Japan's 9-year-old DJ Rinoka bobs to the beat as a child prodigy techno artist

At just nine years old, Japanese DJ Rinoka is already a celebrated techno artist and holds the title of the world's youngest DJ, a distinction recognized by Guinness World Records when she was six. She finds joy in performing for enthusiastic crowds, stating, "It’s fun when people get excited at the live performances."

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It’s fun when people get excited at the live performances.

Rinoka's journey into DJing began at the age of four when she was captivated by performances from DJs Amelie Lens and Nina Kraviz on YouTube. Inspired, she requested a Pioneer DDJ-200 DJ controller for Christmas. She describes her preferred style as "cool, fast, intense," a sentiment that aligns with the driving beats of techno music.

Despite her professional achievements, Rinoka maintains a balance with her childhood. She has typical interests like her pet gecko and a collection of stuffed animals, including a toy dog named Korochan that often accompanies her on stage. Her parents have chosen to remain anonymous to ensure she has as normal a childhood as possible for their only child.

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I like a cool, fast, intense style.

Rinoka maintains a demanding schedule, performing at events such as games for the professional baseball team Yomiuri Giants and appearing alongside much older DJs. She also attends hip-hop dance lessons, enjoys crafting, and completes her schoolwork. Her dedication to techno music, a genre with roots in American cities like Detroit known for its heavy, danceable beats, showcases her unique talent on a global stage.

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The music will continue.

When asked about her future aspirations, Rinoka thoughtfully remarked, "The music will continue." However, when presented with a choice between being a DJ or a caretaker for many geckos, she enthusiastically exclaimed, "The geckos. They are so cute."

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The geckos. They are so cute.