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“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!
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[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.
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!
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.
RAGGAMUFFINPAPA U-Gee
PAPA U-Gee is nothing short of the very history of Japanese reggae itself—truly worthy of being called an originator.
Since launching his career in 1985, he has led the scene, delivering a wide range of sounds from roots reggae to dancehall.
The overwhelming depth of his music stems from his experience living in a Jamaican ghetto for two years starting in 1993.
Many listeners were likely drawn into the world of Japanese reggae through his signature track “Yaizu Ko.” He also won the Grand Prix with a tourism PR song for Shizuoka Prefecture.
His conscious lyrics about peace and love seem to kindle a warm light in the heart.
Brain Narcotics Remix feat. CHEHON, MAKA, Ku-Jun, POWER WAVE, CIMA & keithRAY
Reggae singer RAY captivates countless fans with a warmly embracing voice and unforgettable melodies.
Originally active as a singer-songwriter, he switched to reggae and blossomed into his talent.
His indie album “Pogative,” released in July 2014, reached No.
2 on the charts, and he made his major-label debut in 2017.
He has also written the theme song for the film “A Touch of Warmth: How to Learn to Love Yourself,” among many other achievements.
Keep an eye on his music as he brings the flow honed in reggae to take on the hip-hop scene as well.
CoralSPiCYSOL
SPiCYSOL is a band that champions its own style called “Surf Beat Music.” Blending rock and R&B with elements of reggae, their sound creates a relaxed atmosphere that feels like unwinding at a seaside café.
They debuted in 2015 with the mini-album “To the C,” and their acclaimed 2021 release “From the C” reached No.
1 on the iTunes R&B chart.
The fusion of vocalist KENNY’s mellow voice with an urban sound is their signature appeal.
If you’re looking for background music for a drive or a laid-back day off, let SPiCYSOL’s music soothe you.