Riow Arai

Riow Arai is a Japanese electronic music producer and DJ known for crafting intricate, genre-blending beats that sit at the intersection of Shibuya-kei, breakbeat, and experimental electronica. Active since the late '90s, Arai’s work often feels like a time capsule of retro-futuristic sounds, blending jazzy samples, glitchy textures, and playful rhythms that evoke both vintage video game soundtracks and forward-thinking club music. His releases, like *FREEDOWNBEAT* and *Graphic Graffiti*, showcase his knack for merging nostalgic warmth with crisp, modern production—a style that’s earned him a cult following among fans of Japan’s vibrant electronic underground.

With projects like *Special Distance 2020* and *RX2024*, Arai continues to push boundaries, weaving dubby delays, chopped vocal snippets, and hypnotic grooves into cohesive, kaleidoscopic albums. While he keeps a relatively low profile outside his music, his tracks speak volumes through their meticulous detail and infectious energy, making him a hidden gem for crate diggers and electronic music enthusiasts alike.

Genres

J-dance

Idm

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Latest Release

RX2024

Riow Arai

Album - 24 Tracks - Released April 1, 2025