4. Japanese vocal music is based on
the intervals of human breathing
rather than mathematical timing
Japanese musicians show their
spiritual self-mastery in mastering his
or her instrument more than simply
perfecting a technique
They give value to their
performance and composure.
5. HOGAKU – traditional music based on
the early Chinese and Buddhist music.
SHIMYO – chants made on religious
hymns created by Buddhists.
YO-SEN – hard mode
IN-SEN – soft mode
(Each has 7 tones but only 5 are used)
6. J POP
It means Japanese Pop.
Musical genre that started in 1990s.
Even if the youth get interested with pop
and rock music, they still perform their
traditional music especially the festival
and folk music, epic singing, percussion
instruments and Theatrical plays.
7. Instrumental music of Japan
Traditional Japanese music is
basically meditative in character.
Performance is highly ritualized,
as much in the music itself, as in
the composure of the musicians
when performing it.
Japanese chamber and solo
music have a slow meditative pace.
8. The performance of Japanese music
has traditionally been of a spiritual
character, similarly to martial arts and
other forms of art such as the tea
ceremony and calligraphy.
It is usually about religious festivals,
work, dance, love, and regional songs.
9. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
THE GAGAKU ORCHESTRA
Japanese orchestra.
Provides instrumental performances
as well as accompanying music for
dance presentation.
Consists of wind, strings and
percussion instruments.
10. KAKKO
It is a small drum
whose both ends
are covered with
animal skin.
It is played using
2 sticks.
Percussion Instruments
14. SHAMISEN
is a long necked
plucked stringed
instrument.
It has 3 string with
no frets.
Its major function is
to accompany singers
of geishas and kabuki
performances.
15. BIWA
It is a lute pear-
shaped instrument
with 4 and 5 strings
and frets made from
wood.
It is used to
accompany singing,
narratives and
storytelling.