traditional Japanese music

Japan has several theatrical forms of drama in which music plays a significant role. The main forms are kabuki and Noh.

{{nihongo|Noh|能}} or {{nihongo||能楽|nōgaku}} music is a type of theatrical music used in Noh theatre. Noh music is played by an instrumental ensemble called {{nihongo||囃子方|hayashi-kata}}. The instruments used are the {{nihongo||太鼓|taiko}} stick drum, a large hourglass-shaped drum called the {{nihongo||大鼓|ōtsuzumi}}, a smaller hourglass-shaped drum called the {{nihongo||小鼓|kotsuzumi}}, and a bamboo flute called the {{nihongo||能管|nohkan}}. The {{transliteration|ja|hayashi}} ensemble is performed along with {{transl|ja|yōkyoku}}, vocal music, in Noh theater.

{{nihongo|Kabuki|歌舞伎}} is a type of Japanese theatre known for its highly stylized dancing and singing as well as the elaborate make-up worn by the predominately all-male cast. The first instances of kabuki used the {{transliteration|ja|hayashi}} from Noh performances. Later, kabuki began incorporating other instruments like the {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}}. Kabuki music can be divided into three categories: {{transliteration|ja|geza}}, {{transliteration|ja|shosa-ongaku}}, and {{transliteration|ja|ki}} and {{transliteration|ja|tsuke}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/kabuki/en/4/4_05.html|title=Invitation to Kabuki {{!}} Expression by sounds|website=www2.ntj.jac.go.jp|access-date=2016-04-08}}

{{transliteration|ja|Geza}} includes music and sound effects played on stage, behind a black bamboo curtain called a {{transliteration|ja|kuromisu}}. {{transliteration|ja|Geza}} music can be further subdivided into three types. The first type is {{transliteration|ja|uta}} or song. {{transliteration|ja|Uta}} is sung accompanied by a {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}}. Typically there are multiple {{transliteration|ja|uta}} singers singing together. The second type is called {{transliteration|ja|aikata}}. It involves {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}} music without any singing. The third type is {{transliteration|ja|narimono}}. {{transliteration|ja|Narimono}} is played by small percussion instruments{{Cite web |url=https://www.kusanokokichi.com/narimono |title=Narimono |website=kusanokokichi.com |access-date=2019-06-22}} besides the {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}}.

{{transliteration|ja|Shosa-ongaku}} encompasses music that is played on the stage and accompanies acting and dancing. {{transliteration|ja|Shosa-ongaku}} includes the {{transliteration|ja|takemoto}}, {{transliteration|ja|nagauta}}, {{transliteration|ja|tokiwazu}} and {{transliteration|ja|kiyomoto}} music styles. {{transliteration|ja|takemoto}} accompanies acting. {{transliteration|ja|Nagauta}}, {{transliteration|ja|taena mo}} and {{transliteration|ja|kiyomoto}} accompany dancing in kabuki. {{transliteration|ja|Takemoto}} basically recites the parts of the play concerning scenery. The actors attempt to synchronize their lines with the rhythm of {{transliteration|ja|takemoto}}—an effect known as {{transliteration|ja|ito ni noru}} ('get onto strings').

{{transliteration|ja|Nagauta}} is one of the most commonly seen forms of {{transliteration|ja|geza}}. It involves singers, called {{transliteration|ja|utakata}}, and {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}} players, called {{transliteration|ja|shamisenkata}}. The {{transliteration|ja|utakata}} are seated to the right of the stage dancers, and the {{transliteration|ja|shamisenkata}} are seated on the left of the stage. The {{transliteration|ja|shamisenkata}} use {{transliteration|ja|hosozao}} (thin neck) {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}} which produce high pitched tones and are capable of producing delicate melodies.

{{transliteration|ja|Tokiwazu}} consists of reciters called {{transliteration|ja|tayū}} and {{transliteration|ja|shamisenkata}} that use {{transliteration|ja|chuzao}} (medium-neck) {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}}. {{transliteration|ja|Tokiwazu}} is similar to {{transliteration|ja|kiyomoto}} music but is slower-paced and more solemn. {{transliteration|ja|Tokiwazu}} is also performed onstage.

{{transliteration|ja|Kiyomoto}} also consists of {{transliteration|ja|tayū}} and {{transliteration|ja|shamisenkata}} using {{transliteration|ja|chuzao}}. However, in {{transliteration|ja|kiyomoto}} words and sentences full of emotion are recited in very high-pitched tones.

{{transliteration|ja|Ki}} and {{transliteration|ja|tsuke}} describe the distinctive sounds made by striking two square oak boards. When the two boards are struck together, they produce the {{transliteration|ja|ki}} sound. When they are struck against a hardwood board, they produce the {{transliteration|ja|tsuke}} sound.

{{Main|Gagaku}}

{{nihongo||雅楽|Gagaku}} is court music, and is the oldest traditional music in Japan. It was usually patronized by the Imperial Court or the shrines and temples. {{transliteration|ja|Gagaku}} music includes songs, dances, and a mixture of other Asian music. {{transliteration|ja|Gagaku}} has two styles; these are instrumental music {{nihongo||器楽|kigaku}} and vocal music {{nihongo||声楽|seigaku}}.

Since {{lang|ja|雅}} means "elegance", {{transliteration|ja|gagaku}} literally means elegant music and generally refers to musical instruments and music theory imported into Japan from China and Korea from 500 to 600 CE. {{transliteration|ja|Gagaku}} is divided into two main categories: Old Music and New Music. Old Music refers to music and musical compositions from before the Chinese Tang dynasty (618–906). New Music refers to music and compositions produced during or after Tang, including music brought from various regions of China and Korea.Randel, Don Michael, The Harvard Dictionary of Music (2003), Belknap Press. {{ISBN|0-674-01163-5}}, page 339The International Shakuhachi Society

Old and New Music are further divided into the categories {{lang|ja|左楽}} ("Music of the Left") and {{lang|ja|右楽}} ("Music of the Right"). Music of the left {{lang|ja|左楽}} is composed of {{lang|ja|唐楽}} (music from Tang) and {{lang|ja|林邑楽}} (music from Indo-China). Music of the right {{lang|ja|右楽}} is composed of {{lang|ja|高麗楽}} (music from Korea).

• Instrumental Music
• {{nihongo||管弦|Kangen}}—a Chinese form of music
• {{nihongo||舞楽|Bugaku}}—influenced by Tang dynasty China and Balhae{{cite web | script-title=ja:舞楽 | url=http://kotobank.jp/word/%E8%88%9E%E6%A5%BD | publisher=The Asahi Shimbun Company | access-date=2012-02-18|language=ja}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Dainichido Bugaku}}
• Vocal Music
• {{nihongo||久米歌|Kumeuta}}—{{transliteration|ja|Kume}} song
• {{nihongo||神楽歌|Kagurauta}}—{{transliteration|ja|Kagura}} song
• {{nihongo||東遊び|Azumaasobi}}—entertainment of Eastern Japan{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Azuma-asobi |title=Azuma asobi Japanese dance suite |website=britannica.com |access-date=June 23, 2019}}
• {{nihongo||催馬楽|Saibara}}—vocal Japanese court music
• {{nihongo||朗詠|Rōei}}—songs based on Chinese poems{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/art/roei |title=Rōei music |website=britannica.com |access-date=June 23, 2019}}

{{nihongo||声明|Shōmyō}} is a kind of Buddhist chanting of sutra syllabically or melismatically set to melodic phrasing, usually performed by a male chorus. {{transliteration|ja|Shōmyō}} came from India, and it began in Japan in the Nara period. {{transliteration|ja|Shōmyō}} is sung a capella by one or more Buddhist monks.

The two characters ({{lang|ja|声}} and {{lang|ja|明}}) translate literally as "voice" and "clear" respectively. {{transliteration|ja|Shōmyō}} is a translation of the Sanskrit word {{transliteration|sa|sabda-vidya}}, which means "the (linguistic) study of language".Randel, Don Michael, The Harvard Dictionary of Music (2003), Belknap Press. {{ISBN|0-674-01163-5}}, page 270

{{nihongo||浄瑠璃|Jōruri}} is narrative music using the {{nihongo||三味線|shamisen}}. There are four main {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} styles. These are centuries-old traditions which continue today:

• {{nihongo||義太夫節|Gidayubushi}}—during the Edo period, {{nihongo|Takemoto Gidayu|竹本義太夫}} began to play {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} in Osaka. This type of {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} is for {{transliteration|ja|bunraku}} (puppet theater).
• {{nihongo||常磐津節|Tokiwazubushi}}—during the Edo period, Tokiwazu Mojidayu ({{lang|ja|常磐津文字太夫}}) began to play this style of {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} in Edo. This type of {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} is for kabuki dances called {{transliteration|ja|Shosagoto}}.
• {{nihongo||清元節|Kiyomotobushi}}—{{nihongo|Kiyomoto Enjyudayu|清元延寿太夫}} began to play this for kabuki dances in Edo (Tokyo) in 1814 during the late Edo period. He played {{transliteration|ja|tomimoto-bushi}} style at first, before moving from playing this style to the {{transliteration|ja|kiyomotobushi}} style. This style is light, refreshingly unrestrained, and chic.
• {{nihongo||新内節|Shinnaibushi}}—in the middle of the Edo period, {{nihongo|Tsuruga Shinnai|鶴賀新内}} began to play this for kabuki. This style of {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} is typically lively and upbeat.

There are other four {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} styles which have largely died out. {{transliteration|ja|Katōbushi}}, {{transliteration|ja|icchuubushi}} and {{transliteration|ja|miyazonobushi}} are old style. These styles are referred to as {{nihongo||古曲|Kokyoku}} or "old music". {{transliteration|ja|Kokyoku}} also included {{nihongo||荻江節|ogiebushi}}. It is not {{transliteration|ja|jōruri}} but is like {{transliteration|ja|nagauta}}.

• {{nihongo||河東節|Katōbushi}}—during the Edo period, {{nihongo|Masumi Katō|十寸見河東}} (1684–1725) began to play in an original style in 1717. It is heavy.
• {{transliteration|ja|Icchuubushi}} or {{nihongo||一中節|Itchubushi}}—during the Edo period, {{nihongo|Miyako Icchuu|都一中}} or {{nihongo|Miyakodayuu Icchuu|都太夫一中}} (1650–1724) began to play this style.
• {{nihongo||宮薗節|Miyazonobushi}} or {{nihongo||薗八節|Sonohachibushi}}—during the Edo period, {{nihongo|Miyakoji Sonohachi|宮古路薗八}} began to play this style in Kyoto. {{transliteration|ja|Miyazonobushi}} is a modest style.
• {{nihongo||富本節|Tomimotobushi}}—During the Edo period, {{nihongo|Tomimoto Buzennojō|富本豊前掾}} (1716–1764) began to play this style. He played the {{transliteration|ja|tokiwazubushi}} style at first and then changed to play in the {{transliteration|ja|tomimotobushi}} style.

{{nihongo||長唄|Nagauta}} is a style of music played using the {{transliteration|ja|shamisen}}. There are three styles of {{transliteration|ja|nagauta}}: one for kabuki dance, one for kabuki plays (dialogue), and one for music unconnected with kabuki.

{{nihongo||荻江節|Ogiebushi}} is similar to {{transliteration|ja|nagauta}}. {{nihongo|Ogie Royuu I|荻江露友}} (died 1787) began to play this style, having first played in the {{transliteration|ja|nagauta}} style. He moved from playing this style to play in the {{transliteration|ja|ogiebushi}} style. His rival was {{nihongo|Fujita Kichiji|富士田吉治}}, a {{transliteration|ja|nagauta}} singer in Edo. Ogie Royuu I had a beautiful but small voice. In a theater a voice with volume was important, so Ogie Royuu I stopped singing in the theater. Ogie Royuu I began to play in the Yoshiwara (red-light district). {{transliteration|ja|Ogiebushi}} declined after 1818. {{nihongo|Tamaya Yamazaburou|玉屋山三郎}} composed new {{transliteration|ja|ogiebushi}} pieces at the end of the Edo period. Yamazaburou was an owner of a parlor house in the red-light district of Yoshiwara. Yamazaburou knew music very well. Tamaya Yamazaburou's pieces are influenced by {{nihongo||地歌|jiuta}} music. {{nihongo|Iijima Kizaemon|飯島喜左衛門}} re-established {{transliteration|ja|ogiebushi}}. Kizaemon changed his name to Ogie Royuu IV in 1876 or 1879. (It is not known if there was an Ogie Royuu II or Ogie Royuu III.) {{transliteration|ja|Ogiebushi}} is classified as a style of {{nihongo|"old music"|古曲|Kokyoku}}. ({{transliteration|ja|Kyoku}} usually means a musical piece or musical number in modern Japanese.) Now {{transliteration|ja|kokyoku}} is {{nihongo||河東節|Katohbushi}}, {{nihongo||一中節|Icchuubushi}}, {{nihongo||宮薗節|Miyazonobushi}} and {{nihongo||荻江節|Ogiebushi}}.

{{transliteration|ja|Kokyoku}} is old music from the Edo period. Not many players perform {{transliteration|ja|kokyoku}} and those who do are elderly; there are few young musicians playing this music.

{{nihongo||尺八|Shakuhachi}} music began in the Edo period. Buddhist monks played the {{transliteration|ja|shakuhachi}} as a substitute for a sutra. Sometimes the {{transliteration|ja|shakuhachi}} is played along with other instruments.

{{nihongo||筝曲|Sōkyoku}} uses the Japanese {{nihongo||琴|koto}}, which differs from the Chinese {{transliteration|zh|guzheng}}.{{Cite web |url=https://rateyourmusic.com/genre/Soukyoku/ |title=Soukyoku |website=rateyourmusic.com |access-date=June 23, 2019}}{{deprecated source|certain=y|date=November 2024}} There are two well known families of {{transliteration|ja|sōkyoku}}, which can be distinguished by the shape of the plectra used in playing.

• {{transliteration|ja|Yamata ryu}}—originating in Western Japan, the {{transliteration|ja|Yamata ryu}} style uses pointed oval-shaped plectra. The repertoire consists of classical pieces composed during the Edo period. This style contains more pieces that accompany singing.
• {{transliteration|ja|Ikuta ryu}}—originating in Eastern Japan, the {{transliteration|ja|ikuta ryu}} style uses a square-shaped plectra. In addition to classical pieces, {{transliteration|ja|ikuta ryu}} also encompasses more recently composed music such as {{nihongo||新日本音楽|shinnihonongaku}}, thus the majority of modern koto performers belong to this style of {{transliteration|ja|sōkyoku}}.

Traditional Japanese musicians sometimes collaborate with modern Western musicians. Also, musicians create new styles of Japanese music influenced by the West but still use traditional musical instruments.

{{Main|Traditional Japanese musical instruments}}

• {{nihongo||琵琶|Biwa}}
• {{nihongo||琴|Koto}}
• {{nihongo||一絃琴|Ichigenkin}}
• {{nihongo||大和琴|Yamatogoto}}
• {{nihongo||三線|Sanshin}}
• {{nihongo||三味線|Shamisen}}
• {{nihongo||胡弓|Kokyū}}

• {{nihongo||尺八|Shakuhachi}}
• {{nihongo||法竹|Hocchiku}}
• {{nihongo||龍笛|Ryuteki}}
• {{nihongo||能管|Nohkan}}
• {{nihongo||篠笛|Shinobue}}
• {{nihongo||篳篥|Hichiriki}}
• {{nihongo||笙|Shō}}
• {{nihongo||竽|Yu}}
• {{nihongo||法螺貝|Horagai}}

• {{nihongo||太鼓|Taiko}}
• {{nihongo||鞨鼓|Kakko}}
• {{nihongo||締太鼓|Shime-daiko}}
• {{nihongo||大鼓|Otsuzumi}}
• {{nihongo||小鼓|Kotsuzumi}}
• {{nihongo||鼓|Tsuzumi}}

• {{nihongo||拍子木|Hyoshigi}}
• {{nihongo||鉦鼓|Shōko}}

• Kabuki
• Noh
• {{transliteration|ja|Rakugo}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Bunraku}}
• {{nihongo|Japanese festivals|祭|matsuri}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Jidai Matsuri}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Aoi Matsuri}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Gion Matsuri}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Hōnen Matsuri}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Danjiri Matsuri}}
• {{transliteration|ja|Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri}}
• Geisha
• {{transliteration|ja|Maiko}}

• Yoshida Brothers
• Rin'

• Music of Japan
• Culture of Japan
• Shinto
• Buddhism in Japan
• Religion in Japan
• History of Japan
• {{transliteration|ja|Tsugaru-jamisen}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2113.html Japan Guide]
• [http://web-japan.org/nipponia/nipponia22/en/index.html Nipponia]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGrezj_slXo Shamisen with DJ]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ron17xFNBf0 Yoshida Brothers' "Kodo"]
• [http://www.yoshidabrothers.com/ Yoshida Brothers' official website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070307101209/http://www.yoshida-kyodai.com/ Yoshida Kyōdai's official website]{{in lang|ja}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070806230440/http://audiolunchbox.com/album?a=36544&z= "Venerated Patterns of China and Japan" (CD)]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20121223010523/http://jtrad.columbia.jp/eng/history.html History of Japanese Traditional Music] at Nippon Columbia

{{Folk music}}

{{Music of Japan}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Traditional Japanese Music}}

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