Discover the Soul of Japan Through Music and Art

Explore the sounds and stories that have resonated through Japanese history for centuries.

Genre

Minyo: The Heartbeat of Japanese Folk Music

Minyo (Japanese folk songs) represent the musical traditions and cultural expressions that have been passed down through...
Instruments

The Biwa: Japan’s Ancient Lute Instrument

The biwa is a traditional Japanese plucked string instrument that holds a significant place in the country’s cultural hi...
Genre

Kabuki: Japan’s Exuberant Theatrical Art

Kabuki is one of Japan's most famous and vibrant traditional performing arts, known for its colorful costumes, exaggerat...
Genre

Noh: The Timeless Art of Japanese Theater

Noh is a traditional form of Japanese theater that has been performed for over 600 years. It combines drama, dance, and ...
Genre

Rokyoku: The Art of Japanese Narrative Singing

Rokyoku, also known as Naniwa-bushi, is a traditional Japanese narrative performance that combines shamisen accompanimen...
Genre

Shōmyō: The Sacred Buddhist Chant

Shōmyō is a form of Buddhist chant, recited by monks during rituals and ceremonies with specific melodic phrasing. Origi...
Instruments

The Enchanting World of Japanese Flutes

Flutes have played a central role in Japanese music for centuries, used in everything from imperial court performances t...
Instruments

Koto: The Soulful Sounds of Japan’s Ancient Zither

The Koto is one of Japan’s most cherished traditional instruments. Its elegant shape and rich sound have captivated audi...
Instruments

Shakuhachi: Japan’s Bamboo Flute of Serenity

The Shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute known for its hauntingly beautiful and meditative sound. With a hi...
Instruments

The Power of Taiko: Japanese Drums in Tradition and Culture

Taiko (also known as Wadaiko) are traditional Japanese drums that have played an essential role in Japan’s music and cul...