Hasani Walters, STAR Writer

Artistes on the set of 'Starting Over'. - Contributed

'Starting Over' and 'Matsushima' are the latest efforts by Japanese natives living in Jamaica, Jun Tochino and Yumiko 'Yumi' Gabe, to aid in disaster relief funds for victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The two who are well-known in the Jamaican music industry approached several artistes with the idea to do a song of which the proceeds will go to the relief fund and they said many of reggae's great legends stepped up right away to lend their talent and names to the worthy cause.

"Me and Jun, we were thinking what we can do because we are so far from Japan. We are involved in reggae music a lot here, so we a use music to help," Yumi told the STAR.

Starting Over, which has a ska flavour, was written by international reggae artistes Triston Palmer, Luciano and features them along with several popular veteran reggae acts such as Bunny Wailer, Carl Dawkins, Coco Tea, John Holt, Josey Wales, Junior Reid, Half Pint, Ken Boothe, Little John, Marcia Griffiths, Pinchers, Tabby Diamond, U-Roy, Yellowman, Fiona Robinson-Sterling, Nicole Bud and Althea Layne-Hamilton.

Star Creation Music, Roaring Lion Studio, Grafton Studio and Tuff Gong Studio are the studios which were used to complete the tracks.

According to Yumi, Matsushima is more of an instrumental (rhythm) inspired by the Japanese folk song and place of the same name. It was done by saxophonist Dean Fraser with vocals being added by Japanese artistes Nao-san and Mr Bon.

Yumi said the songs should be available on iTunes by the end of the week.

A video for Starting Over was also done last week by Hiroki Sugino, Shinya Miyazaki and others of High Rock Film from Japan, who were in Jamaica doing a documentary about Rastafarians.

All the proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross.

"We helping in two ways, financially and mentally by inspiring them. We really appreciate the musicians for coming together to help," said Yumi.

The two also recently teamed with Junior Reid to host Japanese Thursdays at his Eastwood Park Road nightclub.

Luciano is busy penning the song.