Japanese Folk Music for Everyone

Looking to enjoy some traditional Japanese music? You don’t have to be a music expert to enjoy these catchy and unique tunes! Japanese folk music is for everyone.

Introduction to Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is a genre of music that is unique to Japan and its culture. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it typically has a rural or local focus. Japanese folk music is no exception – it often originates from the countryside and has a strong connection to the land and its people. Japanese folk music is also known for its use of traditional instruments, such as the shamisen and the koto.

What is Japanese Folk Music?

Japanese folk music (min’yō) is music that developed in various regions of Japan. In a sense, Japanese folk music encompasses all non-institutionalized forms of music associated with the daily lives of the Japanese people.

There are various types of folk music in Japan, including work songs, ballads, children’s songs, and religious songs. The instruments used in folk music vary widely, from the traditional Japanese flute (shakuhachi) and shamisen to more modern instruments such as the guitar and accordion.

The enka genre is a form of Japanese folk music that developed in the Meiji period (1868-1912). Enka is characterized by its sentimental lyrics and use of traditional Japanese musical instruments. Unlike other forms of Japanese folk music, enka is often performed by professional musicians in a concert setting.

Despite its popularity, enka is not without its critics. Some commentators have accused the genre of being outdated and overly sentimental. Others have criticized it for being too commercialized and mass-produced. Nevertheless, enka remains one of the most popular genres of music in Japan today.

The Origins of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music (min’yō) is music that developed in Japan. In a narrow sense, it refers to the folk music of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan and Russia. In a wider sense, it encompasses all the various forms of folk music found in Japan.

Although there are many different types of Japanese folk music, they can broadly be divided into two main categories: religious music and secular music. Religious music includes the songs that were sung by the farmers while they were working in the fields or by the fishermen while they were out at sea. These songs were often about thanking the gods for a good harvest or for a successful catch. Secular folk music includes love songs, work songs, children’s songs, and dance tunes.

One of the most important aspects of Japanese folk music is its use of instruments. The three most important instruments are the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), the koto (a thirteen-stringed zither), and the shakuhachi (a flute). These instruments can be played solo or in ensemble. Other important instruments include the taiko (a drum), the fue (a flute), and the biwa (a lute).

Japanese folk music has undergone some changes in recent years due to western influence, but it remains an important part of Japanese culture.

The Instruments of Japanese Folk Music

The sound of the koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, is said to be evocative of the flowing of a river. The shakuhachi, a bamboo flute, is said to represent the voice of the wind. The taiko, a large drum, is said to be the heartbeat of the earth. These are just some of the instruments used in Japanese folk music.

The Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument that has been around for centuries. It is a three-stringed instrument that is played with a small pick, called a bachi. The shamisen originated in China and was brought to Japan in the 16th century by way of trade. It quickly became popular in Japanese society and was used in many different genres of music, including folk songs, story telling, and theatre performances.

The shamisen is still used today in traditional Japanese music, as well as in more modern styles such as pop and rock. Many famous Japanese musicians have made the shamisen their own, incorporating it into their unique musical styles. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating instrument, check out our Shamisen 101 course!

The Koto

The koto is a Japanese traditional musical instrument. It is a stringed instrument with 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the length of the instrument. The player uses picks attached to the thumbs and first two fingers of each hand to pluck the strings.

The koto originally came from China, and was introduced to Japan in the 8th century. It was originally only used by the nobility, but over time it became more popular and was used by commoners as well. In the 17th century, a new style of koto playing called “ikuta-ryū” developed, and this style is still popular today.

There are many different types of koto, ranging in size from small instruments that can be held in one’s lap, to large instruments that require two people to play. The most common type of koto is the “13-string koto”, which is what most people think of when they think of a koto.

The koto has a very distinctive sound, and is often used in traditional Japanese music, as well as in modern pop and rock songs. It is also sometimes used in Western classical music.

The Taiko

The taiko is a Japanese drum that is often used in folk music. It is usually barrel-shaped and made of wood, with a skin stretched over the top. The taiko is played with two wooden sticks, and can be played solo or in a group.

There are many different types of taiko, each with its own unique sound. The most common type of taiko is the kabuki-taiko, which is used in Kabuki theatre. Other types include the noh-taiko, which is used in Noh theatre, and the festival-taiko, which is used in festivals and celebrations.

Taiko music is often fast-paced and energetic, and can be very exciting to listen to. If you ever have the chance to see a taiko performance, we highly recommend it!

The Genres of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese Folk Music has been around for centuries and has undergone many changes. There are many different types of folk music, from the popular, to the more traditional and regional. Japanese folk music is enjoyed by many people all around the world, and you can find a variety of folk music to suit your taste.

Min’yo

Min’yo, sometimes spelled minyo, is a type of Japanese folk music. The word min’yo means “folk song”, and specifically refers to Japanese songs which are based on traditional melodies and rhythms.

Min’yo originated in the Edo period (1603-1868), and was originally performed by travelers and merchants as they went from town to town. As the music became more popular, it began to be performed by professional musicians, and by the early 20th century it had become an important part of the Japanese music scene.

There are two main types of min’yo: tsugaru and sarashi. Tsugaru min’yo is a lively style of music from the Tsugaru region of northern Japan, while sarashi min’yo is a slower, more elegant style from the southeastern region of Kyushu.

Min’yo has been influenced by many different types of music over the years, including Western pop and jazz. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music, and min’yo is once again becoming popular with both young and old audiences.

Enka

Enka (Japanese: 演歌) is a popular Japanese music genre considered to resemble traditional Japanese music in its emotional style. The modern enka vocalist employs a style incorporating yodeling and nasal techniques. It is predominately performed by male artists, although there are a number of female enka singers.

Kayokyoku

Kayōkyoku is a type of Japanese popular music that started in the 1920s and became extremely popular in the post-World War II era. It is characterized by its use of Western instruments, harmonies and melodies, as well as its incorporation of elements from other genres such as jazz and blues. Kayōkyoku songs are often sentimental and romantic, and many of them have become classics that are still beloved by Japanese audiences today.

The Popularity of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is one of the most popular genres in the country. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. From the young to the old, from the city to the countryside, folk music is a part of Japanese culture.

The Rise in Popularity of Japanese Folk Music

Lately, there has been a rise in the popularity of Japanese folk music. This type of music is often steeped in tradition and has been passed down from generation to generation. It is unique in its sounds and instrumentation, and many people are now finding a new appreciation for it.

One of the reasons for the recent uptick in popularity is the increasing popularity of Japanese culture in general. As more people become interested in Japanese history and traditions, they are also becoming more interested in the traditional music of the country. In addition, the rise of social media has made it easier for people to discover new types of music from all over the world, and Japanese folk music is no exception.

Another reason for the renewed interest in this type of music is that it is simply good music. It is complex and beautiful, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are looking for something relaxing or something to get your blood pumping, Japanese folk music has something to offer everyone.

So if you are looking for something new to listen to, why not give Japanese folk music a try? You might just find that you have a new favorite genre

The Popularity of Japanese Folk Music Outside of Japan

Japanese folk music, often referred to as min’yō, is a genre of music that has been around for centuries. Historically, the music was used for storytelling and to communicate messages between villages. In more recent years, Japanese folk music has gained popularity outside of Japan, with many musicians performing and recording the music for international audiences.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the growing popularity of Japanese folk music. One is the increasing interest in world music in general. As people become more curious about musical traditions from other cultures, they are more likely to seek out Japanese folk music.

Another reason for the rise in popularity of Japanese folk music is the increasing number of Japanese musicians who are performing and recording the music for international audiences. While some traditional performers still adhere to the old ways of playing and singing, many modern musicians are experimenti ng with new arrangements and fusion styles that appeal to a wider range of listeners. These artists are helping to spread the popularity of Japanese folk music beyond its traditional base.

Finally, the rise in popularity of social media and streaming platforms has made it easier than ever for people from all over the world to access Japanese folk music. Whether it’s through videos on YouTube or tracks on Spotify, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with this genre of music.

As Japanese folk music continues to gain popularity around the world, it’s clear that this rich tradition is here to stay.