Music of Japan

Music in Japan is a vast and diverse landscape of sound. The Japanese word for music is *ongaku*. This term combines the kanji *on*, meaning sound, with *gaku*, meaning music or comfort. Japan holds a massive position in the global music industry. In 2017, it was the world's second-largest music market. It was also the largest market for physical media, such as CDs, with a retail value of US$2.7 billion. From ancient imperial courts to modern digital pop, music serves as a vital link to Japanese history and identity.

Some of the oldest musical traditions are found in *Gagaku*, or orchestral court music. This style dates back to the Nara (710–794) and Heian (794–1185) periods. *Gagaku* is performed at the Imperial court and is divided into two main types. The first is *kangen*, which is strictly instrumental music. The second is *bugaku*, which is dance accompanied by *gagaku* music. These traditions include indigenous repertories like *Kagura-uta*, *Azuma-asobi*, and *Yamato-uta*. Other forms, such as *Tōgaku*, resemble styles from China's Tang dynasty. Meanwhile, *komagaku* may have roots in the Korean Peninsula.

Storytelling has often been tied to specific instruments. The *biwa* is a traditional short-necked lute.

In the past, itinerant performers called *biwa hōshi* used this instrument to perform *The Tale of the Heike*. These performers even organized into guild-like associations. Another group of musical travelers were the *goze*. These were blind women who toured during the medieval era. They sang and played music on lap drums. By the seventeenth century, many *goze* had transitioned to playing the *koto*, a 13-stringed zither, or the *shamisen*, a three-stringed lute.

Percussion is a powerful element of the Japanese soundscape, centered on the *taiko* drum. *Wadaiko* refers to these Japanese drums, which come in many different sizes.

While their exact origins are uncertain, clay figures from the 7th century document their existence. Historically, *taiko* drums served functional roles in battle to intimidate enemies and communicate commands. They are also essential to religious music in Buddhism and Shintō. In 1951, a jazz drummer named Daihachi Oguchi revolutionized the instrument. He invented modern ensemble *taiko* by incorporating his jazz background into large groups. This led to the rise of *kumi-daiko*, which are large drum ensembles. This movement eventually spread from the Hokuriku region to the entire world.

Folk music, known as *min'yō*, reflects the daily lives of the people. These songs are often categorized into five main groups: fisherman's work songs, farmer's work songs, lullabies, religious songs, and songs for gatherings. Gatherings might include weddings, funerals, or the *Obon* festival.

*Min'yō* singers are often accompanied by instruments like the *shamisen*, *taiko*, or the *shakuhachi*, a bamboo flute. Performers may also use the *shinobue* (a transverse flute), the *kane* (a bell), or the *tsuzumi* (a hand drum). Many songs feature *kakegoe*, which are rhythmic shouts used in choruses. These shouts, such as "a yoisho!" or "sate!", vary by region. In Okinawa, the music follows different patterns, often using the *sanshin* instrument and scales that include half-steps not found in mainland pentatonic scales.

Western musical influences began to change the Japanese landscape during the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Following the Meiji Restoration, leaders introduced Western musical instruction. Shuji Isawa was a key figure who studied in the United States and helped establish the Tokyo Music School. This era saw the rise of *shōka*, music composed for schools, and *gunka*, or war songs. As Japan moved toward democracy, the music industry evolved into *Kayōkyoku*. This genre became a major industry, helped by superstars like Misora Hibari. In the 1950s, Latin music like tango and Cuban cha-cha-chá also became popular.

Famous *enka* singers later emerged, performing styles influenced by traditional Japanese structures.

Today, the Japanese music scene is a global force. The country has a strong presence in Western classical music, with many major symphony orchestras in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Japan is also a significant market for jazz, which has remained popular since the 1930s despite being repressed during World War II. Modern pop, or J-pop, and various electronic styles continue to thrive. From the traditional resonance of a *biwa* to the energetic beat of a *kumi-daiko* ensemble, music remains a central pillar of Japanese culture.