The Rise of Ezaki Hikaru: Kep1er's Main Rapper Making Waves in K-Pop

Ezaki Hikaru stands out as one of the most remarkable success stories in recent K-pop history. At just 19 years old, this Japanese artist has transformed from a trainee to becoming one of the most distinctive rappers in the industry.

As the main rapper of Kep1er, Hikaru has carved a unique niche by seamlessly blending Japanese and Korean rap styles. Her journey from Girls Planet 999 contestant to K-pop sensation showcases her exceptional talent and determination to break cultural barriers in the industry.

From Japanese Trainee to K-pop Star

Hailing from Fukuoka, Japan, Ezaki Hikaru's journey in the entertainment industry began at the prestigious Avex Artists Academy, where she honed her performance skills from an early age.

Early training years in Japan

Her initial steps into the spotlight came through Japan's rigorous idol training system, which differs significantly from the Korean approach. While Japanese idol culture traditionally focuses on fan interaction and personality development, Hikaru pursued a path that would eventually bridge both Japanese and Korean entertainment styles.

Experience with +GANG and XG

In 2016, Hikaru debuted as "Hikarun" in the trainee duo +GANG under Avex Artist Academy, marking her first professional venture. The group remained active until early 2018, providing her with valuable performance experience. Following +GANG, she trained alongside the members who would later form XG, spending several years developing her skills.

Life-changing Girls Planet 999 journey

The turning point in Hikaru's career came with her participation in Mnet's survival show "Girls Planet 999" in 2021. Throughout the competition, she demonstrated remarkable consistency, maintaining high rankings:

Her memorable performances, including covers of BLACKPINK's "Boombayah" and EXO's "The Eve," showcased her versatility and earned praise from the judges. This journey culminated in her successful debut as a member of Kep1er, where she would establish herself as the group's main rapper and dancer.

Breaking Language Barriers Through Rap

Despite initial language barriers, Hikaru's determination to master Korean rap has become one of her most defining characteristics. Her journey in breaking these linguistic challenges showcases her dedication to artistic growth.

Developing Korean rap skills

What sets Hikaru apart is her methodical approach to mastering Korean rap. According to her fellow member Kim Da-yeon, she practices specific song parts repeatedly in their dorm, demonstrating her commitment to perfection. Her Korean language skills have shown remarkable improvement since debut, evolving from initial hesitation to confidently leading conversations.

Unique bilingual rap style

Hikaru's rap style stands out for several distinctive features:

Influence of CL and Korean hip-hop

CL's influence on Hikaru's artistic development is significant, with "Hello Bitches" being her favorite track from the K-pop icon. Her admiration for CL extends beyond mere fandom – she has covered numerous 2NE1 songs and consistently mentions CL as an artist she aspires to work with. This influence is evident in her hip-hop-inspired style, often complemented by her signature beanie looks.

Her unique approach to rap, combining technical precision with authentic delivery, has helped establish her as a distinctive voice in the current K-pop landscape. Through dedicated practice and genuine passion for hip-hop, Hikaru continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a multilingual rapper in K-pop.

Evolution as Kep1er's Main Rapper

Since joining Kep1er, Hikaru has established herself as one of the group's most distinctive voices, earning recognition as their main rapper through her unique performance style and dedication.

Signature rap techniques

Her rap style is characterized by a striking contrast between her speaking and performing voices. While her normal tone is higher, she delivers raps with a notably lower pitch and husky timbre that adds depth to her performances. What makes her stand out is her precise Korean diction, achieved through dedicated practice and memorization.

Notable rap performances

Throughout her journey, Hikaru has delivered several standout performances that showcase her versatility:

Planet Demo Stage: Her interpretation of BLACKPINK's "Boombayah"

Creation Mission: A powerful delivery in "Medusa - Snake"

Growth in live stages

Her evolution as a performer is evident in her consistent live stage presence. Members acknowledge her as one of the most stable performers in the low to mid-bass range. Her dedication to improvement is reflected in her practice routine, with fellow member Kim Da-yeon noting how she repeatedly practices specific parts until perfection.

What truly sets Hikaru apart is her ability to maintain stability while delivering complex choreography. The group's main strength lies in their excellent live skills, with Hikaru contributing significantly to their sharp group dance performances without any members lagging behind.

Creating a New Wave in K-pop

The surge of K-pop in Japan has created unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, with artists like Ezaki Hikaru leading this transformative wave. K-pop album sales in Japan witnessed a remarkable 37% increase from the previous year, while Japanese concert attendance reached 2.75 million in just the first half of 2023.

Cross-cultural impact

The Korean music industry's strategic approach to the Japanese market has evolved significantly, with companies now actively incorporating Japanese members into their groups. This cultural fusion has led to deeper market penetration, with Japan representing 31% of major entertainment companies' sales.

Recognition in the industry

The impact of this cross-cultural exchange is evident in several key metrics:

Influence on future Japanese idols

Hikaru's success has helped pave the way for aspiring Japanese artists in K-pop. The Korean media has highlighted how her journey has inspired other Japanese trainees to pursue similar paths. This influence extends beyond individual success stories, contributing to a broader transformation in how Japanese talents are perceived and valued in the K-pop industry.

The phenomenon represents more than just musical exchange; it's a sophisticated network of global talent pools and social capital. This new paradigm has created a unique position for Korea in the global music industry, establishing it as a crucial bridge between Western and East Asian music markets.

FAQS

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Ezaki Hikaru, addressing curious fans' inquiries about Kep1er's main rapper.

What was Hikaru's training background before K-pop? She studied ballet for three years during her school days, and was previously a trainee candidate for XG, showing her diverse performance background.

How has her Korean language ability evolved? Since her debut, her Korean skills have improved dramatically. While she initially struggled during Kep1er's first V LIVE, she now communicates fluently and can lead conversations with natural pronunciation.

What makes Hikaru's personality unique? Her distinctive traits include:

How different is Hikaru on and off stage? Members note a striking contrast between her personas. While she's known for powerful performances on stage, off stage she displays an innocent, child-like personality. The members' first impression of her was "a person who dances really well".

What are the possibilities of Hikaru joining XG in the future? According to XG member Jurin, "Hikaru will always be part of the XGALX family," and there's potential for collaboration after her time with Kep1er. The group has expressed interest in working together, stating "maybe we can work together, maybe someday".