Soca music hasn’t been widely popular or deeply rooted in Japan, but that may be changing. While Japan and Trinidad and Tobago have distinct cultural backgrounds, both cultures however, share an appreciation for music, dance, and the celebration of festivals and events. This intersection of music, dance and festivals is what may make Japanese audiences, who appreciate energetic and rhythmic music, be drawn to Soca for its warm, lively and dynamic nature.
With The global music scene being more interconnected, Japanese audiences may be exposed to Soca through international platforms, social media, and streaming services.
The influence of global trends in music could also contribute to the acceptance of Soca in Japan as Soca has just been given its own category at the GRAMMYS, adding to the recognition and acceptance of the genre.
This is not to be underscored by the work done on the ground by artists and cultural ambassadors alike. Soca In Japan* hosts Japan Soca Weekend including the Japan Caribbean Carnival, an annual Carnival dedicated to the promotion of Caribbean culture featuring a Culture Village, Music Truck, Mas Bands, Steel Bands, and live performances from some of the biggest Soca stars. This festival has been able to not only expand the market for Soca music but also connects cultures through food, dance and costume ‘Mas’ designs, as Japan has a rich heritage of costuming as well.
The Japanese have a history of embracing and adapting various international music genres. Soca has been no exception. The younger generation in Japan, often demonstrates a greater interest in exploring diverse cultural expressions. This openness has contributed to the acceptance of Soca music and the emergence of Japanese Soca Artists such as Minmi, who have gone on to compete at the international Soca Monarch (ISM) in Trinidad where received high praises from the Soca community.
Japanese Soca Artists
Minmi – First Japanese Soca Artist. (2007)
Micky Rich
Anna G
NEROMI (Japan/France)
BARBIE JAPAN – (Chutney Soca Artist)
Selector HEMO – Soca DJ
Dance
Dance and cultural diffusion has added to the reach of Soca music as many Japanese Dance and Fitness instructors teach Caribbean-inspired dance classes and workshops. While most of these are Reggae/Dancehall, Soca is increasingly being added into the rotation.
The Steel Pan
The steel pan, also known as steel drum, has gained popularity and acceptance in Japan. The instrument is made from oil drums, with its unique sound and vibrant tones have captivated Japanese audiences.
Japan has a long history of embracing various international music genres. The adoption of the steel pan reflects the Japanese interest in exploring different sounds and incorporating them into their musical landscape.
Japan saw their first national orchestra being established way back in 1995 with a 23 member Sukiyaki junior Steel Orchestra and a 23 member Sukiyaki Steel Orchestra with the help of the Amoco Renegades from Trinidad and the Tokyo based Conversation Company. Since then Japan has seen the number of Steelbands and steelpan enthusiast rise with the addition of at least 9 more bands, some of whom have gone on to perform internationally and at major Steelband competitions. These groups also showcase the versatility of the instrument by not only playing traditional Pan compositions but also incorporating the instrument into various music genres such as traditional Japanese music and have gone on to release their own singles and albums.
The steel pan has also been integrated into music education programs in some Japanese schools and universities. This inclusion allows students to learn about the instrument and its cultural origins, fostering an appreciation for Caribbean music, particularly Calypso and Soca. This can only lead to an even greater adoption and exploration of steelpan and its contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of its surrounding cultural influences.
Japanese festivals and events often feature diverse cultural elements, and the steel pan has become a part of these celebrations with the lively and festive nature of steel pan music aligning well with the atmosphere of these events.
Japanese Steelbands
Sukiyaki Steel Orchestra boasts of being the first Japanese Steelpan Orchestra having been formed in 1995.
PAN NOTE MAGIC is a Japanese Steelband formed in 2005. They were certified as a Tokyo Certified Heaven Artist in 2008, the first and only steelpan group to in Japan to do so.*
Japan’s Waiwai Steel Band has performed internationally including Miami Carnival Panorama. The band is headed by Yoichi Izawa, a pan soloist and instructor in Japan.
SONICS-TOKYO is a non-professional steel orchestra In Japan, established by Trinidadian player/arranger/teacher and producer of steelpans Mr. Michael ‘Manish’ Robinson in 1999.
The Panorama Steel Orchestra from Japan is led by Yoshihiro Harada and boasts of not only competing but placing 9th in the first ever International Panorama Competition in 2015.
Super Sonics Steel Drum Academy.
Rendezvous Steel Orchestra is headed by Director Yuki Murakami.
PANPLE Steelband is led by Captain Hidenori Okinaka.
PANLAND Steel Orchestra.
MI*SO*LA.
Collaborations between Japanese musicians and artists and those from the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, have facilitated the exchange of musical ideas and traditions over the past three decades. Recently, these birthed the widely popular Osaka Riddim as a fusion of cultural sounds T&T and Japan as well as collaborations on Soca singles such as Sha Na Na (Japanese Wine) by Minmi featuring Machel Montano. The increasing popularity of Pan as an instrument throughout the Japanese landscape is a positive avenue of cultural exchange as some Japanese Pannists now trave
