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==Related Lessons== | |||
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Revision as of 13:03, 12 March 2023
As a language teacher and a fan of Japanese culture, I am excited to introduce you to the world of music and dance in Japan. From ancient traditional styles to modern popular genres, Japanese music and dance have a rich history and diverse expressions. As you learn the vocabulary and terminology related to this fascinating topic, you will also gain insights into Japanese customs, values, and aesthetics. So, let's get started!
Music in Japan
Traditional Styles
Japanese traditional music can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794 CE) and encompasses a wide range of vocal and instrumental genres. Here are some of the most popular styles:
- Gagaku (雅楽): Literally meaning "elegant music," gagaku is the oldest surviving orchestral music in the world, with a history of over a thousand years. It was introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the 7th century, and was initially performed mainly at the imperial court and religious ceremonies. Gagaku consists of three main categories: instrumental music (kangen), vocal music (utaimono), and dance (bugaku).
- Shōmyō (声明): Shōmyō is the Buddhist chanting music that originated in India and was introduced to Japan in the 6th century. It is characterized by its slow and melismatic style and the use of nasal intonation. Shōmyō is performed by monks as a part of their daily prayer and also at special events such as funerals and memorials.
- Noh (能): Noh is a form of masked theater that developed in the 14th century. Its musical elements include chant-like singing (utai), flute (nohkan), and drums (otsuzumi, kotsuzumi, and taiko). Noh plays usually have solemn and philosophical themes, and the actors move slowly and gracefully on a simple stage.
- Kabuki (歌舞伎): Kabuki is a type of drama that emerged in the 17th century and features unique makeup, costumes, and stage design. Kabuki music uses a variety of instruments such as shamisen (three-stringed instrument), taiko, and flute (nokan). Kabuki plays are known for their dynamic and colorful scenes and the exaggerated gestures and expressions of the actors.
Popular Genres
In the 20th century, Japanese music experienced a boom in various popular genres that incorporated Western elements and became widely loved by the Japanese people as well as audiences around the world. Here are some of the most influential genres:
- J-pop (ジェイポップ): J-pop refers to Japanese popular music that encompasses a broad range of styles such as pop, rock, folk, and hip-hop. J-pop is characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and colorful music videos. Some of the most successful J-pop artists include Utada Hikaru, Ayumi Hamasaki, and Arashi.
- Jazz (ジャズ): Jazz has a long history in Japan and has been admired for its improvisational nature and its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. Jazz clubs and festivals are popular attractions in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Japanese jazz musicians such as Toshiko Akiyoshi, Sadao Watanabe, and Hiromi Uehara have gained international acclaim.
- Anison (アニソン): Anison is a term used to describe the theme songs and soundtracks of Japanese anime and video games. Anison often features high-pitched vocals, fast-paced rhythms, and lyrics that convey the emotions and themes of the respective anime or game. Popular Anison singers include LiSA, Aimer, and Eir Aoi.
- Enka (演歌): Enka is a type of sentimental ballad that originated in the early 20th century and is characterized by its nostalgic and emotional lyrics and the use of traditional instruments such as shamisen and taiko. Enka is often associated with the post-war recovery period and the working-class values and aspirations. Some of the most beloved enka singers include Hibari Misora, Ichiro Mizuki, and Sayuri Ishikawa.
Let's now explore some of the key terms and expressions related to music and dance in Japanese.
Music and Dance Terminology
Musical Instruments
Here are some common musical instruments used in Japanese music:
| Japanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 和太鼓 | wadaiko | Japanese drum |
| 尺八 | shakuhachi | bamboo flute |
| 三味線 | shamisen | three-stringed instrument |
| 琴 | koto | Japanese harp |
| ピアノ | piano | piano |
Dance Styles
Japanese dance can be roughly divided into two categories: traditional dance and modern dance. Here are some examples:
- Kabuki dance (歌舞伎舞踊)
- Nihon Buyo (日本舞踊): literally meaning "Japanese dance," Nihon Buyo is a traditional dance style that developed in the Edo period (1603-1868). Nihon Buyo focuses on graceful and precise movements and gestures and has a strong connection to Kabuki theater.
- Butoh (舞踏): Butoh is a modern dance style that emerged in the late 1950s and is characterized by its avant-garde and experimental nature. Butoh often involves slow and contorted body movements and explores themes such as spirituality, identity, and social criticism.
Expressions and Phrases
Here are some useful expressions and phrases that you can use when talking about music and dance in Japanese:
- 音楽 (おんがく) : music
- ダンス (だんす) : dance
- 演奏する (えんそうする) : to perform (an instrument)
- 歌う (うたう) : to sing
- リズム (りずむ) : rhythm
- メロディー (めろでぃー) : melody
- 振り付け (ふりつけ) : choreography
- リハーサル (りはーさる) : rehearsal
With these vocabulary and expressions, you can enjoy Japanese music and dance even more!
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have learned about the various music and dance styles in Japan, from traditional gagaku and Noh to modern J-pop and Butoh. We have also introduced some key terms and expressions that
Related Lessons