The Stone Love 50th Anniversary Dance Party, held last Saturday (December 17) at the Sabina Park parking lot, attracted the support of Chef Kazumi ‘Taka’ Utoguchi, the founder and head chef of East Japanese Restaurant, who is a known diehard supporter of the Stone Love Movement.

The chef first met Stone Love through mixtapes that were available in Japan and immediately became a fan of the movement.

“The Stone Love Movement has a global effect when it comes to music. The movement continues to inspire many people in Japan,” shared Taka.

“The sound system culture in Jamaica was something I found quite fantastic and it drew me closer to the country, as it introduced me to reggae and dancehall,” Utoguchi continued.

Utoguchi said: “Since leaving my home country Japan, I have been living in Jamaica for 21 years. Stone Love Sound was one of the main things that brought me here.”

Party patrons were seen leaving the event filled with laughter and smiles after a night of grand celebration. Many Stone Love fans came out in their best dressed, filled with glitter and glamour.

“Seeing how happy Stone Love supporters enter the dance and leave the dance, over the many years of attending the event, has inspired me to start my weekly Friday night Jam at my restaurant. I simply wish to continuously support Jamaican music,” Taka said.

To show his appreciation to the Stone Love Movement, Taka honoured founder Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell with a plaque congratulating him on his 50th anniversary and thanking him for inspiring not only the chef but people from all across the world.

“I will forever support the Stone Love Movement. It has become a part of me. I love Jamaican music and I love the Jamaican people,” said the head chef.