| J-reggae | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | Reggae -Contemporary R&B -J-pop |
| Cultural origins | Late 1970sJapan |
| Typical instruments | Bass -Drums -Guitar -Organ -Brass instrument -Melodica -Sampler -Bass -Synthesizer -Drum machine |
| Other topics | |
| Reggae fusion | |
Japanese reggae isreggae music originating fromJapan. The first reggae band to perform in Japan wasThe Pioneers who toured in 1975. However it was not until 1979, whenJamaican singerBob Marley visited Japan on holiday that reggae would gain momentum. Marley wanted to attend a concert by theFlower Travellin Band and when looking for information, he met famed Japanesepercussionist "Pecker" who informed him that the group had already disbanded. The two became good friends, and Pecker suggested to Marley a collaboration between acclaimed Japanese and Jamaican artists. This suggestion resulted in the albumsPecker Power, andInstant Rasta being recorded in Jamaica at "Channel One" and "Tuff Gong Studio" in 1980. The albums featured Japanese artistsMinako Yoshida (吉田美奈子),Ryuuichi Sakamoto (坂本龍一),Naoya Matsuoka (松岡直也),Shigeharu Mukai (向井滋春), andAkira Sakata (坂田明), alongside Jamaican artistsAugustus Pablo,Sly & Robbie,The Wailers,Rico Rodriguez,Carlton Barrett andMarcia Griffiths. These two albums influenced both Japanese and Jamaican artists, and are regarded as spreading reggae toJapan.[1]
Some of the first reggae artists from Japan wereJoe Yamanaka andMute Beat, the latter's recordings made Japan internationally renowned fordub and influenced many artists such asDry & Heavy,Fishmans,UA. Another pioneering artist was Nahki. He was scouted bySugar Minott and began performing in Jamaica, and later formed Japan's first reggae festival "Japansplash" in 1985. The esteemed bandJagatara (じゃがたら) combinedpunk rock,jazz, andfunk with reggae and influenced hybrid artists such asEgo-Wrappin'. Thedancehall style was brought to Japan byRankin' Taxi in the mid 1980s, and rock groupThe Roosters incorporatedska into some of their songs which influenced artists such as theTokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, andKemuri.[2][3][4]
Musical relations between Jamaican and Japanese artists remains strong, often with collaborations between artists.
The most important reggae festival is the Yokohama reggae festival or Yokohama Reggae Sai, which is usually in July to September, and has been moved to nearby Kawasaki.
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