Born and raised in Tokyo with Korean heritage, Mami Shirakawa grew up navigating an environment that often saw her as an outsider. But it wasn’t until her move to Los Angeles in the 1990s—particularly during her time in Downey’s vibrant Chicano and Chilo communities—that she first felt truly seen and accepted. Immersed in American hip-hop and street culture, Shirakawa quickly became a trailblazer, shaping the cultural landscape as one of the earliest figures to introduce this culture to the East.
As the first Asian and woman host of BET’s Rap City Nihon, she introduced Japanese audiences to the pulse of American hip-hop while amplifying Japanese artistry abroad. Through initiatives like M by Megu, Shirakawa has dedicated her career to creating spaces for cultural exchange, and now, back in Japan, she continues to bridge the East and West worlds together.
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Catherine T. Nguyen
Were there unique experiences you had as a woman in the US/Asian hip-hop industry of the 90s?
Mami Shirakawa:
Living in Los Angeles in the 90s, where street culture was taking off, was thrilling. It was a time of creativity, with people expressing themselves freely through music, art, and fashion. I loved that energy of freedom—it felt like it was in my DNA.
However, Asian women were still often stereotyped as quiet and submissive, so my presence in the hip-hop scene surprised many. Artists would be shocked to see an Asian woman interviewing them, often asking if I spoke English or understood hip-hop. They would test my knowledge and intentions, wanting to ensure I was truly part of the culture.
Catherine T. Nguyen
Was there a specific moment that inspired you to pursue this career path? Can you speak to any of the roadblocks or hardships you encountered being one of the first to bring this type of entertainment and culture to the East?
Mami Shirakawa:
Receiving letters from people in Japan saying that my interviews had moved them was incredibly inspiring—it motivated me to continue my path as a journalist. Street culture was still new to the East back then, and I felt a responsibility to convey its message accurately, especially since the public often misunderstood it.
Catherine T. Nguyen:
What was your approach to translating such a localized culture to a more traditional Japanese audience? What was the reaction like?
Mami Shirakawa:
Japan is a traditional country, but it has always been open-minded to new cultures, especially when it comes to music. I collaborated with both Japanese and American artists, providing a rich cultural and creative exchange. These music and fashion collaborations were well-received by Japanese audiences and played a major role in shaping Japan's street culture scene, helping to build industries like TV and radio shows, music labels, events, concert venues, record shops, and stores.
Catherine T. Nguyen:
I want to touch upon your Korean heritage which many might not know about. As a Korean living in Japan during the 1970s and 1980s, you mentioned experiencing significant racism to the point of having to change your last name to become accepted in Japanese society. How did this experience influence your identity? Can you talk about your relationship with your Korean heritage and how that has changed throughout the years?
Mami Shirakawa:
Experiencing racism firsthand had an impact on my life and sense of identity. Growing up in Japan, I struggled with an identity crisis, not fully knowing who I was until I came to America. America’s diverse culture helped me feel a new sense of belonging. My connection to my Korean heritage deepened after I met Korean friends in the U.S., who became like family to me. For the first time, I felt proud of who I was and no longer feared being judged by my last name.
Catherine T. Nguyen
Your time in New York marked a pivotal moment in your career. From being the U.S. editor for WARP Japan magazine to hosting BET’s Rap City Nihon, what were some of the most defining moments during this period that shaped your global perspective?
Mami Shirakawa
When BET’s Rap City Nihon aired, it was the first time American audiences saw me on TV. I was thrilled to be the first Asian and first woman to host on the network. This milestone caught the attention of U.S. media, and I was interviewed by NY Times Magazine and The Source. I was honored and I felt like my hard work had finally paid off.
Catherine T. Nguyen:
With M by Megu in New York, you created a unique space for artists to connect while showcasing up-and-coming Japanese artists and Asian culture. Big names from Pharrell Williams, to Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), and John Legend frequented the venue. What was the inspiration behind this project, and how did it reflect your ongoing mission to bridge East-West culture?
Mami Shirakawa:
Inspired by my 90’s street culture background and my love for the arts, I opened M by Megu in New York. It attracted creatives from all around the world, especially Asia, who were eager to be a part of this lifestyle and cultural wave.
Japanese DJs played for an international crowd, bringing a Tokyo nightlife vibe to New York. I wanted M by Megu to be a meeting space for different kinds of people. I treated it like it was like my living room. I would connect people and made sure that everyone knew each other by the end of the night.
Connecting people has always been my mission because I believe creativity starts when you step out of your comfort zone.
One night, a Japanese artist could meet a New York producer at M Lounge and collaborate on an album. Then, the next thing you know, they would tour Japan together.
Catherine T. Nguyen:
Having lived and worked in some of the world’s biggest cities, you’ve witnessed the cultural shift toward the East. What do you make of this shift, and what excites you most about Asia’s, and especially Japan’s, growing influence in global culture?
Mami Shirakawa:
It’s an incredibly exciting time for Asia, with so much innovation emerging from the region. Street culture, in particular, has evolved globally, and I’m especially proud of Japan’s ongoing influence, as its street culture continues to shape youth culture today.
I’ve always dreamed of seeing Asian artists working in the West, and now that’s happening regularly. What’s even more exciting is that the West is coming to the East for collaboration and inspiration. Many foreigners even speak Japanese now, which is a stark contrast to my time. It’s truly a new and thrilling era for the East.
Image Credits
ODDA Magazine @oddamagazine
Photographer @yotahoshi / Yota Hoshi
Connect with Mami
mami@mamishira.com (E-mail)