Japanese Folk Music with a Swing

Traditional Japanese folk music with a swing. Popular songs from the Edo period played on the koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi.

Introduction

Japanese folk music with a swing is a type of folk music that has been influenced by jazz and blues. It is typically played on the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, and often uses a 12-bar blues progression. This type of music was popularized in the Taishō period (1912-1926) and continues to be enjoyed by many Japanese people today.

The Origins of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is a genre of music that is unique to the country of Japan. The music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments and its focus on the natural world. Japanese folk music has its origins in the music of the country’s ancient people, the Ainu.

The Development of Folk Music in Japan

The history of folk music in Japan is long and complicated, spanning thousands of years and playing an important role in the country’s culture. The earliest folk music was probably brought to Japan by immigrants from other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. Over time, the music began to evolve and develop its own unique sound, influenced by the local climate and geography.

One of the most important aspects of Japanese folk music is its vocal style. Unlike Western music, which often relies on instruments to carry the melody, Japanese folk music often features complex vocal arrangements with multiple layers of harmony. This style of singing is known as “uta,” and it is an important part of many traditional Japanese songs.

In addition to its distinctive vocal style, another defining characteristic of Japanese folk music is its use of unusual instruments. One of the most commonly used instruments is the shamisen, a three-stringed lute that dates back to the 16th century. Other popular instruments include the koto (a kind of zither), taiko drums, and flutes.

As Japan began to modernize in the late 19th century, its traditional folk music began to change as well. Western musical influences began to seep in, resulting in a new genre known as “kajyoshi” (“modernized folk music”). This new style incorporated elements of Western popular music, such as blues and jazz, into traditional Japanese songs.

During the 1940s and ’50s, yet another new genre emerged: “min’yo,” or “people’s songs.” This type of music was more directly influenced by Western pop than kajyoshi; it featured electric guitars and other Western instruments, as well as English lyrics. Min’yo artists were particularly popular among young people during this time period.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Japanese folk music, both within Japan and abroad. A number of contemporary artists have begun incorporating elements of folk music into their work, resulting in a unique fusion of old and new.

The Spread of Folk Music in Japan

Japan is a country with a very long and rich musical history. For centuries, the music of Japan was strictly ceremonial and religious in nature. But by the medieval period, a new type of music called gagaku had begun to develop. Gagaku was a courtly music that combined elements of Chinese and Korean music. It was often accompanied by dance, and it became very popular at the Japanese imperial court.

During the Edo period (1603-1867), gagaku continued to be popular at the court, but a new type of folk music also began to develop. This music was called min’yo, and it was sung by the common people. Min’yo was usually accompanied bySamisen (a three-stringed plucked instrument) or Shamisen (a four-stringed plucked instrument).

Min’yo continued to be popular during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan began to modernize. But by the early twentieth century, min’yo had fallen out of favor with the government, which saw it as a symbol of feudalism. The government began to promote Western music instead.

Fortunately, min’yo survived thanks to the efforts of folklorists like Kocho Seta and Yanagi Soetsu. They collected and preserved hundreds of min’yo songs from all over Japan. In the 1950s, these songs were popularized by Japanese Folk Musicians like Hachidaishi Ikuei and Yamamoto Hideo . Today, min’yo is once again enjoyed by people all over Japan.

The Characteristics of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is known for its use of pentatonic scales and its relaxed, swung feel. The Music of Japan has a long history, dating back to the prehistoric period. Japanese folk music is typically associated with the country’s rural communities.

The Melodies of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music (min’yō, mingei) is music originating from Japan. The term typically refers to pieces which were created during the Edo period or earlier. Folk music existed long before this in various forms such as tribal music, work songs, children’s songs and ballads. Folk melodies were later collected and RTK 6 used by many famous composers such as Hayashi Hiromori, Houzan Yamamoto and Shotetsu Watanabe.

Takasago no Uta is one of the most well-known folk songs in Japan. It is believed to date back to the Heian period, making it one of the oldest Japanese folk songs still in existence. The melody is thought to have originated from China or Korea, and was brought over to Japan by way of the ocean trade routes. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who are parted by death but are reunited in the afterlife.

Sakura Sakura is another popular folk song which dates back to the Edo period. The melody is based on a Chinese folk song, but the lyrics are entirely Japanese. Sakura Sakura is traditionally sung in the springtime, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The lyrics describe the beauty of cherry blossoms and how they bring joy to those who see them.

Japanese folk music often has a very distinct sound which differentiates it from other types of music from around the world. One of the most noticeable characteristics is its use of pentatonic scales. These scales give Japanese folk music a very unique sound which is instantly recognizable. Other characteristics include its swung rhythms and its use of non- traditional instruments such as the shamisen and koto.

The Instruments of Japanese Folk Music

A wide variety of folk instruments are used in Japanese folk music, many of which are unique to the country. Traditional Japanese instruments can be broadly classified as belonging to either the stringed instrument family or the percussion instrument family.

The stringed instrument family includes the koto, a 13-string zither played with picks; the shamisen, a three-string lute; and the biwa, a four-string lute. The shinobue is a flute traditionally used in folk music, while the fue is a type of recorder.

The percussion instrument family includes the taiko, a large drum played with sticks; the mbira, or thumb piano; and the ocarina. Various types of gongs (called suzu in Japanese) are also used, as well as bells and cymbals.

The Influence of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music has been around for centuries, and it has had a significant influence on the music of other cultures. For example, Japanese folk music has been credited with influencing the development of blues music in the United States. Japanese folk music is also known for its use of unique instruments, such as the shamisen and the koto.

The Influence of Japanese Folk Music on Other Genres

Japanese folk music has had a significant influence on a wide range of other musical genres. Perhaps the most well-known example is the use of the shamisen, a three-stringed lute, in jazz. A number of famous jazz musicians, including Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery, have used the shamisen in their recordings. Japanese folk music has also been used as inspiration for works in classical music and film scores.

The Influence of Japanese Folk Music on Popular Culture

Japanese folk music has played a significant role in the development of popular music in Japan. The various folk styles that exist in Japan have been adapted and incorporated into popular music, resulting in a unique hybrid form that has become known as J-folk or Japanese folk music.

The most obvious influence of Japanese folk music can be heard in the work of renowned composer and musician, Joel Cohen. Cohen has been credited with bringing Japanese folk music to the attention of the Western world through his work with the Kronos Quartet. Cohen has arrangements of traditional Japanese folk songs for the Kronos Quartet which have been recorded and released on albums such as “Nara” (2005) and “From Nara with Love” (2007).

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Japanese folk music, both within Japan and overseas. This has been due in part to the success of “Enka” singer, Ken Hirai. Hirai’s hits such as “Pop Star” (2006) and “Kimi no Na Wa” (2011) have brought renewed interest in the genre amongst younger listeners.

Outside of Japan, the influence of Japanese folk music can be heard in the work of a number artists including American singer-songwriter, Beck. Beck’s song “Country Down” (2002) samples the traditional Japanese folk song “Awa Odori”, while his song “Scarecrow” (2008) is based on the Pentatonic scale which is commonly used in Japanese folk music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japanese folk music with a swing is a great way to enjoy the traditional music of Japan while also getting a workout. This type of music is perfect for any fitness level, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re looking for a workout that’s both fun and challenging, give Japanese folk music with a swing a try.