[Reggae 101] Enjoy the Music! A Roundup of Popular Japanese Reggae Artists
“Japa-reggae” is reggae music born in Jamaica, evolved with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.
Its sound and lyrics bring a unique radiance to the music scene.
The gentle, embracing rhythms and the delicate lyrical expression unique to the Japanese language are its charms.
In this article, we’ll introduce artists who let you fully savor the appeal of Japa-reggae.
If you’re looking to discover music you’ve never encountered before, this is content you’ll definitely want to check out!
[Introduction to Reggae] Enjoy the music! A roundup of popular Japanese reggae artists (1–10)
JAPANESE QUEENU THE STARR

U THE STARR is an artist who literally grew up with reggae—his father runs a reggae sound system.
Based in the Kansai region, he’s a deejay who fully kicked off his career with the 2022 EP “SOUND WAVE.” Tracks like “Kansha” and “Nandakanda” drew attention and quickly made him a rising star in the scene.
His appeal lies in a style that fuses authentic Jamaican grooves with the nuanced expressiveness of Japanese.
Fans rave that “the lyrics hit home” and “the rhymes and flow feel so good.” If you’re seeking words and rhythms that resonate, be sure to experience his music.
Lifetime RespectMiki Dōsan

Michidouzan Miki, who established a monument in Japan’s reggae scene.
Starting out from Nara in 1992, he was a pioneer who opened the path for “Japa-reggae,” expressing Jamaica-born music in Japanese.
He made his major debut in 2000, and the following year, his song “Lifetime Respect,” which earnestly sings of love for a special person, became a huge hit.
It was the first reggae work in Japan to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Although he once paused his activities, his passion for music never waned, and he made a comeback as DOZAN11.
Beyond music, he has also blossomed as a picture-book author.
Many people may find their hearts gently embraced by the warmth of his words and rhythms.
Step right up!775

You’re guaranteed to get hooked on the music of this “too-ragga” woman! 775 is a reggae deejay powerfully representing Kishiwada City.
Her 2020 track ‘Yotterasshai’ became a huge hit, making her name resound across the scene.
R-Shitei from Creepy Nuts also praised her song ‘KSWD’ for its “tight rhymes,” a testament to her proven skills.
Without relying on reggae-specific lingo, her flow—masterfully weaving the sounds of Japanese and the Senshu dialect—is truly one of a kind.
If you want to experience powerful, unpretentious, authentic Japanese reggae, make sure to dive into her music!
ImpactCHEHON

He is a reggae DJ from Tsuruhashi, Osaka.
He made his major debut in 2008 and has continued releasing mainly several singles and albums.
After his solo tour in 2010, he moved his base of activities to Jamaica, and following several years of rigorous training, he returned to Japan and has been appearing at events and more.
APOLLO STYLEAPOLLO

APOLLO, an artist who jumped from the hip-hop world into the reggae scene, is known for music that blends the exhilarating “fast rapping” style—ultra-high-speed bars delivered over smooth rhythms—with a melodious flow that captivates listeners.
Early in his career, he topped the “ROAD TO Yokohama Reggae Festival” in 2010, making his name known nationwide.
He released his first album, “APOLLO,” in 2016.
It offers both the thrill of word-bullets flying in rapid succession and the depth of lyrics that cherish the sound and feel of the Japanese language.
The Mole’s SongEXPRESS

DJ EXPRESS, whose ultra-deep husky voice is irresistibly cool, has captivated countless fans! Active since the early 2000s, he honed his craft in groups and in Jamaica before fully launching his solo career in 2011.
His debut track that year, “Mogura no Uta,” became a massive hit that transcended the reggae scene.
In 2018, “Kousaten feat.
EXPRESS” also made waves.
He’s the perfect artist for anyone looking for music that fires them up.
Midsummer OrionINFINITY16

INFINITY 16 is a reggae sound crew based in Yokohama, led by TELA-C.
They actively collaborate with a wide range of artists and have been a driving force in Japan’s reggae scene.
Their catchy sound features reggae at its core while incorporating elements of J-pop.
They have released many hit songs, including collaborations such as “Midsummer Orion” and “Sparkler” with artists like MINMI, Wakadanna, and SHOCK EYE.


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