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)

JAMAICAINFINITY16

Jamaica

JAMAICAINFINITY16

INFINITY 16 is a sound system created in 1994 by TERA-C.

For those new to reggae who might not be familiar with the term “sound system,” it refers to a collective that puts on outdoor dance parties using audio equipment.

It’s similar to a DJ crew in hip-hop.

INFINITY 16 is one of Japan’s top sound systems and even won a sound system competition held in New York.

Their famous track “JAMAICA” is a song expressing their feelings for Jamaica, with HAN-KUN serving as the singer.

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ReleaseONEDER

ONEDER – Release 【 Official Music Video 】

ReleaseONEDER

Released in January 2019, “Release” is included on the first album, Tabinoowari.

The song is by ONEDER, born in 1994 and hailing from Kakogawa City in Hyogo Prefecture, and it encapsulates his resolve to give up living alone and devote himself to music alongside his “journey.” It’s a message song that reminds us anew that whatever the feeling may be, emotions that arise in a given moment are undeniably real.

Along with ONEDER’s gentle vocals, each carefully etched lyric permeates the heart.

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Yamin ~Yamming~REILI feat. DELI, ASIAN STAR

MUSIC VIDEO of REILI feat. Deli, Asian Star. / Yammin’ from the 1st Album “Sound of Freedom”

Yamin ~Yamming~REILI feat. DELI, ASIAN STAR

A luxurious track by three stars: REILI, a singer renowned for her wide-ranging styles, ASIAN STAR, a selector active out of Yokohama, and DELI, MC of the legendary hip-hop group NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND—“Yatami ~Yamming~.” It’s a captivating song featuring a dancehall riddim that employs distinctive sounds evoking the European techno scene, with verses by DELI and REILI that showcase the strengths of their respective fields.

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Tokyo CityKotobukikun

Kotobukikun “Tokyo City” Music Video

Tokyo CityKotobukikun

Kotobuki-kun is a reggae singer with a catchy musical style who’s active on the major scene.

Lately, he’s been competing in the MC battle tournament “Adrenaline,” earning props in the hip-hop scene as well.

He’s released a number of great tracks, but the one I especially recommend is “Tokyo City.” The recent reggae scene has been heavily influenced by hip-hop, and this track, in particular, draws strong inspiration from trap music on the production side.

Of course, the vocals are solidly reggae, so reggae fans will enjoy it too!

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Flowers of JuneShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “June Flowers” Lyric MV

Flowers of JuneShonan no Kaze

“June Flowers” is a 2018 single by Shonan no Kaze.

It’s a love-filled ballad about a young couple who become husband and wife by overcoming various challenges, with the husband giving his wife a long-delayed wedding as a gift.

It’s a recommended song for those who are already married or thinking of proposing to their partner.

Why not use this song to express your gratitude and love to the one by your side?

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