Japanese Folk Music: An Introduction

Japanese folk music is a genre of music that is indigenous to the country of Japan. It is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments and by its focus on the aspects of nature and the human experience.

What is Japanese Folk Music?

Japanese Folk music, also called Min’yō, is the musical tradition of the Japanese people. Folk music consists of original melodies and lyrics, as well as traditional instruments. The genre began in the Edo period with the rise of the minstrel class. Japanese folk music has a wide variety of subgenres, each with their own unique characteristics.

Origins

Japanese folk music, sometimes called min’yō, is music that developed in Japan before the 20th century. It is typically based on the pentatonic scale, and uses simple instruments such as the shamisen, shakuhachi, and koto. Folk songs often tell stories of the daily life of ordinary people, and are often passed down from generation to generation.

The first folk songs in Japan were probably imported from China sometime in the 8th or 9th century AD. These songs were brought over by Buddhist monks who were spreading the religion through East Asia. The earliest Japanese folk songs were probably used for religious purposes, but over time they began to be adapted for secular use as well.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Japanese society was divided into four classes: samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Each class had its own distinct culture and folklore. For example, farmers would sing work songs while they worked in the fields, and samurai would sing ballads about their battles and heroic deeds. As these songs were passed down from one generation to the next, they started to take on a life of their own, becoming part of the shared culture of the Japanese people.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan began to modernize rapidly, adopting many Western technologies and ideas. This process continued into the 20th century, resulting in a change in both the style and content of Japanese folk music. Many traditional folk songs were adapted to fit the new musical tastes of urban Japanese people, resulting in a more pop- sounding style of music known as kayōkyoku (“popular music”).

Despite these changes, some traditional folk songs have managed to survive into the 21st century. These days, you can still sometimes hear min’yō being played at festivals or other traditional events. In recent years there has even been a resurgence of interest in this type of music among young people

Characteristics

Japanese folk music, music of the people, covers a wide variety of vocal and instrumental performance genres and is an important part of the country’s musical heritage. Although the term minzoku geinō (民俗音楽, folk music) is modern, the music itself is ancient: it has been passed down through the generations since time immemorial.

Folk music exists in all cultures, but what makes Japanese folk music unique are its instruments, which are mostly percussion-based. This is in contrast to Western folk music, which is typically led by string instruments such as guitars and violins. Japanese folk music also tends to be very group-oriented, with many songs featuring call-and-response singing.

There are many different types of Japanese folk music, from upbeat and lively songs played at festivals to more subdued pieces meant for reflection and contemplation. Some common genres include enka (演歌), work songs, ballads, and religious songs. Regardless of genre, all Japanese folk music shares certain characteristics: a focus on nature and the changing seasons, a sense of nostalgia, and a reverence for the past.

Popular Japanese Folk Songs

Japanese folk music, also known as min’yō, is the folk music of the Japanese people. It encompasses a wide variety of genres, from the traditional to the modern. Japanese folk music has been through a lot of changes over the years, but it still remains an important part of the country’s musical culture. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular Japanese folk songs.

“Akai Tori”

Akai Tori is one of the most well-known Japanese folk songs. It dates back to the Edo period, and is still popular today. The song tells the story of a red bird that loses its way and is helped by a kind old woman.

“Sakura”

Sakura, also known as “Cherry Blossoms”, is a popular folk song in Japan. The song is often associated with springtime, due to the reference to cherry blossoms in the lyrics. Sakura is also a popular choice for karaoke, due to its relative simplicity and upbeat tempo.

The lyrics of Sakura are as follows:

“Sakura, sakura
Yayoi no sora ni wa
Mizu no oto ga kikoeru
Miwa no sakura”

“Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms
In the spring sky,
I can hear the sound of water.
At Mount Miwa, the cherry blossoms.”

“Reibo”

“Reibo” is a traditional Japanese folk song that dates back to the 11th century. The song, which was originally sung by Buddhist priests, tells the story of a man who is searching for his lost love. “Reibo” is one of the most popular Japanese folk songs and has been recorded by many different artists over the years.

Japanese Folk Music Today

Japanese folk music is deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Traditional folk music was used for storytelling and sharing important cultural values. Today, Japanese folk music is still an important part of the country’s musical culture. It is often performed at festivals and other special occasions.

Traditional Performers

Although there are many young people today who are interested in folk music, the majority of traditional performers are quite elderly. In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the number of young people who are interested in learning and performing folk music, largely due to the efforts of a number of dedicated teachers. These teachers often give classes in folklore and music at universities and other institutions, as well as holding workshops and concerts that bring folk music to wider audiences.

Contemporary Performers

Contemporary Japanese folk music is performed by both traditional ensembles and modern bands. Traditional instruments include the shakuhachi (a bamboo flute), the shamisen (a three-stringed banjo), and the koto (a 13-string zither). Modern folk bands often add Western instruments to their lineup, such as guitars, drums, and keyboards.

Some of the most popular contemporary folk performers in Japan include Matsui Akira, Sawai Kazumi, and Kodo. These artists often fuse traditional folk music with modern styles such as rock and jazz.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Japanese folk music, both among native Japanese people and foreigners. This has led to the formation of many new folk bands, both traditional and modern.

Western Influence

Western music has had a profound influence on Japanese folk music, both in terms of instrumentation and style. Many instruments used in traditional Japanese music, such as the shamisen and taiko drums, were introduced from China and Korea. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Western music became increasingly popular in Japan, leading to the development of a unique form of Japanese folk music that incorporated both Western and traditional influences.

Today, Japanese folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages and can be heard in a variety of settings, from Matsuri festivals to TV commercials. While some traditional purists may object to the use of Western instruments or styles in Japanese folk music, the vast majority of people seem to enjoy the hybrid nature of the music and appreciate its ability to cross cultural boundaries.