Caribbean carnival is a global phenomenon that reaches all parts of the world, including Japan. The island nation may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of carnival, but it has a growing community of Caribbean people and soca lovers who are eager to share their culture and music with the locals and visitors alike.

Soca in Japan is a platform that organizes events and festivals to promote soca music and Caribbean culture in Japan. Founded by Kegon Touissant, a Trinidadian who moved to Japan in 2012, Soca in Japan aims to create a bridge between the two cultures and bring joy and excitement to the people.

In September 2023, Soca in Japan hosted its inaugural weekend celebration, which included fêtes around Tokyo and even a traditional “pretty mas” Caribbean carnival, complete with vibrant costumes and all the traditional regalia. Nearly 200 travelers from various parts of Japan as well as New York, Atlanta, Paris, Los Angeles and beyond traveled to the electric streets of Tokyo and verdant countryside to celebrate Caribbean culture.

The weekend kicked off with Soca Magic, an evening fête that featured a DJ lineup including LA-based DJ Willy Wonka and DJ Daiky. The cosplay themed party was full of characters, and the dance floor came alive with people dressed in costumes, singing in unison to soca classics.

The next day, it was time to get “dutty”. Unlike the Caribbean tradition of waking up before the sun, Soca in Japan’s J’ouvert kicked off in the early afternoon with crowds gathering on a grassy field outside of Tokyo. There, they were greeted by trucks blasting soca music and vendors selling paint, powder and water guns. The revelers then proceeded to cover themselves and each other with colorful substances, while dancing and jumping to the infectious beats.

The highlight of the weekend was the Japan Caribbean Carnival (JCC), which took place on Sunday in Shibuya, one of the busiest and most popular districts in Tokyo. The JCC was the first of its kind in Japan, and featured over 100 masqueraders wearing elaborate costumes designed by local and international designers. The parade started from Shibuya Crossing, one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo, and made its way through the streets, attracting the attention and curiosity of thousands of spectators. The masqueraders were accompanied by trucks playing soca music from various islands, such as Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and more. The parade ended at a stage where acclaimed soca artists such as Nailah Blackman, Jadel and Mical Teja performed their hits and hyped up the crowd.

The JCC was a historic moment for soca music and Caribbean culture in Japan, as it showcased the diversity and beauty of the region to a new audience. It also demonstrated the power of soca music to unite people from different backgrounds and create a sense of community and belonging.

Soca in Japan plans to continue hosting events and festivals throughout the year, as well as expanding its reach to other cities and regions in Japan. Touissant hopes that Soca in Japan will inspire more people to learn about and appreciate soca music and Caribbean culture, as well as encourage more collaboration and exchange between the two cultures.

Soca in Japan is more than just a platform for entertainment; it is a movement for cultural awareness and appreciation. As Touissant says, “Soca in Japan is not just about bringing soca to Japan; it’s about bringing Japan to soca.”