Classical Music in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

A look at the different ways classical music is enjoyed in Japan, from attending a concert to listening at home.

The History of Classical Music in Japan

Classical music has a long and storied history in Japan, dating back centuries. The genre has been beloved by Japanese people for its beauty and elegance, and has had a significant impact on the country’s music scene. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the history of classical music in Japan, from its earliest beginnings to its modern-day popularity.

Early Western Influence

During the Meiji period, Western music was introduced to Japan and quickly became popular. A number of foreign musicians were hired to perform at the Imperial Court in Tokyo, and Western-style orchestras were established at several prominent universities. Public performances of Western music were also held on a regular basis, often featuring works by well-known composers such as Johann Strauss Jr. and Frédéric Chopin.

As interest in Western music increased, so did the number of people who began studying it. A number of schools were established that taught Western music, and some Japanese musicians even traveled abroad to further their education. Among the most famous of these early students was Kanosuke Hattori, who became the first Japanese musician to perform at the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Despite its initial popularity, Western classical music began to decline in Japan during the early 20th century for a variety of reasons. The rise of other genres such as jazz and pop music, as well as World War II, all contributed to its decline. However, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in classical music in Japan, with a number of young people taking up study and performance.

The Meiji Period

The Meiji Period saw a dramatic shift in the role of classical music in Japanese society. Up until this point, classical music had been associated primarily with the elite classes, but during the Meiji era it became increasingly popular among the general population. A key factor in this change was the rise of Westernization and modernization in Japan during this period. As more and more Westerners began to visit and settle in Japan, they brought with them their own musical traditions. At the same time, Japan was also beginning to open up to the outside world after centuries of isolation, and so classical music from other countries was also becoming more accessible.

The Taishō Period

The Taishō period (1912-1926) is considered the golden age of classical music in Japan. It was during this time that a number of great Japanese composers emerged, including Akira Ifukube, Fumio Hayasaka, and Akira Nakada. These composers began to experiment with Western musical styles, incorporating them into their own traditional Japanese compositions.

During the Taishō period, Japanese composers also began to write works for Western instruments, such as the piano and violin. These works were often performed by Japanese musicians who had studied abroad in Europe or the United States. As a result, the Taishō period saw a significant increase in the number of classical music concerts and recitals in Japan.

In addition to its composers, the Taishō period also produced a number of great Japanese conductors, including Hideo Saito and Shigeo Genda. These conductors led orchestras and choirs in performances of both Western and Japanese classical music. The rise of conductor-composer Akira Ifukube during the Taishō period also helped to popularize classical music in Japan.

The Taishō period was marked by a tremendous growth in the popularity of classical music in Japan. This growth continued into the early Showa period (1926-1989), when Japanese composers such as Toshiro Mayuzumi and Joji Yuasa began to achieve international recognition.

The Post-War Period

After World War II, Western classical music was introduced to the Japanese public by way of the American occupation forces. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) began airing symphony concerts, and in 1949 the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra was founded. NHK also started broadcasting opera productions in 1950, and the first Japanese production of an opera (Madama Butterfly) was staged in 1953.

The post-war years saw a boom in the popularity of Western classical music in Japan. New orchestras were founded, including the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (1954), the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra (1959), and the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (1964). Music schools and conservatories were established, and Japanese musicians began to study abroad in increasing numbers.

In addition to symphony orchestras and operas, Western-style choral music also became popular in Japan during this period. The first professional choir, the Tokyo Bach Choir, was founded in 1951, and other amateur choirs soon followed suit. The Japan Federation of Choral Music was established in 1957, and holds an annual national choral competition.

The Different Types of Classical Music in Japan

Classical music in Japan has a long and storied history, with different types of music having emerged over the centuries. In the West, classical music is often thought of as being synonymous with Western art music, but in Japan, the term classical music encompasses a much wider range of styles. From traditional Japanese court music to Western-influenced classical music, there is a rich variety of classical music to be found in Japan.

Traditional Japanese Classical Music

Traditional Japanese classical music is called gagaku. It is a very old style of music, with the first recorded gagaku pieces dating back to the 7th century. Gagaku is court music, and was originally performed by court musicians for the imperial family and their guests. The music was designed to be calming and relaxing, and it has a very peaceful, meditative quality.

Gagaku instruments include the flute, reed instruments (such as the shakuhachi and fue), string instruments (such as the biwa and koto), percussion instruments (such as tsuzumi drums), and gongs.

There are three main types of gagaku: hiraga (“common” or “plain”), heiho (“military” or “martial”), and kangen (“religious” or “ceremonial”). Hiraga is the most common type of gagaku, and it includes a wide variety of musical styles from different regions of Japan. Heiho pieces are characterized by their military marching rhythms, while kangen pieces have a more mystical quality and are often performed at Shinto shrines.

Western Classical Music

Western classical music, which has long been popular in Japan, encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, from the Renaissance to the present day. Although it is often seen as a purely Western phenomenon, Western classical music actually has a significant presence in Japan.

The first recorded instance of Western classical music in Japan dates back to 1853, when an American naval band performed for the opening of the Yokohama port. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Western music began to be taught in Japanese schools and conservatories, and Japanese composers started to incorporate Western elements into their own work. Today, Western classical music is performed and enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan.

There are four main genres of Western classical music: sacred vocal music, secular vocal music, instrumental music, and electronic music. Sacred vocal music includes works such as oratorios and motets, while secular vocal music includes works such as art songs and operas. Instrumental music encompasses a wide range of genres, from solo works to symphonies. Electronic music is a relatively new genre that includes works made with synthesizers and other electronic instruments.

Contemporary Classical Music

Contemporary classical music in Japan is often inspired by the country’s traditional music, but it also incorporates Western influences. This type of music often features a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, and it often has a more modern feel than traditional classical music. Some well-known contemporary classical musicians in Japan include Mamoru Fujieda, Masataka Matsutoya, and Toshi Ichiyanagi.

The Popularity of Classical Music in Japan

Classical music has long been popular in Japan, with a history dating back to the Meiji period.During this time, many Western musicians were invited to come to Japan and perform for the Japanese people. As a result, classical music became increasingly popular and began to be taught in schools and universities.

Classical Music Festivals

Japan is renowned for its myriad classical music festivals, which take place throughout the year in both rural and urban areas. The nation’s most popular festival is the biennial Suntory Hall International Music Festival, which features world-renowned orchestras and soloists performing a mix of standard repertoire and contemporary works. Other notable festivals include the Tokyo International Music Competition, the Kirishima International Music Festival, and the Sapporo Snow Festival, which features a wide range of classical and popular music concerts.

Classical Music Education

Education in Japan has a long history. In the early part of the 20th century, the Japanese government began to place emphasis on the importance of education, and classical music education was no exception. As a result, many schools and conservatories were established across the country, and classical music became an important part of the curriculum.

Today, there are a number of renowned orchestras and soloists in Japan, and the popularity of classical music is on the rise. More and more people are attending concerts and purchasing recordings. In addition, a growing number of young people are taking up instruments and studying music.

There are several reasons for the resurgence of interest in classical music in Japan. One is the increasing availability of quality recordings and concerts. In recent years, world-renowned orchestras and soloists have been performing in Japan more frequently, and many of these performances are being recorded and released on CD. This has made it easier for people to enjoy classical music without having to travel to live concerts.

Another reason for the popularity of classical music in Japan is the increasing number of young people taking up instruments and studying music. In recent years, there has been a growing trend among young people to study classical instruments such as piano, violin, and cello. This is due in part to the increased availability of quality instruction, as well as the influence of celebrities who play classical instruments.

Whatever the reasons for its popularity, classical music is sure to continue to be an important part of Japanese culture for many years to come.

Listening to Classical Music

In Japan, people of all ages listen to classical music, both Western and Eastern. There are several ways to enjoy classical music in Japan. One way is to go to a concert. The best-known orchestras in Japan are the NHK Symphony Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Other orchestras include the Osaka Symphony Orchestra, the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, and the New Japan Philharmonic.

You can also listen to classical music on the radio or on CDs. Some Japanese radio stations broadcast nothing but classical music 24 hours a day. In addition, there are several Japanese TV channels that feature concerts and other programs about classical music.

Another way to enjoy classical music is to go to an opera or a ballet. The best-known opera house in Japan is the New National Theatre in Tokyo. Other well-known opera houses include the Tokyo Metropolitan Opera House and the Osaka Opera House.

If you want to learn more about classical music, there are several schools that offer classes for both children and adults. In addition, many museums in Japan have exhibits on classical music and its history.

The Future of Classical Music in Japan

Despite a decline in recent years, classical music still has a place in Japanese culture. The music has been around for centuries and has undergone several changes. It is still possible to find classical music concerts in Japan, and the music is still enjoyed by many people.

The Rising Popularity of Classical Music

In recent years, classical music has become increasingly popular in Japan, with more and more people attending concerts and purchasing CDs and DVDs. There are several possible explanations for this trend, including the growing number of foreign visitors to Japan who are interested in classical music, and the increasing popularity of movies and TV shows that feature classical music.

One of the most important factors in the rising popularity of classical music in Japan is the increasing number of young people who are taking an interest in the genre. In the past, classical music was often seen as being stuffy and old-fashioned, but today’s young people are increasingly open to new experiences and are attracted to the beauty and depth of classical music.

Another factor that has played a role in the increasing popularity of classical music in Japan is the growing number of Japanese musicians who are making a name for themselves on the international stage. Violinist Sayaka Shoji, for example, has been praised for her performances with leading orchestras around the world, while pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii has won numerous competitions and earned critical acclaim for his recordings.

With more young people taking an interest in classical music and more Japanese musicians making a name for themselves internationally, it is likely that the popularity of classical music will continue to grow in Japan in the years to come.

The Decline of Traditional Japanese Classical Music

Despite its long history, traditional Japanese classical music is in decline. A number of factors have contributed to this, including the increasing popularity of Western music, the declining interest of young people in traditional Japanese music, and the general decline of the popularity of classical music in Japan.

This is not to say that traditional Japanese music is completely disappearing. There are still a number of traditional musicians and ensembles who perform and keep the music alive. However, it is clear that the future of traditional Japanese classical music is uncertain.

The Growth of Contemporary Classical Music

In recent years, contemporary classical music has been on the rise in Japan. This genre is a combination of classical and modern music, and many young people are drawn to its unique sound.

There are now a number of contemporary classical ensembles in Japan, such as the Tokyo Contemporary Music Ensemble and the Osaka Contemporary Music Ensemble. These groups often perform at music festivals and other events, and their popularity is growing.

In addition to ensembles, there are also a number of solo artists who perform contemporary classical music in Japan. Pianist Tomoko Matsui is one of the most well-known performers, and she has released several albums of her original compositions. Other notable solo artists include cellist Maya Tanaka and violinist Ayane Kozakai.

It is clear that contemporary classical music is gaining popularity in Japan. This genre offers a fresh sound that is appealing to young people, and it is likely that its popularity will continue to grow in the years to come.