Japanese Folk Music: A Traditional Genre

Japanese folk music is a genre of music that is unique to the country. It has a long history and is still popular today.

What is Japanese Folk Music?

Japanese folk music (min’yō) is music that developed in various regions of Japan. This type of music typically uses the pentatonic scale and often includes the use of instruments such as the shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko drums. Japanese folk music has a long history and has been influenced by both China and the West.

Traditional Instruments

Japanese folk music is unique among the world’s musical traditions. It is, for the most part, based on the use of a limited number of instruments, many of which are found nowhere else. Even within Japan, there is great regional diversity in both instrumental design and the use made of them.

The traditional Japanese instrument most familiar to Westerners is the 13-stringed koto. The koto is a zither-like stringed instrument that is played with picks attached to the player’s thumbs and forefingers. The koto has a wide range of pitch, from high to low, and can be used to play solo melodies or accompaniments.

The shamisen is a three-stringed lute that was introduced to Japan from China in the 16th century. It has a long neck and a small, round body covered with skin. The shamisen is held across the lap and played with a large plectrum held in the right hand. The shamisen is used for both solo pieces and accompaniment in a wide variety of musical styles.

The shakuhachi is an end-blown flute that originated in China but was later developed into its present form in Japan. It has five finger holes on the front and one on the back, and its length can vary from about 50 centimeters (20 inches) to almost a meter (3 feet). The shakuhachi traditionally has been used by Zen Buddhist monks as a tool for meditation, but it is also played as a solo instrument or as part of an ensemble.

The taiko are Japanese drums that come in many different sizes and shapes. They are usually made of wood or leather and can be played with wooden sticks or bare hands. Taiko are used both as solo instruments and as part of ensembles; they often play an important role in festival music and in theater music such as Kabuki and Noh drama.

Characteristics of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is rich in history and tradition, and it continues to be popular in modern times. Folk music is typically passed down from generation to generation, and it often reflects the culture and values of the people who create it. In Japan, folk music dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when the shogunate banned many forms of music and restricted performances to religious ceremonies and folk songs.

Folk music is typically characterized by its use of traditional instruments, simple melodies, and repetitive structures. Japanese folk music often features the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), the koto (a 13-stringed instrument), and the shakuhachi (a flute). Traditional Japanese folk songs are typically short and simple, and they often tell stories or express emotions. Many Japanese folk songs are based on traditional nursery rhymes or children’s songs.

One of the most important characteristics of Japanese folk music is its emphasis on improvisation. Folk musicians often improvised new melodies or words to fit the mood of a particular moment or situation. This spontaneity helped to create a rich tapestry of folk songs that were unique to each region of Japan.

Japanese folk music has undergone many changes in recent years, as more and more people have begun to play it for entertainment rather than for religious or cultural purposes. Nevertheless, the genre remains an important part of Japan’s musical heritage, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The History of Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is a genre of music that has its origins in the traditional music of Japan. The term ‘folk music’ can be used to describe any type of music that is performed by the common people of a particular culture. In Japan, folk music is sometimes referred to as ‘minzoku-ongaku’, which means ‘the music of the people’. Japanese folk music has a long history and has been influenced by a number of different cultures.

Origins

Japanese folk music (min’yō) is music indigenous to the country of Japan. In its earliest forms, it dates back to the Nara period (710-794). It is commonly divided into four categories: work, religious, wedding/festival, and entertainment music. The first three categories are often collectively referred to as hayashi music, while the last one is called min’yō proper.

Japanese folk music has been influenced by both foreign and indigenous musical traditions. The most well-known foreign influence is probably Buddhist liturgical music, which was introduced to Japan in the 8th century via China and Korea. Indigenous influences include the Gagaku court music of the imperial court, as well as the Ainu music of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), a new form of folk music called shingen min’yō (“new style folk song”) emerged. This style was characterized by its use of clear and flowing melodies, as well as narratives that were easy to understand. It quickly became popular with both commoners and nobility alike, and helped to further spread the popularity of Japanese folk music throughout the country.

Today, Japanese folk music continues to be popular both within Japan and abroad. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and koto, as well as a renewed appreciation for the older genres of min’yō.

The Meiji Period

The Meiji Period was a time of great change for Japan. In 1868, the Meiji Emperor was restored to power, and the country began to rapidly modernize. Westernization became a priority, and traditional Japanese culture was increasingly seen as backwards and out of step with the times.

This had a profound effect on traditional music, which was increasingly shunned in favor of Western genres such as opera and symphonic music. Japan’s first professional orchestra was founded in 1879, and Western-style conservatories were established in Tokyo and Osaka.

As traditional music became increasingly marginalized, it began to be associated with the lower classes. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Japanese folk music began to be appreciated as a valuable part of the country’s musical heritage.

The Taishō Period

The Taishō period was a time of great change in Japan, and this is reflected in the music of the time. This was the first time that Western music began to influence Japanese musicians, and many new genres were created as a result. One of the most popular genres to emerge during this period was Japanese folk music.

Japanese folk music is a genre that combines elements of both traditional Japanese music and Western music. It is often based on traditional folk melodies, but it may also incorporate elements of popular music or even classical music. Japanese folk music is typically very cheerful and upbeat, and it is often used for dancing.

Despite its relatively recent origins, Japanese folk music has become extremely popular in Japan, and it is now performed by artists from all over the country. If you’re interested in experiencing this genre for yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.

The Showa Period

During the Showa period, Japanese folk music continued to thrive. One of the most popular genres of folk music during this time was min’yo, which means “folk song” in Japanese. Min’yo songs often told stories of the people’s daily lives, and were often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the shamisen and taiko drums. Other popular folk genres during the Showa period included enka (a form of sentimental ballad) and Yoshida Kyodan’s unique brand of jazz-influenced folk music.

Contemporary Japanese Folk Music

Japanese folk music is a genre that is steeped in history and tradition. The music is used to tell stories and express emotions, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, there are many contemporary Japanese folk musicians who are keeping the music alive.

The Revival of Folk Music

The traditional genre of Japanese folk music (min’yō) has undergone a significant revival in recent years. This is largely due to the work of a new generation of musicians who are interested in traditional music and are working to keep it alive.

One of the most important aspects of this revival is the creation of new music that is inspired by traditional folk songs. This new music is often performed on traditional instruments, such as the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), and sometimes even incorporates elements of traditional singing style.

This new brand of folk music has become quite popular in Japan, and has even been featured in some mainstream media outlets. It has also begun to gain popularity outside of Japan, with some contemporary Japanese folk bands even touring internationally.

If you’re interested in learning more about this genre, or if you just want to hear some great music, be sure to check out some of the contemporary Japanese folk bands listed below.

Modern Interpretations

Since the 1990s, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Japanese music, particularly among young people. This has led to a new wave of contemporary folk musicians who are creating their own interpretations of traditional songs and melodies.

One of the most popular contemporary folk musicians in Japan is Nogawa Sakura, who released her debut album in 1998. Sakura’s music is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese folk music, but she also incorporates elements of pop and rock into her sound. She has become one of the most successful contemporary folk musicians in Japan, and her albums have been widely praised by critics.

Another popular contemporary folk musician is Motohiro Hata, who released his debut album in 2002. Hata’s music is also influenced by traditional Japanese folk music, but he takes a more experimental approach to his sound. He often uses electronic instruments and computers to create his unique sonic landscape. Hata has received critical acclaim for his innovative and original approach to Japanese folk music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japanese Folk music is a genre that has been around for centuries. It is a genre that is rich in history and culture, and continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world. While the genre may not be as popular as it once was, it still holds an important place in Japanese music history.