Japanese Music

A variety of types of music are popular in Japan, from traditional Japanese music to American pop music. In the art music of Japan, vocal music has traditionally been more important than instrumental music. Part of the reason for this is that the music was often created as part of a drama. The traditional art music of Japan has followed a chronological development with surviving works first appearing around 794 A.D., a time known as the Heian Period, which lasted until about 1192 A.D. The first type of music of this time is known as Gagaku, which was court music, but was also performed at some temples and shrines. The second type of music is a vocal music used in Buddhist services. This type of music is called Shomyo; it provided a significant source for later Japanese vocal music.

The Kamakura Period lasted from 1192-1333 A.D. The music of this period is called Nohgaku and evolved with the form of drama known as Noh. The music is both vocal and instrumental. The vocal part is called Utai; both the actors and a chorus participate in this part. Utai evolved from the Shomyo singing of the previous period. The instrumental part is called Hayashi and is made through a flute and three drums.

The period from 1573-1603 A.D. was important in the development of many instruments. The shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen all developed into what they are today. This time period was called the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. The instruments that developed during this period all became important during the Edo Period, but the shamisen was the most popular.