Recommended reggae

Recommended classic tracks of Japanese reggae: Japanese reggae songs that resonate with the heart

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

A must-hear collection of classic tracks for fans of Japanese reggae—“Japa-reggae.”

This includes reggae-influenced pop that was popular in Jamaica from the 1960s to the 1980s, and the evolution into dancehall reggae, which helped take root in Japan thanks to RANKIN TAXI—often called the father of Japanese reggae—continuing his Kansai radio program “Natty Jamaica.”

Today, it’s loved as a culture that transcends time and borders.

Reggae’s open, liberating vibe and its powerful, positive musicality are truly uplifting to listen to!

Tune in with an ear for songs that wish for a bright future and celebrate everyday life.

Recommended masterpieces of Japanese reggae. Japanese reggae songs that touch the heart (131–140)

DEARlecca

lecca / DEAR from BEST ALBUM 『BEST POSITIVE』

DEARlecca

Included on lecca’s first full-length album after her major-label debut, “URBAN PIRATES,” released in 2006.

Written and composed by lecca herself, with arrangement by Nao’ymt, known for his work with Namie Amuro.

It’s a song about friendship and family love that might especially move cat lovers to tears.

The reggae sound brimming with a tropical mood pairs beautifully with lyrics that feel like a letter.

The chorus melody is fantastic and leaves you feeling wonderfully cheerful!

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Pretty Likkle BabeZendaMan

ZendaMan – Pretty Likkle Babe (Music Video)

Pretty Likkle BabeZendaMan

For those who love Jamaican reggae music, we highly recommend “Pretty Likkle Babe.” It’s a track released by ZENDAMAN, a singer based in Jamaica.

The lyrics portray a mature romance, and the choice of words has been creating quite a buzz.

They’re witty and humorous while rhyming—and still romantic.

Be sure to listen for yourself to see how the lyrics come together.

Also, don’t miss the music video set at a party.

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absoluteBES

BES – absolute

absoluteBES

This work portrays the figure of a single-minded person who is diligent and acquainted with sorrow.

I think young people with big dreams who believe “I will definitely make them come true” will feel encouraged when they listen.

The lyrics also resonate with older listeners: they capture the current reality of not having achieved anything yet, the anxiety of not knowing what difficulties lie ahead, and, amidst that, the powerful desire to bring joy to a loved one and to ensure happiness.

It’s a song that puts those feelings front and center.

This is his true-to-life singing—this very work.

A masterpiece.

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Let’s do our best! (Prod. 774)J-REXXX

J-REXXX – Let's Do Our Best! (Prod. 774) [Official Music Video]

Let's do our best! (Prod. 774)J-REXXX

Released in 2020 and included on the album “ORIGINAL,” this is J-REXXX’s cheer song dedicated to the COVID era.

In the music video, the connection to an election speech also feels like part of the message, while the simple lyrics slowly sink in just by listening.

The compassionate, positive words really touch the heart.

J-REXXX’s vocals and the warm, reggae vibe are uplifting.

Perhaps it’s precisely in times like these that we need songs like this.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a lot of songs so far. The list mixes classics with both new and old tracks—did you find any favorites? Since the Reiwa era began, these days seem to ask us to live differently than before, but reggae’s open vibe and its powerful, positive sound really give us energy, don’t they?