is often associated with a gangster image, but in his lyrics and his style of expression, he carries a form of gentleness. More than his experience, it’s this side of him that I admire. I’d like to become as benevolent a person as he is.
Your fifth single, “NO RULES,” showcases your dancing talents. What role does dance play in your artistic expression?
5Leaf: Since the roots of my music career started with the dance I’d been learning since childhood, and since the concept of “NO RULES” itself is that there are no rules in music and that music should be expressed freely, dance serves as one of 5Leaf’s roots and remains one of my most important forms of self-expression.
Let’s talk about your first album, “bud”, released on February 11. Why did you choose this title, and what does it symbolize for you?
5Leaf: “bud” brings together all my tracks since my debut. At this stage, I’m still nobody in the world’s eyes, like a bud that hasn’t fully blossomed yet. This project is an invitation to explore who I am and to track my personal growth.
Japanese female rap has gained considerable visibility in recent years. How do you position yourself in this constantly evolving landscape?
5Leaf: I want to be an artist who touches people, speaking to them directly through my own experiences. My goal is to transform daily doubts and suffering into something positive.
What are your plans following the release of “bud”? Do you have a final word for the fans who’ve followed you since the beginning, and for those who are about to discover you?
5Leaf: Currently, I’m on a “bud” album release tour throughout Japan. In 2025, I plan to focus on production so I can release more songs than I did last year, and to prepare to perform on even bigger stages.
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This interview originally appeared in RJHH MAGAZINE Vol.2. Read the full issue →
