Japanese Folk Music
Despite the urbanization and Westernization of contemporary Japanese life, many Japanese folk songs have been preserved. Folk song, or minyo, is still a popular musical form in Japan. Many of these traditional songs are related to a specific location in Japan. As in many other cultures, folk songs serve a utilitarian function in weddings, funerals, work, entertainment, and children's activities. Folk songs are also widely used in religious celebrations and festivals. The largest genre of folk music is called kagura, or God music, and is Shinto in nature. Folk ensembles, called hayashi, usually consist of different types of drums, a transverse bamboo flute, gongs, and a bell with a clapper.
Popular Music
Japan's large and varied popular music scene originates from Japan's Westernization during the Meiji Restoration. Japanese popular music is highly Westernized. These songs are usually characterized by: harmony; a steady rhythm; stanza form, equal temperament scales, especially in major keys; and shorter duration than traditional Japanese music. As described earlier in this chapter, all of these traits come from Western aesthetics.
Enka, a genre rife with vocal ornamentation, blends Western and Japanese elements. This music became popular in the 1880s. Since World War II, enka songs have expressed nostalgic, often sentimental themes with orchestral background.
However, modern enka composers appeal to younger generations by using faster tempos, more optimistic lyrics, heavier beats borrowed from rock'n'roll, and a simple verse-chorus form.
Karaoke, literally meaning empty orchestra, was popular in Japan decades before it was embraced in America.
Karaoke supports the traditional Japanese custom of group singing. Beyond harmony in nature and music, the Japanese value harmony as it pertains to relationships within sociocultural groups (e.g., those formed within professional, familial, school, or community contexts). Karaoke is, therefore, an ideal social vehicle. Participants relieve the stress of modern life by expressing sentimental emotions in a public venue. Although enka continues to be the most popular karaoke genre in Japan, karaoke singers also perform Western pop, Japanese pop, and folk songs.
Today's Japanese pop music, or J-pop, is a large genre that includes elements of pop, rock, punk, electronica, easy listening, and other Western pop genres.
With roots in the British music of the 1960s, J-pop became popular in the 1990s. Aside from their lyrics, J-pop songs bear notable similarity to their American counterparts. Just as in many other countries, J-Pop stars often become national celebrities and icons.
Summary
This chapter discusses a sample of the rich, varied traditions that comprise Japanese music. Throughout its history, Japan has successfully incorporated elements of other cultures, and in the process, has made them uniquely Japanese. External influence combined with long periods of complete isolation contribute to the renowned originality of Japanese culture and music.
A wide variety of Japanese music sustains popularity, from traditional to highly Westernized styles.
Shomyo has influenced most, if not all, of Japan's primary hogaku genres. The ancient music of gagaku, arguably the longest continual art music in the world, is still performed today. Similarly, centuries-old theatre genres such as bunraku, kabuki, and noh dedicate theatres and daily performances to satisfy their robust following. Solo instruments like the koto and shakuhachi have become popular in countries outside of Japan as well as at home. Minyo, and J-pop each contain multiple styles which appeal to a wide audience. Japan's cultural history, its deep connection to Shintoism and Buddhism, and its distinctive aesthetics together illuminate a music and culture unlike any other in the world.
