Grade 8- Study Notes

Music of Japan
Objectives
At the end of the lesson the student should be able to:
1. Explain how the music of Japan relates to its geography and culture;
Listen perceptively to the music of Japan;
2. learn to sing some song from Japan; and
3. Create choreography or movements for J-pop songs.
Network
Japan, another country in East Asia, has a close relationship with the Philippines. It has
gone through unfortunate times in the past when Japanese troops declared war on the
United States and set foot on Philippine soil to engage in warfare with the Americans. In
spite of this, Japan has forged good relations by helping the Philippines in terms of
economics and technology.

Like the Philippines Japan is an archipelago of 6 852 islands. It is surrounded by

the North Pacific Ocean on the west, the Sea of Japan on the East and the East
China Sea on the south.

Shintoism and Buddhism are the predominant religions in Japan. More than
ninety percent of Japanese nationals speak Nihonggo, the national language.

Japanese culture whether it is visual or aural including its architecture and fine
arts is distinct. Their music is also distinct, although some may find it similar to
Chinese and Korean music considering that the three countries belong to one region.
Also distinct although some may find it similar to Chinese and Korean music,
considering that the three countries belong to one region.

Although not as old as China’s, Japanese music goes back to the sixth century,
when the shakuhachi, an aerophone, was introduced later along with the Noh theater
and folk music. The repertoire of both traditional and contemporary Japanese classical
music is varied.

However, if there is one recent genre that has come up, it is the now popular J-
pop, which has gained worldwide acceptance. This lesson will deal with both traditional
and popular music of Japan.
 Japan’s Traditional Music
Instrumental Music

1. Koto - one of the most prominent Japanese chordophone instruments. The koto
is a two meter long zither with 13 strings plucked with a pick attached to the
thumb.

It is an instrument that is favored by the nobles and the ruling class. It is also
used in the ensembles and an accompaniment for dance. The koto is also used
today for modern music based on the Western style.

2. Shamisen - It is a three stringed chordophone that has a drumlike, rounded

rectangular body covered with skin, which amplifies the sound. It has a long fretless
neck at the end of which amplifies the sound. It has a long fretless neck at the end
which the three strings are attached to. The shamisen has its beginning from the
Chinese guzheng, which explains its very similar construction to the latter. The
shamisen can be played solo or within an ensemble. It may also be used to accompany
Japanese drama.
3. Biwa - A Japanese lute, Biwa is a short necked chordophone characterized by its
pear shaped body. This instrument is often used as an accompaniment in storytelling,
as part of the gagaku court music ensemble or as a solo instrument. It has four to five
strings which are attached to slender pegs fastened at the end of the neck. This
instrument originated from a Chinese instrument, the pipa and was introduced in Japan
during the seventh century.
The instrument is played using a wide-wedge pick called the batchi. Most of the
time, two strings are plucked at different intervals, producing a variety of sounds.
4. Shakuhachi
A famous Japanese bamboo flute, the shakuhachi is an end-blown aerophone
that has four or five level holes. This instrument also came from China and was
introduced to Japan during the sixth century. In medieval times, the shakuhachi was
played by Buddhist priests who wander the streets with a distinct headdress, which is
an inverted basket worn on the head. The shakuhachi is still used today in modern
Japanese music.

5. Daiko
A japanese membranophone instrument, the daiko is a very large drum usually
played by able bodied Japanese male instrumentalists. Because of its size the players
strike the daiko drum mightily with wooden sticks. The daiko has existed for thousands
of years. Daiko refers to a wide range of percussion instruments, but it is generally
known as the name of the big Japanese drums. The daiko is currently used in traditional
Japanese theater such as the Noh and Kabuki. However in ancient times this was a war
instrument, setting cadences for soldiers and making announcements and calls through
the number of strikes done on the drum. Today it is used in festivals and has become
an icon for Japan.
Japanese Folk Songs
There are four main types of Japanese folk songs
1. Warabe uta ( Children’s songs )
2. Soran bushi ( work songs )
3. Sato kagura ( religious songs )
4. Matsuri ( songs for gatherings, celebrations and funerals)
Japanese Pop ( J-Pop )

J-Pop ( Japanese popular music) has gained worldwide acceptance. The term was
coined by J-Wave, an FM radio station in Japan, to distinguish itself from the pop music
of the Western world.

J- Pop can be traced back to jazz music during the Showa period. Many Japanese
classical instruments have been reintroduced to jazz bars and clubs during that time .

Agreement

1.Differentiate Religion from

Spirituality
Theology
Philosophy of religion writes your insights.

2 Create a reflection about the seven dimensions of existence in our universe.