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 classic Japanese reggae tracks: Japanese reggae songs that touch the heart (111–120)

Don’t Give Up Yourself !!HAN-KUN

HAN-KUN「Don’t Give Up Yourself!!」MV(Short Ver.)

Don’t Give Up Yourself !!HAN-KUN

HAN-KUN, a member of Shonan no Kaze, is active in the mainstream scene and a key figure in popularizing Japanese reggae.

Isn’t his appeal his vocal tone? He has such a distinctive voice that you can tell it’s HAN-KUN after just a moment of listening.

Fans say his voice is easy to pick out even in a rub-a-dub.

His track “Don’t Give Up Yourself !!” was released in 2011 as his fourth single.

The lyrics are very positive, so it might be good to listen to when you’re feeling down.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

New Foundation: Learning from the past to create the newRUEED

New Foundation ~Onko Chishin~ (Live at WWW X, TOKYO, 2018)

New Foundation: Learning from the past to create the newRUEED

RUEED, a native of Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture and the younger brother of actor Yosuke Kubozuka—who is also a reggae musician—released this track on his 2008 debut album, “New Foundation.” Written by RUEED himself, the song portrays the enduring love of reggae and its free-flowing inspiration.

It’s a standout piece that shines with a spirit of learning from the past to create something new, as its rhythmical flow—overflowing with admiration for reggae’s birthplace—soaks in smoothly and absorbs the best of what came before.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Drink, drink, paradiseCHOP STICK

CHOP STICK / Drink, Drink Paradise

Drink, drink, paradiseCHOP STICK

A track that cranks up the heat on an already hot summer! It’s included on CHOP STICK’s album “Nome Nome Paradise ~RESPECT ALL MASSIVE~,” released in June 2013.

With the liberating vibe and sheer power of reggae in full force, it’s the ultimate party tune that energizes you just by listening.

The vibes are at 180 percent! Its ability to blast past common sense is absolutely phenomenal.

The groovy beat will have your body moving before you know it.

Play it at a summer BBQ or a beach event, and it’ll instantly light up the atmosphere.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

wavingJING TENG

ＪＩＮＧＴＥＮＧ／waving

wavingJING TENG

A reggae singer from Osaka.

He stands out with refined melodies and a supple vocal style honed on countless stages.

With a warm, expansive, and original voice that envelops the floor, and melodies everyone finds themselves humming, he captivates audiences with his strong presence.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hero of the vacant lotMOOMIN

Hero of the Vacant Lot (Remastered)

Hero of the vacant lotMOOMIN

It’s a lively track! MOOMIN, a pioneer of the Japanese reggae scene, is releasing his first new album in six years.

This standout work was created with his partner DJ KEIN in their current base of Okinawa and in Jamaica.

Guests include RUEED, Masaru Shimabukuro from BEGIN, TAKASHI GIMA of MONGOL800, HOME GROWN, Dean Fraser, and recording engineer Steven Stanley.

It’s packed with irie island vibes wrapped around his sweet, exquisite vocals.

The jacket logo design was done by graffiti artist BIG FOOT, known for the i-Path logo and artwork for various street brands.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem