Japanese music has become very popular in the recent years. In the present scenario of Japanese music world there are many performers performing a wide range of different forms of Japanese music.
This wide range includes tango, rock reggae, punk, salsa, electro, ranging from folk, metal to hip hop and country music. At karaoke venues often Local Japanese music appears. This local music is on lease from the record labels. No specific beat can be found in the old Japanese music. One salient feature of this kind of music is that it is very calm.
The name of one type of classical Japanese music is Gagaku. Since the Heian period it has been performed at the Imperial court. Yamatouta, Azumaasobi, and Kagurauta are comparatively native forms. Komagaku and Tōgaku originated through the Korean peninsula from the Chinese Tang dynasty. Added to that gagaku is divided into the dance accompanied by gagaku which is known as bugaku and the instrumental music kangen.
The honkyouku, which is also known as the “original pieces”, originated in the 19th centaury. Originally, they are shakuhachi pieces which are solo in nature and they are played by Zen Buddhism’s mendicant Fuke sect priests. Komusō is the name which is given to these priests.
They are also known as the “emptiness monk” and they used to work on honkyoku in order to gain enlightenment and alms. In the 19th century The Fuke sect ceased to exist. However, a written and verbal lineage of many honkyoku still continues even today. However, this form of music is now practiced only in a performance or concert setting.
The samurai was often received at such concerts or performances as a listener. There have also been instances when the samurai had performed in such musical activities. Such participation has been entered into, by the samurai, in order to enrich their understanding and therefore their lives.