Japanese rap creates its mecca in Pop Yours

The rapper Awich, dressed all in black, marches toward the center of Makuhari Messe arena before declaring to the 30,000 in attendance, “Be the witness of how I truly ... POP ... MY ... SHIII!” The crowd cheers and the opening bars of her hit, “Gila Gila,” start up. With that, her stage platform rises and she seemingly ascends to the heavens.