Ancient Japanese Music - Traditional Music in Japan

Traditional music is a part and parcel of any culture. Traditions and culture differs from one country to another, so do the music. Japanese traditional music is popular not only in Japan but also in the West. In the recent years, many pieces of the traditional music compositions were showcased throughout the A world. Traditional music plays an important role in the Japanese culture.

Japanese Music of Ancient Period

There is not much of information available today about the ancient Japanese music of the pre-historic periods. However, there are evidences that suggest music was given importance during the Yayoi and the Jomon period. During the late Yayoi period many tombs of the poets and musicians were built. The historical records show that the popular songs and legends were recorded in the chronicles "Kojiki" and "Nohon Shoki". The chronicle "Kojiki" was compiled during the reign of Emperor Temmu. By that time songs and poetry were already a part of traditional Japanese music.

Importation of Ancient Japanese Music

Although Japan has a unique culture and tradition, many of its ceremonies and music were borrowed from other countries. The Imperial state of Japan used not only Chinese language but also imported some facets of its culture including traditional music. A traditional form of music called Gagaku dominated the courts of the nobles and kings during the Nara and Heian period. The other forms of traditional Japanese music were Noh, Shakuhachi, Koto and Shamisen. A point worth mentioning here is the vocal music plays an important role in the Japanese music.

Popular Traditional Japanese Music

A few of the popular traditional and ancient forms of Japanese music are listed below.

• Gagaku

Gagaku was popularly known as the court music. It was mostly developed at the court of the upper class people or at the court of the powerful nobles. This form of music gained significant popularity during the Heian period (794-1192 AD). Gagaku, the court music, is classified into three categories – original foreign music, pure Japanese music and music composed in Japan under the influence of the neighboring countries. Gagaku has its origin in China, Korea and other Southeast Asian countries. Gagaku that originated from China is known as To-gaku and the one that has its roots in Korea is known as Komagaku. Both these form of traditional music uses the orchestra and does not have any vocal in it. Gagaku when accompanied with a dance called Bugaku is known as Kangen. Some of the popular instruments that were used in this form of music are mouth organ, flute, drum and zither.

One of the pure traditional Japanese music is the Kokufukabu. This is an ancient Japanese music that includes both vocal and instruments. This music is usually performed in the temples and also for the court ceremonies. The ancient music that has its roots in Japan but was composed under the influence of the tradition and culture of neighboring countries include Saibabra and Roei. Both these forms of music are vocal accompanied by musical instruments.

Another traditional Japanese music that gained significance during the Hein period was Shomyo. This is a vocal music that was used in Buddhist temples at the time of prayer services.

• Noh

This traditional Japanese musical form became popular during the 14th century. Noh is a form of drama has its own music called Nohgaku accompanied by a dance known as Shimai. Nohgaku uses both vocal and musical instruments.

• Shakuhachi, Koto and Shamisen

These are the traditional Japanese musical forms during the Azuchi-Momoyama period(1573 – 1603). During this period many new musical instruments were introduced. Shakuhachi was played by the Buddhist priests. This form of ancient Japanese music got its name from the instrument Shakuhachi. This form of traditional Japanese music was performed during the religious festivals and ceremonies.

Another form of traditional Japanese music is Koto. The music composition of Koto is known as Sokyoku. It gained significance during the Edo Period. Another form of ancient Japanese music that had both the vocal and the musical instrument shamisen is called the Shamisen music. The shamisen form of music was composed by Ikuta School. This form of ancient music is used for both the narrative and melodious singing.

Folk songs are also a part of ancient Japanese music. These songs are mostly associated with religious ceremonies or with daily chores. Though not much is known about Japanese music of the prehistoric period, later the Japanese traditional music gained significant importance. Even today, many around the globe enjoy it.