Traditional Japanese music has played a significant role in shaping modern media, both within Japan and globally. Its influence can be seen in various forms, from video games and anime to films and commercials. Despite the fast-paced digital world and the prevalence of modern music genres, traditional Japanese music continues to be a key element in conveying emotion, cultural heritage, and unique storytelling methods.
Understanding Traditional Japanese Music
Traditional Japanese music, or “hogaku,” encompasses various styles, instruments, and forms that have evolved over centuries. Some of the primary types of traditional Japanese music include “gagaku” (court music), “shōmyō” (Buddhist chant), “nōgaku” (Noh theatre music), and “min’yō” (folk music). The instruments associated with these styles include the “koto” (a stringed instrument), “shamisen” (a three-stringed instrument), “taiko” (drums), and “shakuhachi” (a bamboo flute). These instruments produce sounds that are deeply connected with the rhythms, scales, and tonalities unique to Japanese culture.
What sets traditional Japanese music apart from Western music is its focus on subtlety, nuance, and an emphasis on tone and texture rather than harmony and melody. For instance, the pentatonic scale, commonly used in traditional Japanese music, creates a sound that feels distinctively different from Western major and minor scales.
Traditional Japanese Music in Anime
Anime, a prominent cultural export of Japan, has incorporated traditional Japanese music in a variety of ways. Whether as the central theme of a particular show or as a background element in a scene, traditional instruments often bring a sense of nostalgia, authenticity, and emotional depth.
In many anime series, the use of the “shakuhachi” and “koto” creates a connection to Japan’s past, especially in historical or fantasy settings. These instruments help to transport viewers to an earlier era, invoking the beauty of Japan’s cultural heritage. For example, the soundtrack for Rurouni Kenshin, set in the Meiji era, often features traditional Japanese instruments to underscore the setting and themes of the show, which deal with issues like honor, loyalty, and the struggle for peace during a time of societal transformation.
Additionally, some anime filmmakers and composers have mixed traditional and contemporary sounds to create an innovative fusion. One prime example is the music in Spirited Away by renowned composer Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi, famous for his work with Studio Ghibli, often blends traditional Japanese melodies with orchestral arrangements to evoke both the fantastical and historical elements of the stories. The delicate interplay of instruments such as the “shamisen” with symphonic orchestration helps create an emotional atmosphere that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Traditional Music in Japanese Video Games
The video game industry, particularly within Japan, has a long history of incorporating traditional music into its scores. Whether in the form of ambient background sounds or as part of an overarching soundtrack, traditional instruments help establish an immersive world for players. Many games, especially those set in historical or mythical Japan, use traditional music to deepen the player’s connection with the narrative and the world-building.
A good example of this is Okami, an action-adventure game developed by Clover Studio. The game is set in a world inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology, and its soundtrack, composed by Masami Ueda, utilizes traditional instruments to evoke the feel of a Japanese painting. The soundtrack combines “koto,” “shamisen,” and other traditional sounds with more contemporary game music techniques, creating a rich, culturally immersive experience.
Another game, Nioh, takes place during the Sengoku period and is deeply rooted in Japanese history and mythology. The music in Nioh emphasizes traditional Japanese sounds, further immersing players in the game’s depiction of historical Japan. The use of “taiko” drums during intense combat sequences, for instance, adds dramatic weight to the action while providing a connection to the warrior spirit of ancient Japan.
Traditional Japanese Music in Films
Japanese filmmakers have long used traditional music to set the tone and enhance the emotional impact of their stories. Akira Kurosawa’s legendary film Ran, for example, blends traditional music with a modern orchestral score, helping to bring the ancient world of samurai and feudal Japan to life. The use of “gagaku” court music and “shamisen” in the film helps to underscore the themes of loyalty, honor, and tragedy that are central to the narrative.
Similarly, the work of director Hayao Miyazaki in Princess Mononoke draws heavily from Japan’s natural world and spiritual traditions. The soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi incorporates traditional Japanese elements, like the “shakuhachi” and “koto,” in ways that evoke the deep connection between humans and nature. These instruments give the music an earthy, organic quality that helps the audience connect with the environmental and spiritual themes of the film.
Traditional Japanese Music in Commercials and Advertising
In commercial media, traditional Japanese music is frequently used to create a sense of cultural identity or nostalgia. In global advertising, the use of traditional Japanese instruments can evoke feelings of authenticity and connection to Japan’s rich history. Brands aiming to tap into the allure of Japan’s unique cultural and aesthetic values often use these sounds to make their product feel both exclusive and deeply connected to Japan.
For example, in a commercial for the Japanese tea brand Ito En, the serene sounds of the “shamisen” or “koto” playing in the background immediately establish the brand’s connection to tradition and authenticity. The music sets a calm, peaceful tone that reflects the meditative and natural qualities of tea drinking, as well as Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
The Global Appeal of Traditional Japanese Music
The global fascination with Japanese culture has contributed to the increasing popularity of traditional Japanese music in modern media. In particular, the “koto” and “shakuhachi” have become synonymous with the calm, serene, and spiritual aspects of Japanese culture. These instruments have been embraced by international composers, especially those working in film and television, because of their ability to evoke a sense of tranquility, wisdom, and mystery.
Traditional Japanese music has also inspired many non-Japanese artists and composers. Western film scores, for instance, often incorporate elements of Japanese music to convey themes related to Eastern philosophy, spirituality, or an exotic sense of mystery. The music of composers like Ryuichi Sakamoto, who blends traditional Japanese sounds with electronic music, has garnered a global following.
Conclusion
Traditional Japanese music continues to be an influential force in modern media, offering a powerful connection to Japan’s cultural identity. Whether in anime, video games, films, or advertisements, these ancient sounds transcend time and offer a way to tell stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the blending of traditional Japanese music with modern media has allowed for greater cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation, enriching both Japanese and global audiences. Through its ability to convey emotion, atmosphere, and cultural depth, traditional Japanese music remains an essential and enduring element of modern media.