Japanese Folk Music to Add to Your Playlist

If you’re looking for some new and interesting music to add to your playlist, you should check out Japanese folk music! In this blog post, we’ll recommend some of our favorite tracks.

Introduction to Japanese Folk Music

In recent years, Japanese folk music has been gaining popularity outside of Japan. This music genre is known for its use of traditional instruments and for its soothing and relaxing melodies. If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist, Japanese folk music is definitely worth checking out.

What is Japanese Folk Music?

Japanese Folk Music is music that dates back to the Edo period in Japan. It is often played on the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, and sometimes on the koto, a thirteen-stringed zither. The music was traditionally used for storytelling, and sometimes for religious ceremonies. It has a wide range of styles, from upbeat and lively to slow and meditative.

The best-known type of Japanese Folk Music is probably min’yō, which means “people’s music.” This category includes folk songs from all over Japan, including the Ainu people of Hokkaido and the Ryukyuan people of Okinawa. Another popular style is enka, which are sentimental ballads usually sung by women. These songs often tell stories of love and loss, and they often use traditional instruments like the shamisen and koto.

If you’re interested in learning more about Japanese Folk Music, there are plenty of resources available online. You can find streaming radio stations, YouTube channels, and even online courses that will teach you about the history and culture behind this fascinating genre of music.

The History of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music (Minyō) is music that developed in various places in Japan. In a nutshell, folk music refers to the music of the people, and minyō specifically refers to the music of the Japanese people. It is said that minyō has been passed down for about 1,300 years. Japanese folk songs sometimes reflect the joy and sorrow of daily life, and sometimes even have a political message.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), there was a significant amount of cultural exchange between Japan and other countries due to trade. As a result, various genres of music from other countries were introduced to Japan, which had a significant impact on the development of minyō. For example, shamisen music from Okinawa was introduced to mainland Japan and eventually led to the development of Tsugaru-jamisen, which is a type of folk music from Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku region.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Japanese folk music both inside and outside of Japan. It is not uncommon to see young people playing instruments such as the shamisen or the koto at Japanese folk music events. If you’re interested in learning more about this genre of music, we recommend checking out some of the following artists:

-Yoshida Brothers: This group consists of two brothers who play the shamisen. They are considered to be one of the most popular and influential minyō groups in recent years.
-Kodo: This taiko drumming group was founded in 1981 and has been touring internationally since 1987. They are based on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture.
-Hachidan Ushio No Kai: This is a group that plays traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto and shakuhachi. They are based in Tokyo but often give performances around Japan.

The Different Types of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is a genre that is rich in history and tradition. There are many different types of folk music, from traditional songs to modern ballads. This article will introduce you to the different types of Japanese folk music and give you some recommendations of songs to add to your playlist.

Min’yo

Min’yo is a type of Japanese folk music that is often characterized by its lyrics, which are typically based on everyday life and love. The music is often upbeat and cheerful, and it often features traditional instruments such as the shamisen (three-stringed lute) and the koto (13-stringed zither).

Enka

Enka is a very popular type of Japanese folk music that has been around since the Meiji Period. It is characterized by its sentimental lyrics and yearning melodies, which often tell stories of love and loss. Enka singers usually dress in traditional Japanese clothing, and the music is often accompanying by the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument).

Enka was traditionally sung by female singers, but in recent years, male singers have become more popular. Some of the most famous enka singers include Hibari Misora, Junko Ohashi, and Matsuyama Keiko.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and emotional type of music to add to your playlist, then be sure to check out some enka!

Kayokyoku

Kayokyoku is a type of popular music that developed in Japan in the 1920s. It is a fusion of traditional Japanese music with Western influences, such as blues and jazz. This genre became very popular in the postwar period, and many famous Japanese musicians, such as Yoko Ono and George Tokoro, got their start in kayokyoku.

In recent years, kayokyoku has experienced a renaissance in popularity, thanks in part to its nostalgic appeal. Many modern kayokyoku artists are incorporating elements of electronic music and hip-hop into their sound, giving the genre a fresh twist.

The Instruments Used in Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music often uses a wide range of traditional instruments. These instruments give the music its unique sound. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used instruments in Japanese folk music.

Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument. It is played with a pick, or plectrum, and is used in a wide range of Japanese music genres, including folk and traditional theatre. The shamisen originated in China and was introduced to Japan in the 16th century. It quickly became popular, particularly among the working classes.

The body of the shamisen is made from wood, usually Paulownia or Cypress, and the strings are made from silk or nylon. The instrument can be tuned to a variety of different scales, depending on the genre of music being played. The most common tuning is known as “honchoshi”, which uses the notes re (C), mi (E) and la (G).

The shamisen is an incredibly versatile instrument, capable of being used for both solo and ensemble performances. It has a wide range of dynamics and can be used to create both calm and lively tunes.

Taiko

The taiko is a Japanese drum that comes in various sizes and is used in a wide range of musical genres. It is often used in folk music, but can also be found in traditional and popular music. The taiko is usually played with two wooden sticks, but can also be played with bare hands.

The biggest difference between the taiko and other drums is its size; the taiko can be as big as 1.8 meters (6 feet) in diameter. It is also generally played with two sticks, which allows for a wider range of sounds and rhythms. The taiko has a deep, resonant sound that can fill a large space, making it ideal for outdoor performances.

Koto

The koto is a 13-stringed, zither-like instrument, and is the national instrument of Japan. The koto was originally introduced to Japan from China in the 7th and 8th centuries. It was originally called the ware, but eventually came to be known as the koto because of its resemblance to a Chinese zither known as the guqin.

The koto has a flat wooden body with 13 silk strings stretched over 13 movable bridges. The bridges are positioned so that when the strings are plucked they produce harmonious notes. The koto is played while seated on the floor with the instrument balanced on the thighs. The player uses picks mounted on small pieces of bamboo to pluck the strings.

The Popularity of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music has been gaining popularity in recent years. This type of music is typically based on the culture and traditions of the Japanese people. It is oftenplayed on traditional instruments, such as the shamisen and the koto. Japanese folk music can be a great way to relax and enjoy your day.

The Rise in Popularity of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music (Min’yō) is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, both in Japan and abroad. This traditional genre of music, which dates back centuries, has undergone a revival in recent years thanks to a new generation of musicians who are bringing a fresh sound to the music.

For many years, Japanese folk music was seen as being old-fashioned and out of touch with modern times. However, there has been a renewed interest in the genre in recent years, with young people particularly gravitating towards it. This has led to a boom in the production of folk music albums and concerts, both in Japan and overseas.

One of the main reasons for the renewed interest in Japanese folk music is the growing number of people who are interested in traditional Japanese culture. In an increasingly globalized world, there is a desire for something that feels authentic and rooted in history. Japanese folk music offers this sense of authenticity and connection to the past.

Another reason for the popularity of Japanese folk music is its inherent catchy melodies and infectious rhythms. The music is easy to listen to and enjoy, even for those who are not familiar with it. It is also possible to dance to most folk songs, which further adds to their appeal.

If you are looking for something new to add to your musical repertoire, then consider giving Japanese folk music a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

The Future of Japanese Folk Music

With the advent of the internet, Japanese folk music has been given a new platform on which to grow and prosper. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Japanese music, with a focus on folk and acoustic styles. This has led to the rise of a new generation of folk musicians, who are bringing the music of their ancestors into the modern age.

What does the future hold for Japanese folk music? It is difficult to say for sure. However, given the current trends, it seems likely that folk music will continue to grow in popularity, both in Japan and around the world. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Japanese folk music has something to offer everyone. So be sure to give it a listen – you might just find yourself falling in love with it.