From Japan's Easternmost Point,
Delivering the Real.
Former civil servant, now rapper.
Transforming voices from the field and local love into sound.
His name: Donko Gorilla
Why Did a Civil Servant
Pick Up the Mic?
Donko Gorilla
Real Name: Shuichi Ueda
A unique rapper with a background as a former salaryman, entrepreneur, and local government official. Born in Hachioji, Tokyo.
After graduating from vocational school, he moved to the Philippines in his mid-20s and spent a total of 8 years living abroad. Upon returning to Japan, he started a business as a tourism specialist, then worked in regional administration at Aomori Prefecture and Miyako City Hall, confronting social realities on the ground.
The contradictions he felt, the conflicts he accumulated, and his love for the community that accepted him—to transform all of this into words, he quit his civil service job and picked up the mic.
Donko Gorilla. With a field-tested perspective, he captures society and carves both ideals and reality into the beat.
Why "Donko Gorilla"?
It all began with the moment "Miyako" struck him with impact.
In 2020, after moving to Miyako City, he encountered a single dish.
The locally beloved fish "donko"—its light flesh fused with the rich umami of its liver, embodying "local tradition" and "intense indulgence."
This "aesthetic of contrast" struck his heart directly.
Donko is a soul food rooted in the Pacific coast. He considers it a symbol of local food culture representing the Sanriku coast and Miyako City.
That's why, with the highest respect and love for this land—
he carved "donko" into his own name.
"Donko Gorilla"—
To echo the reality of rural Japan and local pride
through beats and lyrics to the world.
Words That Transform Rural Japan.
Donko Gorilla transforms rural areas from 'subjects' into 'sources of expression.'
Both Ideals and Reality Are Here.
Reality is everywhere.
Yes, even here at the easternmost town of Honshu.
Miyako's ocean, culture, streets, and the people who live there—
all are the roots of my lyrics.
Beats That Resonate With This City.
Donko Gorilla's sound is pure respect for the people of Miyako.
The air of this city becomes sound, becomes words, becomes culture.