Epic Rap Battle in Kyoto, Japan

I arrive in Kyoto in the late afternoon, check into my accommodations, rent a bicycle, and immediately pedal away, ready explore the city.

Darkness quickly falls as I arrive in the center of town. I see Japanese queuing up at the Golden Arches of the local McDonald’s, I go inside to investigate. Very pricey, but full of different entrees than America, including the Ebi Filet-O (filet of shrimp-O). ... Given that I eat at most one bag of small fries a year, I defer from ordering, deciding to go try some Japanese food.

Upon stepping outside I hear the faint sounds of the Pied Piper- hip-hop is playing nearby, in Japan? I investigate and sure enough, a beat box between them, Japanese Eminems are battling each other. Though I have no idea what they are saying, they're talented, certainly more so than I.
I never imagined this would be the first thing I’d experience in Japan, a rap battle on the streets of Kyoto. 

I sit and watch in admiration. A rapper, who has, as his chosen fashion accessory- a batting helmet, steps off stage. I approach to compliment his abilities.

He doesn’t understand me, instead in broken English challenges me to get out there and sing (rap.) My head swings back at the thought, and I warn him that I am not going to be up to snuff, but he’s not hearing it (nor does he understand) It reminds me of World War II, with America back to do "battle," except this time we're invading the Japanese streets. 

“Yo, give me da mic. Hey Hiroshi, drop me a phat beat. Yeah, that’s right, Rich from America, coming right at ya!”

You can see my highlight in the following video. I actually battled a couple times, and realized brevity in the video will make me look far better.

Some people like my friend Vanessa can rhyme all the time to the point it’s sublime. I haven’t yet mastered this art.

I exit the stage to applause from the Japanese. I have to think this is the first time an American has done battle with them, and I get the feeling they are appreciative of what they might consider brave. I am rarely a shrinking violet though, and see no risk in making a fool of myself because I rarely, if ever, care what anyone thinks of me.

In fact, to the contrary, I believe it’s my duty to go out there and express fully the energy inside me. In doing so, it’s my belief that I unconsciously give others permission to release the energy of joy and love inside of them.

It’s also the reason I was recently complimented, told by someone I am the greatest dancer in history. Don’t believe me? I have proof- Rich declared Greatest dancer ever- here's why visit link.

Thank you Japaaaaannnnnnnnn!!!! I’m outtie.

(For a much longer version of the rapping, including me, you can visit this video. Yes, I am not good, I know.)