THE BAND
The group emerged following Time Capsule’s 2024 compilation Tokyo Riddim, a deep-digging collection of long-lost Japanese reggae tracks that drew acclaim from Gilles Peterson, Pitchfork, NTS, The Wire, and BBC 6 Music. The compilation also sparked a band built to evolve it.
Led by the inimitable Izumi “Mimi” Kobayashi, composer, pianist, and contributor to the original Tokyo Riddim, the band is fronted by three generations of Japanese women musicians. A razor-sharp London rhythm section holds down the groove: reggae drums, City Pop guitar, and rolling basslines, all dubbed-out live on stage by producer Kay Suzuki.
They’ve already sold out headline shows and supported Kyoto Jazz Massive at the legendary Jazz Cafe, quickly becoming one of London’s must-see live acts.
In the studio, they collaborate with Prince Fatty, one of the most trusted producers and engineers in the international reggae scene. Known for his rich, analog sound and deep understanding of dub tradition, he brings weight, warmth, and unmistakable character to every mix.
Together, they’ve crafted a series of 7” singles, reworking rare Japanese cuts into bold, future-facing dub versions.
RELEASES
Denshi Lenzi / Denshi Dub
TIME701
The band’s reinvention of the Natural Mystic riddim in ‘Denshi Lenzi’ injects new life into the original Japanese production. With dubbed-out vocals, sirens, and electrifying e-tom sounds, the track delivers an authentic reggae/dub experience infused with a distinct UK flair.
Canoe Boy / Canoe Dub
TIME702
A hypnotic Japanese new wave reggae track. Originally penned by Japanese punk rock pioneer PANTA in 1980 for Tomoko Kuwae’s album, this gem makes its single debut now. Dubby and funky, Tokyo Riddim Band’s rendition, enhanced by Prince Fatty’s dubwise touch, features siren machines, extended solos, and a groovy outro.
Lazy Love / Lazy Dub
TIME703
Izumi “Mimi” Kobayashi breathing new life into a song she originally penned in 1981. First featured on Mimi’s Coconuts High LP, the track retains the romantic charm of the original, whilst the tasteful performances of Tokyo Riddim Band and Ras Tavaris combined with Prince Fatty’s studio magic give the song a newfound depth.
MEMBERS
Izumi “Mimi” Kobayashi
Legendary composer, producer, and keyboardist behind a string of cult Japanese jazz-funk records and one of the country’s most iconic anime themes. Based in London since 1984, she now leads the acclaimed Sudanese fusion group The Scorpios.
Megumi Mesaku
Celebrated Japanese saxophonist whose fiery, theatrical playing has become a show-stealer in its own right. A longtime collaborator with legends like Jah Shaka, The Skatalites, and Ska Cubano, she plays the saxophone like Jimi Hendrix played guitar.
Ayana
A rising vocalist from Tokyo, trained in jazz and now based in London, where she also studies Indian classical singing at SOAS. She’s the lead voice of Indo-Japanese fusion project Sound Anthropology and a founding member of party crew Jazzy Sport London.
Marley Drummond
A rock-solid Rasta drummer with deep roots in Jamaican music. The great nephew of The Skatalites legend Don Drummond, he brings fluid timing and unmistakable presence.
Nathan Dawkins
A Tomorrow’s Warriors alumnus and London-born bass prodigy known for his tight, infectious grooves. His style is rooted in soul, jazz, and reggae, giving the band a warm and driving foundation.
Euan McGinty
Half-Japanese, half-English guitarist with a love for the smooth phrasing and clean tones of City Pop. His melodic style brings a vintage edge that fits seamlessly into the band’s rhythmic framework.
Kay Suzuki
Producer, live mix engineer, and musical director. He sculpts the band’s sound in real time, using echo, reverb, and FX to turn each performance into an immersive sonic journey.
LIVE
PAST PERFORMANCES
PHOTOS
POSTERS
2026
8 AUG
Houghton Festival
Festival
26 JUL
Tokyo Riddim Sunday
With The Swans and Nina Yamada
The Fox & Firkin
11 JAN
Tokyo Riddim Sunday
Bohemia Cafe
8 & 10 JAN
Hayy Matsuri
Art Jameel
2025
4 OCT
L’Été Indien aux Nefs
Nippon Rhythm Weekender
Les Nefs
6 SEP
Basket of Light
Festival
19 JUL
Uramatsuri
Also appearing: Haruomi Hosono and Frank Chickens
Southbank Centre
2024
29 NOV
Tokyo Riddim Night
With Millie McKee
The Fox & Firkin
1 SEP
Tokyo Riddim Sunday
With Prince Fatty, Horseman and Coco Maria
The Baths
12 JUL
Tokyo Riddim Night
With Cedric Woo and Donna Leake
The Fox & Firkin
25 MAR
Kyoto Jazz Massive Live
supporting front act for Kyoto Jazz Massive
Jazz Cafe
16 FEB
Tokyo Riddim
With Josh Beauchamp and Jazzy Sport London
The Jago
2023
20 OCT
Tokyo Riddim
With Jazzy Sport London
The Fox & Firkin