こだま和文 (Kazufumi Kodama), recognized as one of Japan's pioneering dub musicians, has been an influential figure in the Japanese reggae and dub scene. Kodama began his musical journey in the early 1980s as a trumpeter, and he eventually became a seminal member of the legendary reggae band MUTE BEAT. MUTE BEAT was instrumental in shaping the sound of Japanese dub, blending the traditional elements of reggae and dub with a distinctively Japanese sensibility.

Following MUTE BEAT's disbandment, Kodama continued to explore the dub genre, embarking on a solo career that has been marked by a commitment to experimentation and improvisation. His recent releases, such as "2 Years / 2 Years in Silence" and "cafe a la dub," reflect a mature and introspective dive into the dub soundscape, using his trumpet to create evocative melodies that resonate with tranquility and depth. Projects like "A SILENT PRAYER" and "Requiem DUB" embody his spiritual approach to music, while soundtracks such as "ピストルオペラ サウンドトラツク" (Pistol Opera Soundtrack) display his versatility and ability to tailor his sound to a narrative structure. Kodama remains a vital and innovative presence in the genre, continually pushing the boundaries of dub with his ambient, jazz-infused interpretations.