Shopping Guide
Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- is a rap/song project launched by EVIL LINE RECORDS, a sub-label of King Records. In addition to its main cast of 18 voice actors, it features character design by Idea Factory and Otomate with scripts by Yuichiro Momose.
While idols both 3D and 2D are a familiar presence in the world of otaku, Hypnosis Mic brought fans down a different path with its unusual combination of rap and popular voice acting talents. The project officially began on Sept. 9, 2017 with a teaser on its YouTube channel that introduced the story’s premise and its first 12 characters to the world. Fans were drawn even deeper into Hypnosis Mic's visuals and vocals with videos, CD releases, and live performances.
In addition, 2019 saw not only the beginning of manga series and stage adaptations, but also two brand new units, bringing the project to a total of 18 members. And if that wasn't enough, it was also adapted into a smartphone game and TV anime series in 2020. Get a taste with Hypnosis Mic's iconic "Division Battle Anthem!"
Contents
1. Premise
2. Characters
- 2.1 Buster Bros!!!
- 2.2 Mad Trigger Crew
- 2.3 Fling Posse
- 2.4 Matenro
- 2.5 Dotsuitare Honpo
- 2.6 Bad Ass Temple
3. Main media
- 3.1 Music
- 3.2 Game
- 3.3 Anime
- 3.4 Manga
- 3.5 Stage play
Premise
In a world where women now dominate the government, weapons production and use is strictly forbidden. However, by no means has conflict been brought to an end; instead of weapons, war is waged through words. With the power of the “Hypnosis Mic," lyrics can affect one’s opponent in various ways and cause real damage. Those in the divisions outside the women-only Chuo Ward use it for fierce rap battles as their weapon in the constant clash for territory.
Characters
Hypnosis Mic features six main three-man groups, each representing a different division: Buster Bros!!! (Ikebukuro), Mad Trigger Crew (Yokohama), Fling Posse (Shibuya), Matenro (Shinjuku), Dotsuitare Honpo (Osaka), and Bad Ass Temple (Nagoya). The 18 characters vary widely in age, occupation and personality, meaning that there’s bound to be someone for every fan.
– Buster Bros!!!
Ichiro Yamada (山田一郎, Yamada Ichirō)
MC name: MC.B.B
Voice actor: Subaru Kimura
Age: 19
Birthday: Jul. 26
Signature quote: “You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down.”
A former member of legendary group The Dirty Dawg, Ichiro used to be one of the biggest delinquents around in Ikebukuro. However, he has a strong sense of justice and won’t turn his back on anyone in trouble. As the leader of Buster Bros!!! and the oldest Yamada son, he also takes good care of his brothers, having also spread his love of anime and light novels to Jiro.
Jiro Yamada (山田二郎, Yamada Jirō)
MC name: MC.M.B
Voice actor:Haruki Ishiya
Age: 17
Birthday: Feb. 6
Signature quote: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old: we grow old because we stop playing.”
This second-year high school student is also the second son in the Yamada family. Having grown up watching his big brother Ichiro leading the way, Jiro has practically elevated him to the status of a god while becoming somewhat of a delinquent himself. As for his little brother Saburo, they're often seen in petty quarrels (pretty typical for siblings).
Saburo Yamada (山田三郎, Yamada Saburō)
MC name: MC.L.B
Voice actor: Kohei Amasaki
Age: 14
Birthday: Dec. 16
Signature quote: “Everything that rises sets, and everything that grows, grows old.”
The youngest Yamada son is only in his third year of middle school, but that doesn’t stop him from being a virtual genius who can pull off anything. Although he didn’t end up a delinquent like his brothers, he does respect the two. As for everyone else, though, Saburo is quick to look down on anyone he judges as below him.
– Mad Trigger Crew
Samatoki Aohitsugi (碧棺左馬刻, Aohitsugi Samatoki)
MC name: Mr.Hc
Voice actor: Shintaro Asanuma
Age: 25
Birthday: Nov. 11
Signature quote: “Life is not fair.”
A former member of The Dirty Dawg, Mad Trigger Crew’s leader is a full-blown yakuza with a constantly bad-tempered expression to match, as well as the tendency to start fights over things that displease him. Samatoki’s reason for pursuing the path of the yakuza is his beloved little sister. While he's prone to violence, he makes a point to never lay a finger on women.
Jyuto Iruma (入間銃兎, Iruma Jūto)
MC name: 45 Rabbit
Voice actor: Wataru Komada
Age: 29
Birthday: May 30
Signature quote: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Despite the fact that Juto is a police sergeant whose mission is to fight against organized crime, behind the facade of integrity he’s heavily involved the world of the yakuza. From bribes and blackmail to actual violence, if it’s shady, Juto’s probably done it before. However, he tends to take good care of his subordinates.
Rio Mason Busujima (毒島メイソン理鶯, Busujima Meison Riō)
MC name: Crazy M
Voice actor: Shinichiro Kamio
Age: 28
Birthday: Jun. 21
Signature quote: “I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”
Rio was formerly a sergeant in the navy, and he shows it in his impenetrable guard and utter lack of mercy towards the enemy. His normal personality is more on the gentle side, though, and he likes to do his best for others. He also happens to be half-American on his father’s side.
– Fling Posse
Ramuda Amemura (飴村乱数, Amemura Ramuda)
MC name: easy R
Voice actor: Yusuke Shirai
Age: 24
Birthday: Feb. 14
Signature quote: “The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole.”
Ramuda’s rather cute appearance belies his rap skills, as he’s the leader of Fling Posse and also used to be a former member of legendary group The Dirty Dawg. Innocent and inclined to make careless remarks, this stylish fashion designer is nevertheless popular with the ladies.
Gentaro Yumeno (夢野幻太郎, Yumeno Gentarō)
MC name: Phantom
Voice actor: Soma Saito
Age: 24
Birthday: Apr. 1
Signature quote: “What do you want meaning for? Life is desire, not meaning.”
A writer with the soul of a student from back in the old days, Gentaro enjoys imagining what the pasts and futures of passersby might be like. He also has a tendency to weave convincing lies that usually go unnoticed – until the moment he casually reveals the truth.
Dice Arisugawa (有栖川帝統, Arisugawa Daisu)
MC name: Dead or Alive
Voice actor: Yukihiro Nozuyama
Age: 20
Birthday: Jul. 7
Signature quote: “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
Dice is a straight-up gambling addict who’ll bet every last cent or even his life at the table. Even when he's not gambling, he makes decisions with a roll of his ever-ready dice. Predictably penniless due to his expensive hobby, Dice's love is easily bought with food.
– Matenro
Jakurai Jinguji (神宮寺寂雷, Jingūji Jakurai)
MC name: ill-DOC
Voice actor: Show Hayami
Age: 35
Birthday: Jan. 9
Signature quote: “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.”
A doctor, former member of The Dirty Dawg, and current leader of Matenro. One look at Jakurai is enough to sense his mysterious aura. He himself also likes odd people. Although he used to have an interest in Fling Posse’s Ramuda, the two are now like cat and dog.
Hifumi Izanami (伊弉冉一二三, Izanami Hifumi)
MC name: GIGOLO
Voice actor: Ryuichi Kijima
Age: 29
Birthday: Jun. 22
Signature quote: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
In sharp contrast to his flashy appearance and current occupation as a host (not to mention his MC name), Hifumi actually used to be extremely afraid of women. Having worked to overcome this fear, he now transforms into a straight up ladies’ man the moment he dons a suit.
Doppo Kannonzaka (観音坂独歩, Kannonzaka Doppo)
MC name: DOPPO
Voice actor: Kento Ito
Age: 29
Birthday: May 15
Signature quote: “The real world is much smaller than the imaginary.”
An office worker who’s employed at a company that deals with medical equipment, Doppo’s most prominent characteristic is that he, well, has no particular characteristics. Due to his pessimistic tendencies, he has virtually no friends except for his fellow group member Hifumi.
Dotsuitare Honpo
Rosho Tsutsujimori (躑躅森盧笙, Tsutsujimori Roshō)
MC name: Wisdom
Voice actor: Kengo Kawanishi
Age: 26
Birthday: March 1
Signature quote: “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
A math teacher who is beloved by his students. Rosho once formed a manzai comedy duo with current fellow group member Nurude, but a certain traumatic event that led to them disbanding still haunts him to this day. As a result, he still finds it difficult to speak in front of large crowds. Although he generally speaks in standard Japanese, he tends to revert to his native Osaka dialect in front of trusted friends or when he's angry.
Sasara Nurude (白膠木簓, Nurude Sasara)
MC name: Tragic Comedy
Voice actor: Ryota Iwasaki
Age: 26
Birthday: October 31
Signature quote: “Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me..”
A comedian by trade, Sasara's sheer talent for making people laugh is contrasted with his penchant for corny dad jokes off the stage. He used to be in a duo also named "Dotsuitare Honpo" with Rosho, but he now performs alone, and the original name lives on as part of their rap group.
Rei Amayado (天谷奴零, Amayado Rei)
MC name: MC MasterMind
Voice actor: Takaya Kuroda
Age: 46
Birthday: January 23
Signature quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
This self-proclaimed con artist is actually the mastermind behind Hypnosis Mic and its implementation in Chuo Ward, not to mention the father of the famous Yamada brothers of Buster Bros!!! Having previously worked in the military for technology development, he's carried out more than his fair share of secret plans and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He also carries a strong sense of obligation; if he promises something, it's done.
– Bad Ass Temple
Jyushi Aimono (四十物十四, Aimono Jūshi)
MC name: 14th Moon
Voice actor: Yuki Sakakihara
Age: 18
Birthday: April 14
Signature quote: “Never, never, never, never, give up.”
Despite his striking appearance and position as singer of visual kei band ArgoξOrchestra, Jyushi also actually a crybaby who loves his pig plushie Amanda dearly. While he tends to act nervously in front of people he's just met, this quickly transforms into an exaggerated manner that better reflects his narcissistic personality. However, he greatly respects fellow group member Hitoya, who once saved him from bullies.
Kuko Harai (波羅夷空候, Harai Kūkō)
MC name: Evil Monk
Voice actor: Shota Hayama
Age: 19
Birthday: August 21
Signature quote: “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
The unlikely combination of a delinquent and and a monk, as well as the heir to a historic temple. In spite of his rebellious appearance, he was able to complete trials that his father had not been able to, and carries within him a strong sense of piety and love for his friends. He is also the former member of a team named Naughty Busters, to which current Ikebukuro Division member Ichiro also belonged in the past.
Amaguni Hitoya (天国獄, Amaguni Hitoya)
MC name: Heaven & Hell
Voice actor: Eiji Takeuchi
Age: 35
Birthday: June 29
Signature quote: “It is my belief that reaching out to the moon is my goal. Even if it does not arrive.”
A lawyer with his own firm, Hitoya is willing to take any job if the price is right. However, he'll make an exception for victims of bullying, having lost his own brother in the past. While he's generally sharp-tongued, he looks after those important to him. He's also a long-time friend of Shinjuku Division's Jakurai.
Main media
– Music
Hypnosis Mic is centered around CDs starring its main groups, including rap battles and singles for separate groups. Those buying the former receive serial numbers that can be used to vote for the winner. They also contain "drama tracks" that give more insight into the crews and their relationships.
Four individual group singles titled “Buster Bros!!! Generation” (Buster Bros!!!), “BAYSIDE M.T.C” (Mad Trigger Crew), “Matenro-Oninrinshou- (Matenro), and “Fling Posse-F.P.S.M-“ (Fling Posse) were released after the project's debut in 2017.
These were followed by “Battle CDs” in 2018, recording epic clashes between the core groups. Matenro, who ultimately reigned supreme in the eyes of the fans, received a commemorative CD in 2019.
2019 also welcomed the project's first full album, titled "Enter the Hypnosis Microphone," as well as the debut of Dotsuitare Honpo and Bad Ass Temple with singles titled "Ah, Osaka Dreamin' Night" and "Bad Ass Temple Funky Sounds" respectively.
The fun doesn't stop there, with even more albums from each of the four original units, followed by the second Division Rap Battle. This time, it kicked off in February 2021 with "Dotsuitare Hompo VS Buster Bros!!!," a clash between Nagoya and Ikebukuro.
Another way for fans to enjoy the music is their live events, which puts the spotlight on the actual voice actors behind the Hypnosis Mic rappers. Do you have a favorite yet?
Game
A rhythm game adaptation for iOS and Android was launched in March 2020. Titled Hypnosis Mic: Alternative Rap Battle, it features all six groups in fully voiced scenarios with original stories. It is currently free to play with some in-game transactions. The trailer below features Subaru Kimura, who plays Buster Bros!!! leader Ichiro Yamada/MC.B.B, as he introduces the game – through rap, naturally.
Anime
／
— 【アニメ】『ヒプノシスマイク-Division Rap Battle-』Rhyme Anima (@hypnosismic_RA) https://twitter.com/hypnosismic_RA/status/1244248008574652421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2020
📢https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%92%E3%83%97%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ヒプアニ PV解禁!!
＼
2020年7月より
TOKYO MX、BS11、とちぎテレビ、群馬テレビ、MBSほかにて放送！
AbemaTVほかにて配信！
▼PVでOPテーマ「ヒプノシスマイク -Rhyme Anima-」が聴けます🎤https://t.co/ygeTYmwqZ7">https://t.co/ygeTYmwqZ7https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%92%E3%83%97%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A4?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ヒプマイ https://t.co/QDnJlR8eeZ">pic.twitter.com/QDnJlR8eeZ
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle: Rhyme Anima, a 13-episode TV anime produced by A-1 Pictures, began airing in October 2020. It stars the original four groups: Buster Bros!!! (Ikebukuro), Mad Trigger Crew (Yokohama), Fling Posse (Shibuya), and Matenro (Shinjuku). Combining their fierce rhymes with anime adds another layer of insight for fans to enjoy.
Manga
The project has received a number of manga adaptations that dive into the backgrounds of its central groups. Past titles include -Before The Battle- The Dirty Dawg by Karasuduki Rui, -Division Rap Battle- side B.B & M.T.C by Kanie Tetsuji, -Division Rap Battle- side F.P & M by Jou Kiiko, and -Division Rap Battle- side D.H & B.A.T by Aiba Kikou. More titles are set for serialization in various manga magazines, giving fans plenty more to look forward to.
Stage play
If that wasn't enough, the boys have also taken to the stage! Focusing on Buster Bros!!! and Mad Trigger Crew, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle: Rule the Stage Track 1 kicked things off in Tokyo in November 2019.
Track 2 and Track 3 ran in 2020, with the former following Fling Posse and Matenro, and the latter Dotsuitare Honpo and Bad Ass Temple. In 2021, Track 4 brought together these four groups in a rap battle of epic scale. Coming up in 2022 is Track 5, a look at the legends of The Dirty Dawg.
For more information on Hypnosis Mic, visit the official website!
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
