This is my Queendom. Sex talk ed empowerment nella rapper giapponese Awich

Awich, born Urasaki Akiko, is a Japanese rapper from Okinawa influenced by American culture and Tupac’s lyrics. Starting her music journey in her teens, she moved to Atlanta at nineteen. After returning to Japan, she joined the YENTOWN collective in 2017, becoming its only female member and building a significant career in the independent music scene. In 2020, she signed her first major label contract and released the album Queendom in 2022. Her music addresses various themes, from Okinawa’s historical events (TSUBASA) to autobiographical stories (Queendom) and sex talk in rap (Kuchi ni dashite), which has drawn millions of views on YouTube. Recognized by GQ as one of the “Men of the Year 2022,” and featured in major campaigns for Nike and Jordan, Awich’s face has become iconic in Japan. This paper focuses on the themes of sex talk and female empowerment in Awich’s work, particularly analyzing the lyrics of Kuchi ni dashite. In a genre dominated by male perspectives, Awich’s lyrics deconstruct and reverse traditional narratives, presenting sex talk from a female angle. This is significant in Japan’s still very sexist society. Kuchi ni dashite exemplifies how Awich reclaims sexual agency and challenges societal norms, empowering women through bold, unapologetic expression. By examining Awich’s approach, this analysis highlights her role in transforming rap into a platform for women, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and society.