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)

Toxic Sweet feat. JP THE WAVYm-flo

m-flo / Toxic Sweet feat. JP THE WAVY

Toxic Sweet feat. JP THE WAVYm-flo

An interstellar love story between a Martian and a human, painted over a reggae sound that evokes tropical beaches.

m-flo sings of a love on a cosmic scale.

The protagonist’s feelings as he’s drawn to a captivating yet dangerous Martian woman unfold alongside tropical, island-flavored sounds.

Released in August 2019, the track was performed with guest JP THE WAVY at m-flo’s 20th-anniversary live show “KYO,” where their energetic performance captivated the audience and blew away the summer heat.

It’s a recommended song for those who want to enjoy both the liberating feeling of a relaxing day at a summer beach and a grand, space-set narrative.

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Daylight saving time!!MINMI

MINMI – Summer Time!! (“~HEMO Yosakoi SOCA Remix” | J-pop/Soca - 2005)

Daylight saving time!!MINMI

She is a singer-songwriter from Osaka.

Her hybrid musicality that crosses a variety of genres, lyrics with a strong message, a voice that combines feminine gentleness and strength, and the natural, positive presence she radiates have captivated many music fans.

While her music is rooted in reggae, this song incorporates many elements of soca.

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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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BADAAZAKANE

BADAAZ – AKANE (Magnum Records)

BADAAZAKANE

AKANE is a female singer who has gained popularity with lyrics mainly in English, drawing on her study-abroad experience.

Her title would be a reggae singjay or deejay, but lately she’s been releasing music in other genres as well.

One of those is “BADAAZ.” The track’s ragga elements are kept to just a hint of spice, and overall it’s framed within hip-hop’s trap genre.

It sounds like pure trap, but the flow carries a subtle reggae vibe; focusing on that aspect can make it even more enjoyable.

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