A new music event is coming to WHATAWON, the stay-and-play entertainment mall in Kishiwada, Osaka. On September 21, 2026 (Monday, a national holiday), WHATAWON hosts WONDER GROOVE vol.1, bringing together rapper Rude-α and RHYMESTER's DJ/producer DJ JIN.
Rude-α has built a following far beyond his native Okinawa with tracks like "It's only love," while DJ JIN has spent years driving the sound of RHYMESTER, one of Japan's leading hip-hop groups. The event offers a chance to experience two artists with very different backgrounds and musical styles sharing the same stage at WHATAWON.
Where Music and Culture Meet
Music brings more than just songs — it carries fashion, dance, language, and community along with it. When performers with different backgrounds and styles of expression share the same space, their individual sounds and energy mix together, sparking new excitement and new connections.
The name "WONDER GROOVE" reflects that idea: an invitation to enjoy the surge and rush of music, and the moments where people, music, and culture cross paths.
WONDER GROOVE vol.1 — Event Overview
- Event: WONDER GROOVE vol.1
- Date: Monday, September 21, 2026 (national holiday)
- Time: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (planned)
- Venue: WHATAWON
- Lineup:
- SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST: Rude-α
- SPECIAL GUEST DJ: DJ JIN (RHYMESTER)
- GUEST ARTIST: Jr.SANTA / HEAD BAD
- DJ: DJ SOU (fr.Def Nuts.p) / DJ KIBI
- SOUND: GHETTO GROW / RUDE GYAL NENE
- Ticket price: Advance tickets ¥3,500 (includes one drink); free for preschool-age children
Updates on the event will be shared through WHATAWON's official website and social media accounts.
Full Lineup
The SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST for this first "vol.1" edition is Rude-α, who broadcasts his own words and sound from a base in Okinawa. The SPECIAL GUEST DJ is DJ JIN (RHYMESTER), DJ and producer for the group RHYMESTER, one of Japan's leading names in hip-hop.
Rounding out the bill, Jr.SANTA and HEAD BAD join as GUEST ARTISTs, DJ SOU (fr.Def Nuts.p) and DJ KIBI take the decks, and GHETTO GROW and RUDE GYAL NENE round out the SOUND lineup.
Rude-α — "It's only love" Streamed 23 Million Times, Broadcasting from Okinawa
Born in 1997 in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, Rude-α drew attention as runner-up at the 6th National High School Rap Championship in 2014 and made his debut the following year. His track "It's only love" has surpassed 14 million views for its music video and 23 million streams, and he became the first male rapper to appear on "THE FIRST TAKE." He continues to be based in Okinawa, and in July 2026 released his new single "Gate Street," themed around the "Gate Street" area of his hometown, Koza.
DJ JIN (RHYMESTER) — Vinyl-Only DJ Sets
DJ and producer for RHYMESTER, one of Japan's leading hip-hop groups. Drawing on a deep knowledge of funk, soul, jazz, and more, DJ JIN has earned a following for DJ sets played entirely on analog vinyl, spanning eras and genres. He also leads the DJ/producer collective breakthrough, earning high regard from music lovers in Japan and abroad, and serves as a regular navigator on J-WAVE's "TOKYO M.A.A.D SPIN" every third Friday of the month — activities that extend well beyond DJing and production.
Jr.SANTA — GUEST ARTIST
HEAD BAD — GUEST ARTIST
DJ SOU (fr.Def Nuts.p) — DJ
DJ KIBI — DJ
SOUND: GHETTO GROW / RUDE GYAL NENE
About WHATAWON
WHATAWON is a stay-and-play entertainment mall in Kishiwada, Osaka, bringing together shopping, dining, music, and events under one roof. Beyond fashion and food, the mall hosts live performances, DJ events, and other experiences designed as places where people connect with each other and with culture.
Facility name: WHATAWON
Address: 1-32-1 Kishino-oka-cho, Kishiwada City, Osaka
Official website: https://whatawon.co.jp/
The latest event updates will be shared on WHATAWON's official website and social media accounts.
