Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

Japan’s Rasta tribes gather to show respect to patron saint Bob Marley and Jamaica, the font of their culture, at the annual One Love Jamaica Festival. The organizers are spicing up this year’s event with the Japan trials of the World Reggae Dance Championship, where Japan’s hip-swiveling dancehall honeys will be vying to represent their country on the world stage. A Bob Marley songfest where Japa-rastas pay tribute to The King is always part of the festivities, but this year also offers some authentic talent from Jamaica in the form of Trilla U and John Lucas. An official after-party will go into the small hours at DIX Lounge between Roppongi and Azabu-Juban on Saturday night.

Event Square bandstand and Yoyogi Park, May 18-19.