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Billboard Japan recently sat down with Awich as part of its ongoing “Women in Music” series. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has aimed to spotlight the female artists, visionaries, and executives shaping the global entertainment landscape, drawing inspiration from Billboard’s signature Women in Music honors.
This conversation with Japan’s rap icon coincides with the exclusive “Women in Music – EQUAL STAGE” event, co-presented by Billboard Japan and Spotify. From her Okinawan roots to her transformative years in the United States and her subsequent rise to the pinnacle of Japan’s hip-hop scene, Awich opens up about the intersection of motherhood, artistic identity, and the evolving landscape for women in the music business.
Reflecting on Okinawan Wuman
It has been six months since your album Okinawan Wuman dropped. How has your perspective shifted?
I feel like I’ve finally crafted a body of work that serves as a bold introduction to the world. Working with RZA—someone I once viewed as a near-mythical figure—was a career-defining experience. Our connection now transcends music to encompass our families, and I hold him in the highest regard as both an artist and a person. Creating an album that authentically honors Okinawa and the roots of hip-hop has grounded me; I now have a creative foundation that feels unshakable.
What led to the creative partnership with RZA?
We had discussed the possibility for years, but I spent a long time questioning if the timing was right. Eventually, I realized he was the only one who could truly bring this vision to life. The parallels are striking: Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, a land with a complex, deep history with the U.S. RZA has long drawn from martial arts and Eastern philosophy. It felt like a profound, full-circle narrative that was simply meant to be.
Defining Strength and Womanhood
The title Okinawan Wuman carries a lot of weight. What did you want to convey?
Okinawa is a crossroads—shaped by conflict, occupation, and a beautiful synthesis of cultures. I see it as a microcosm of our world. “Wuman” is a dual homage: to the strength of Okinawan women and to the legacy of the Wu. RZA’s message to me was, “You are a mother, an artist, an activist, an Okinawan WUman.” In my culture, women have always been the bedrock of resilience. I wanted to move beyond the shallow portrayal of that strength to show that it is deeply rooted in love and the overcoming of pain.
How has the environment for women in the Japanese industry evolved?
There is certainly more awareness today. The idea that child-rearing is a shared burden rather than solely a mother’s duty is gaining traction. However, systemic hurdles remain. The higher you climb, the fewer women you see. When an influential figure is announced, people still reflexively imagine a man. Furthermore, if a man is assertive, he’s a leader; if a woman acts with that same conviction, she’s often labeled as “difficult” or “emotional.” In hip-hop, this is even more pronounced—there are fewer seats at the table for women, and the industry often struggles to accept that we aren’t a monolith.
Navigating the Future
What is the key to meaningful change?
Persistence. We have to keep showing up. As more artists like LANA and myself break through, we pave paths for the next generation. We must also reject the narrative that forces women to compete; sisterhood is our greatest tool right now. We are currently at a stage where we must work in tandem to shift the culture from a place of negativity to one of genuine support.
What advice would you offer to someone struggling to find their path?
The most crucial work you can do is internal. You must engage in a dialogue with yourself. Society often dictates what we should want, but if you don’t understand your own desires, passions, and grief, you’ll never find true fulfillment. Whether through journaling, meditation, or quiet reflection, you have to talk to yourself. When you understand who you are, you stop chasing others’ expectations and start building a life that is authentically yours.
