Music in Japan is an integral part of their culture as it have been important in the Japanese culture from ancient times.
The traditional music of Japan can be divided into two parts art or classical and folk music. Though both vocal and instrumental music are prevalent in Japanese culture the popularity of vocal music has an edge over the instrumental. ‘Gagaku' a form of Japanese music was customary in the royal courts in ancient times. This form of music was influenced by the other north Asian countries. In the medieval era, form of musical drama call "Noh" became very popular. Koto, Shamisen and Shakuhachi are the three forms of music which made its appearance in the later medieval period in Japan. Koto also known as Sokyoto was taught to the high class girls as part of their upbringing.
The folk songs in Japan like other parts of the world are concerned with the everyday life and pain of the common mass. Most of the folk songs of the ‘land of the rising sun' are from the Edo age. Both the metric rhythm and free rhythm are common in the folk music of Japan.
From the 20th century with the development of communication music from all over the world has gradually gained popularity. Canzone from Italy, American jazz, and Latino music have made their place in the heart of the Japanese people. Japan's very own ‘Kayo-kyoku' is most adored by the people. Japanese rock music from the 1960's had become very popular and J-Pop followed up being viral during 1970's. Notable J-Pop artists include Ayumi Hamasaki and Southern All Stars.
Labels: Posted by Ding Han
