STARZ 2026 hip hop event to be held at Ariake Arena

The hip hop event ‘STARZ 2026’ is scheduled to take place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on December 29, 2026. The event is organized by AbemaTV as part of the ‘RAPSTAR 2026’ audition project, which aims to discover next-generation rappers.

The program has seen a record-breaking 12,953 applicants. Participants compete using original beats to advance through stages judged by a panel including SEEDA, R-指定, Benjazzy, KM, C. O. S. A., LEX, and ¥ellow Bucks. The finalists will compete in the ‘RAPSTAR 2026 FINALS’ for a prize of 10 million yen in activity funds.

Ticket pre-sales are available through Lawson Ticket until October 19, 2026, with various tiers including platinum, gold, and standard seating. Music from the program is also expected to be released on streaming services.