Japanese Folk Music: An Introduction

Japanese folk music is rich and varied, with regional styles that reflect the history and traditions of each area. In this post, we’ll give you a quick introduction to some of the most popular types of Japanese folk music.

What is Japanese Folk Music?

Japanese Folk Music is a genre of music that dates back to the early 1900s. It is a blend of traditional Japanese music with Western influences. Japanese Folk Music is usually played on the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument. The music is often upbeat and lively, and often tells a story.

The Instruments of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese Folk Music is generally characterized by its use of traditional Japanese instruments. These include the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), the koto (a 13-stringed zither), the shakuhachi (a flute), and the taiko (a drum).

The shamisen is perhaps the most iconic of all Japanese Folk instruments, and is said to date back to the 16th century. It is typically played with a picks known as ‘bachi’, and has a distinctively bright and resonant sound. The koto, meanwhile, is a much older instrument, first mentioned in Japanese poetry from the 7th century. It is played with light picks known as ‘ji-p plucking’, and has a mellower, more meditative sound.

The shakuhachi, meanwhile, is a bamboo flute which was originally used by Zen Buddhist monks for meditation. It has a distinctive nasal quality, and is often used in folk music to add atmosphere or provide accompaniment. Finally, the taiko is a type of drum which comes in various sizes and can be either handheld or mounted on a stand. It is usually played with two sticks, and has a powerful, resonant sound which can be both exhilarating and relaxing.

Japanese Folk Music often makes use of all four of these instruments together to create a rich and varied soundscape. Each instrument brings its own unique character to the music, and together they create an unforgettable experience.

The History of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music has a long and rich history. Dating back centuries, it has its roots in the music of the country’s earliest inhabitants. Over time, it has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Chinese and Korean music. Japanese folk music is often divided into two main categories: min’yō and hōgaku.

Min’yō is a type of folk music that originally developed in the rural regions of Japan. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), as well as its focus on vocal performance. Min’yō songs often tell stories about the lives of everyday people, as well as legends and folklore.

Hōgaku, on the other hand, is a type of classical Japanese music that developed in the urban areas of the country. It is distinguished by its use of instruments from China and Korea, such as the koto (a 13-stringed zither) and the biwa (a four-stringed lute). Hōgaku also tends to be more formal than min’yō, with compositions often being performed by professional musicians in concert halls or temples.

Today, Japanese folk music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world. While some traditionalists may prefer to stick to the older, more authentic styles of min’yō and hōgaku, others have modernized the genres by incorporating elements from other types of music, such as pop and rock. No matter what your taste in music is, there’s sure to be a type of Japanese folk song that you’ll enjoy!

The Different Types of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is a genre of music that is original to the country of Japan. This type of music is typically characterized by its use of traditional instruments and its focus on the stories and folklore of the Japanese people. There are many different types of Japanese folk music, each with its own unique history and sound.

Min’yō

Min’yō is a type of Japanese folk music that originated in the Edo period. It is often accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, koto, and shakuhachi. Min’yō songs are typically about everyday life, love, and nature.

Enka

Enka is a popular Japanese music genre considered to resemble traditional Japanese music stylistically. Modern enka, however, is a relatively recent musical development, with its roots in the Meiji period (1868-1912). Enka songs are typically ballads that express sentiments of love and loss, similar to popular western songs of the early 20th century.

Enka lyrics often tell tragic stories of love and loss, set against a backdrop of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko drums. The music is traditionally characterized by a slow tempo and heavy use of vibrato and melisma.

Enka singers often wear kimono or other traditional Japanese clothing while performing, and lyrics are typically written in a dialect of Japanese known as Osaka-ben.

Kayōkyoku

Kayōkyoku, which means “popular song”, is a type of 20th century Japanese music that was strongly influenced by Western pop music. It is characterized by its catchy melodies and simple harmonies. Early kayōkyoku songs were often adapted from Western pop songs, but later songs were original compositions.

One of the most famous kayōkyoku singers is Hibari Misora, who was active in the 1950s and 1960s. Her hit song “Kawa no Nagare no Yo ni” (“Like the Flow of a River”) is considered a Japanese classic. Kayōkyoku continued to be popular in the 1970s and 1980s, with singers such as Mr.Children, Seiko Matsuda, and Southern All Stars.

Today, kayōkyoku has been somewhat overshadowed by newer genres such as J-pop and J-rock. However, it still has a devoted following among older Japanese people, and many classic kayōkyoku songs are still widely known and loved.

Japanese Folk Music Today

Japanese folk music is deeply entwined with the country’s history and culture. It is a genre that is enjoyed by many people both in Japan and around the world. In this article, we will take a look at the history of Japanese folk music and its evolution over time. We will also explore the different types of folk music that can be found in Japan today.

The Popularity of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is beginning to enjoy a resurgence in popularity, both in Japan and abroad. One reason for this is the increasing interest in traditional Japanese culture, as evidenced by the popularity of traditional arts such as calligraphy, ikebana (flower arrangement), and tea ceremony. Another reason is the growing popularity of world music, as listeners become more open to music from different cultures.

Japanese folk music encompasses a wide variety of genres, from the energetic and celebratory music of the Matsuri (festival) to the more subdued and reflective sounds of the Minyo (folk song). The music is often based on pentatonic scales, giving it a distinctly oriental sound, and is usually performed on traditional instruments such as the shamisen (three-stringed lute), shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and taiko (drums).

While some Japanese folk songs are hundreds of years old, others are relatively modern compositions. In recent years, there has been a trend towards incorporating elements of traditional folk music into more contemporary genres such as rock and pop. This has helped to ensure that Japanese folk music remains relevant and popular in today’s musical landscape.

The Influence of Japanese Folk Music

Since the mid-twentieth century, Japanese folk music has been influenced by a variety of factors. One of the most important has been internationalization and modernization, as Japan has become increasingly connected to the rest of the world. This process began in earnest with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which ended centuries of isolationism and ushered in a new era of globalization. As Japan began to interact more with other countries, foreign influences began to seep into every aspect of Japanese culture, including music.

One of the most important foreign influences on Japanese music was Western classical music. Western music was introduced to Japan in the late 1800s by missionaries and diplomats, and it quickly gained popularity among the elites. Many Japanese composers began to study Western music and incorporate its elements into their own work. Traditional Japanese instruments were also adapted to play Western classical music; for example, the shamisen was modified to better accommodate the playing of Bach and Beethoven.

As Japan continued to modernize in the twentieth century, traditional folk music began to lose its foothold in society. With the rise of mass media and popular culture, people were exposed to a wide range of new musical styles from around the world, and traditional folk music came to be seen as old-fashioned and out-of-touch. In response, some folk musicians began to experiment with incorporating elements of popular music into their work in order to make it more accessible to younger audiences. This trend can be seen in the work of musicians like pile drivers and Taiko drummers, who have blended traditional folk instruments with rock or electronic beats.

Despite these changes, traditional Japanese folk songs remain an important part of the country’s musical heritage. These songs are often passed down from generation to generation within families, and they continue to be performed at local festivals and other special occasions. In recent years, there has even been a resurgence of interest in Japanese folk music among young people, who are drawn to its simple melodies and emotional power.