Mao Goto is a Japanese freelancer who was born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. Since 2016 she lives in the Taito Ward, home to a lot of Japanese culture hotspots such as Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. She has been interested in the field of English education in Japan and got her Master’s degree in March 2020. A lover of photography, travel, sweets, and cross-stitch. Contact her via Facebook.
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Japan, land of ancient temples, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage. Beyond the iconic sights and delicious cuisine, lies a world of captivating traditional arts, and among them, traditional Japanese music stands out. It’s more than just sound; it’s reviving history, woven from centuries of stories, spirituality, and artistic expression. For visitors, experiencing this music can be a unique cultural highlight. However, knowing where to go and what to expect can be challenging. From gagaku court music to minyo folk songs, each genre has its own context and setting. Understanding these nuances will greatly enrich your experience. From the delicate sounds of koto to the energetic shamisen, traditional Japanese music offers a profound connection to the heart of Japan. It’s a journey into the nation’s soul. Discover how to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese music performances and experience their timeless beauty firsthand.
- 1. Nohgaku at Nogakudo
- 2. Gagaku at Festivals at Shrines/Temples nationwide
- 3. Kabuki at Kabuki Theater
- 4. Bunraku – National Bunraku Theatre
- 5. Sokyoku (Koto music) at Local Concert Halls
- 6. Hannya Shingyo at Funerals
- 7. Wadaiko at Events and Festivals
- 8. Ainu Music at Lake Akan Ainu Theater
- 9. Okinawan Music at Folk Song Izakaya
- 10. Bon Dance Song – Bon Odori Festival
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours
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1. Nohgaku at Nogakudo
If you want to experience the essence of Japanese culture, you shouldn’t miss Nohgaku. The ethereal world of Noh and Kyogen showcases the finest elements of traditional Japanese performing arts. The Noh Theater, a dedicated theater, is fully equipped with audience seating and dressing rooms; there, you can feel the historical background of how Noh used to be performed outdoors. On stage, the unique standing posture called “kamae” and the smooth steps named “hakobi” combine to create a variety of expressions for each role. These mysterious movements draw the viewer into a timeless story.
2. Gagaku at Festivals at Shrines/Temples nationwide
Gagaku is the oldest musical art form on earth, evoking the essence of Japanese history and culture. Introduced to Nara along with Buddhism, this traditional art evolved into a uniquely Japanese form over 1,400 years ago, drawing cultural influences from Asian countries and the Silk Road. Gagaku was perfected in the mid-Heian period and has retained its original form to the present day, blending music, dance, and ancient bugaku. Its mysterious melodies and dances are sure to leave a deep imprint of beauty that transcends time and space on foreign visitors to Japan.
3. Kabuki at Kabuki Theater
When Kabuki first emerged, its stage design was heavily influenced by the traditional Noh theater. However, its history took a major turn when the first Kabuki-za Theater was built on November 21, 1889. This magnificent theater was built to symbolize the theatrical reforms promoted by Genichiro Fukuchi and others, then became a dream stage where tradition and innovation merged. Since then, Kabuki has been inviting the audience to experience timeless stories and has captured the hearts of people around the world with its unique appeal.
4. Bunraku – National Bunraku Theatre
Bunraku is a distinctive Japanese performing art that has been preserved since the Edo period. The powerful narration of the tayu, the deep tones of the shamisen, and the masterful skills of the puppeteers come together to create a captivating experience. The National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka seats 753 people, offering the finest performances of this tradition, along with a smaller hall dedicated to dance, traditional Japanese music, and other popular performing arts. Its mesmerizing stage provides a unique cultural experience, immersing audiences both local and international into the heart of Japanese culture.
5. Sokyoku (Koto music) at Local Concert Halls
Sokyoku (koto music) was first introduced in China and has been developed as a part of Gagaku (court music) that were popular among aristocrats at court. The sound of koto music has symbolized Japanese traditions throughout the ages, and masterpieces such as “Haru no Umi” and “Rokudan” still move the hearts of those who listen to them. During concerts held throughout Japan, the delicate and rich tunes of the koto envelop the audience and transport them to another world.
6. Hannya Shingyo at Funerals
Hannya Shingyo (般若心経) is the most widely read sutra in Japanese Buddhism and plays a particularly important role in funerals of the Tendai, Shingon, Rinzai, Soto, and Jōso sects. It is by far the most famous of all Buddhist teachings, and together with its profound wisdom, it has the power to free us from suffering and lead us to the path of enlightenment. This sutra conveys the ultimate teachings of the Buddha to his disciples and serves as a guide for attaining peace of mind and clarity of insight.
7. Wadaiko at Events and Festivals
Wadaiko is a traditional instrument that evokes the spirit of Japan, and its powerful sound has been passed down through generations. Each beat of the taiko produces a deep bass sound that resonates deep within a person, deeply moving the listener. There are many different types of wadaiko drums, and their tones vary according to the construction of the drum body, the way the leather is stretched, and the manufacturing method used. The sound reflects the skill and emotion of the player. The passionate performance of wadaiko has become an integral part of Japanese festivals and events and continues to captivate audiences.
8. Ainu Music at Lake Akan Ainu Theater
The Ainu people have their roots in the vast northern land between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Their songs and dances have been nurtured in a deep connection with nature, based on the belief that all natural phenomena are inhabited by kamuy (gods). Visitors can experience this rich culture at the Ainu Theater “Ikoro” on Lake Akan. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, including “Lost Kamuy,” which incorporates visual images and elements of modern dance, in addition to “Ancient Ainu Dance”.
9. Okinawan Music at Folk Song Izakaya
Okinawan music is divided into two major streams: Ryukyuan classical music, which developed in Shuri Castle during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and minyo, which was enjoyed by the general public on a daily basis. Ryukyuan classical music was performed in royal palaces and among the nobility, often at prestigious ceremonies and festivals, while minyo (folk songs) were closely related to the lives of ordinary people and sung in everyday situations, festivals, and celebrations. The sanshin, the symbol of Okinawan music, is said to have been introduced from China in the 14th to 15th century, and its unique sound is cherished by the Okinawan people as a truly spiritual instrument. In Okinawan izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), you can also hear the melodies of Okinawan music amidst the folk songs playing. The moment you taste Okinawan cuisine accompanied by local music, you will enjoy the feeling of being enveloped in Okinawan culture itself and will be able to appreciate its charms more deeply.
10. Bon Dance Song – Bon Odori Festival
Among Japanese folk songs, “Odori Uta (踊り唄)” (dancing songs), known as “Bon Dance Song) have a special place in Japanese folk music, and have been sung at night to make offerings to the dead and ancestors. In particular, Bon Odori songs are filled with prayers and wishes, and are sung in regional dialects in easy-to-understand words for children. These songs convey deep meanings through dance and resonate in the hearts of those who hear them. A Bon Odori festival is the place to be if you want to experience true traditional Japanese culture.
Experiencing traditional Japanese music goes beyond simply listening, it’s about immersing yourself in the depth and beauty of this rich musical heritage. We hope this guide has inspired you to truly experience the depth and beauty of this rich musical heritage, encouraging you to seek out performances that resonate with your own interests, whether it’s a formal concert in a dedicated hall, a vibrant festival performance under the open sky, or a more intimate encounter at a local temple, allowing you to create lasting memories of your journey through the soundscapes of Japan.
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In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if yu have any questions or need some help!
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