Passa Passa Japanese Style

Passa Passa is well known in Jamaica and has spread to other parts of the Caribbean and North America. But many of us knew little of its popularity in Japan. It may not be known under the classical term “Passa Passa but the same dancehall party culture is popular in many parts of Japan.

Finding the right pose

Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer and other reggae greats brought reggae to Japan. The early 1990’s saw an increase in the popularity of the more hardcore genre dancehall. With this increase in popularity came the birth of several nightclubs across Tokyo and other major cities. Each year, throngs of Japanese men and women journey to Reggae Sunsplash and Sumfest as they sought to experience the true reggae feeling.

Those who witnessed the reggae culture brought back home their own interpretation of dancehall. Japanese diehards consider as the trendsetters, quickly developed their own brand of dancehall. In the late 1990’s the number of reggae dancehall events had increased significantly.

The events took on a mythical feel, sometimes outdoing similar events in Jamaica. Soon after, style and fashion became an important part of these events. Reggae dancers came out in their numbers to showcase the latest moves. Women wore clothing typical of Jamaican “batty rider” exposing some of the most valuable parts to nature. By 2004, Japan had its own version of Passa Passa backed by dancehall dvds and dub plate tunes voiced over by Japanese DJs.

Today, Japan has developed its own version of Passa Passa. On most weekends you attend one of the many Passa Passa Events in Tokyo or one of the major cities in Japan.

Welcome to Passa Passa Japanese Style