Music in Japan is an integral part of their culture. The Japanese music has a wide variety, ranging from traditional to the new Japanese music . Karaoke which can be considered a form of musical practice has made its way into modern Japanese culture, especially among the young crowd. The musical culture of Japan is distinctive and not fully influenced by its western counterparts as it has a number of traditional instruments which are very much popular even now. The Japanese people are extremely fond of western music and the American pop is extremely admired by the young populace.
Music has been important in the Japanese culture from ancient times. The traditional music of Japan can be divided into two parts art or classical and folk music. Though both vocal and instrumental music are prevalent in Japanese culture the popularity of vocal music has an edge over the instrumental. ‘Gagaku' a form of Japanese music was customary in the royal courts in ancient times. This form of music was influenced by the other north Asian countries. In the medieval era ‘Noh' which is a form of musical drama became very popular. Koto, Shamisen and Shakuhachi are the three forms of music which made its appearance in the later medieval period in Japan. Koto also known as Sokyoto was taught to the high class girls as part of their upbringing.
The folk songs in Japan like other parts of the world are concerned with the everyday life and pain of the common mass. Most of the folk songs of the ‘land of the rising sun' are from the Edo age. Both the metric rhythm and free rhythm are common in the folk music of Japan.
From the 20 th century with the development of communication music from all over the world has gradually gained popularity. Canzone from Italy, American jazz, and Latino music have made their place in the heart of the Japanese people. Japan's very own ‘Kayo-kyoku' is most adored by the people. Japanese rock music from the 1960's had become very popular and the rock band called ‘Happy End' was the most famous of them all.
Of late many experiments are done with the traditional Japanese classical music and the instruments. Japanese composers are even using western classics for giving Japanese music a new form.
