Japanese Traditional Music: The Elegant Resonance of Japanese Instruments and Cultural Essence

The History and Artistry Woven by Japanese Traditional Music

For over a thousand years, Japanese traditional music has been refined in imperial courts, at temples and shrines, and in the everyday life of ordinary people. Gagaku, its oldest form, is even registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and still lends a solemn tone to the Imperial family’s ceremonies（＊1）.

In the West, court music once existed but evolved significantly with modernization, whereas in Japan, music closely tied to religious rituals and festivals has been preserved for much longer — a distinctive trait of Japanese culture. Noh theater music and Kabuki hayashi (ensemble) are also protected as “Important Intangible Cultural Properties,” conveying a deep sense of nature and the philosophy of wa (harmony) through sound（＊2）.

For example, festival hayashi music does more than just add background sound; it expresses local myths and the passage of the seasons. This means that once you notice the difference, even familiar melodies may begin to sound new. When you understand the cultural background, even a single note from a koto or flute you hear while traveling can feel like a time capsule carrying a tale from long ago.

The Aesthetic Behind Elegant Tones — The World of “Ma” and “Blank Space”

At the core of Japanese music lies the concept of “ma.” The silence between sounds creates blank space, encouraging the listener’s imagination. Recent research highlights that this silence is connected to Zen and Shinto worldviews, forming a kind of “resonant silence” scarce in Western music（＊3）.

In the West, silent parts are often thought of as gaps, but in Japan that ma itself is considered part of the music. You might feel puzzled at first, but if you listen closely, you’ll realize that the silence itself becomes music. For listeners from abroad, the beauty of this silence often feels fresh and new.

Contemporary Efforts Around Japanese Traditional Music — Balancing Innovation and Preservation

Innovation is also underway, and movements that go beyond tradition are emerging. In 2025, Dai Fujikura’s Shō Concerto premiered in the UK, and the luminous harmonies woven by a 17-pipe shō and orchestra were highly praised, demonstrating the possibilities of Japanese instruments to the world（＊4）.

Western audiences were captivated by this original sound, seemingly experiencing Japanese traditional music as an “unknown expression” for the first time. Through such cultural exchanges, you can feel that wagakki (traditional Japanese instruments) are no longer just “old art” but a vibrant, evolving culture moving toward the future.

The Elegant World of the Koto: A Symbol of Japanese Instruments’ Charm

The koto is Japan’s iconic stringed instrument, with thirteen strings stretched along a curved body. It traces its origins to the Chinese zheng (guzheng) and was introduced into imperial court music during the Nara period. In the Edo period, Yatsuhashi Kengyō established its solo repertoire, making the koto a symbol of the “Japanese sound”（＊1）. That the koto came from China shows how Japan has absorbed foreign culture and developed it in its own unique way. The koto’s tone evokes the babbling of a stream or the swaying of a breeze, and it truly shines in silence. Western listeners especially find its clear, pure sound refreshing.

Discovering Japanese Culture Through the Koto — The Fusion of Craftsmanship and Aesthetics

In workshops in Fukuyama and Tokyo, craftsmen carve paulownia wood that has been air-dried for one to three years into curved bodies, then apply a burnishing technique called “kogashi” to burn patterns onto it. Inside the koto’s body, intricate ayasugi carvings are made to fine-tune its resonance, a delicate process（＊2）. Also, because the region where the paulownia grows and the wood grain affect the tone, craftsmen proceed as if they are in conversation with the wood（＊3）.

When you see these processes up close, you’ll be amazed by the dedication of Japanese craftsmen. It's rare even by global standards to devote so much effort to a single koto. Workshops that teach this background through tours are popular as cultural experiences.

A Luxurious Stay Enriched by the Koto’s Melodies

At The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in downtown Tokyo, a live koto performance takes place in the lobby every day (except Sundays), filling the cypress-scented space with the instrument’s lingering notes（＊4）. For Western guests, this kind of Japanese performance is truly a luxurious and extraordinary experience.

Many upscale ryokan in Kyoto even arrange performances in the garden at dusk before dinner or offer private in-room concerts — experiences cherished by travelers who seek quiet, high-quality relaxation. These offerings are a distinctly Japanese example of omotenashi hospitality.

Familiarizing Yourself with Japanese Traditional Music — Cultural Experiences to Stimulate Intellectual Curiosity

There’s no better way to deepen your understanding than by making music yourself and interacting with the performers. In Tokyo, short-term workshops for foreign travelers are regularly held, where you can learn the basics and ensemble playing in a 60-minute session（＊1）. In these programs, instead of just listening, stepping into the performers’ shoes gives you insights into another culture.

At the Kyoto Taiko Center, private lessons let you feel the dynamism of the taiko (traditional Japanese drum), and they’re popular with people of all ages（＊2）. The experience of the drum’s sound resonating through your body naturally brings smiles to participants. The learning you gain this way will become a precious memory of your trip.

Playing Techniques and Scales of Japanese Instruments — The Joy of Learning from the Basics

Many traditional Japanese instruments are based on pentatonic scales (like ryōchō or miyakobushi), creating a floating feeling that differs from the major/minor tonality of Western music. For example, the koto’s hira-chōshi scale omits the notes C (Do) and F (Fa), which emphasizes blank space and gives the listener a pleasant sense of sway（＊3）. Someone hearing it for the first time might wonder, “Are some notes missing?” But that subtraction is precisely what creates its unique emotion. When you realize this perspective, you'll see that music is a diverse world not confined to a single form.

Traditional Music and Innovative Initiatives — Embracing a Sustainable Future

Music events are also becoming more sustainable. At the Naeba Fuji Rock Festival, they use bio-diesel power generated from recycled cooking oil and aim for zero waste, promoting harmony between music and nature（＊4）.

While many Western festivals often rely on diesel generators, in Japan there’s a notable emphasis on caring for the environment. Meanwhile, luxury ryokan in Hakone and Yugawara are now equipped with EV charging stations, allowing you to travel quietly in an electric vehicle and then enjoy koto melodies during your trip（＊5）. These initiatives represent a travel style unique to Japan that blends tradition with cutting-edge technology. Even for visitors from the West, it’s an opportunity to feel part of a culture that values harmony between music and nature.

Recommended Resources and Guides for a Deeper Understanding of Japanese Instruments

To learn in a more systematic way, reliable study materials and recordings are indispensable. For example, Smithsonian Folkways provides a high-quality recording of the representative gagaku piece “Etenraku” along with explanatory notes, letting you hear its melodic structure by ear（＊1）. Because the commentary is carefully provided in English, it’s easy for overseas learners to understand its content.

In books, musicologist Henry Johnson’s The Koto: A Traditional Instrument in Contemporary Japan covers everything from history to playing techniques to the activities of contemporary composers, serving as both an introductory and scholarly text（＊2）. Written by a foreign author, it appeals to beginners with its approachable explanations. If you prefer practical learning, online private lessons (with English support) for overseas residents are convenient and popular among people who want to actually learn to play（＊3）. By using these resources, you can overcome the language barrier and deepen your understanding of the culture.

In Conclusion: Embracing Japanese Traditional Music

For more than a thousand years, Japanese traditional music has resonated deeply with listeners. Every sound you hear while traveling carries with it history, thought, craftsmanship, and modern creativity. The surprise and joy of thinking, “I never knew music like this existed!” when you first hear it will surely become your first step in cross-cultural understanding. We hope this article inspires you to step into the world of Japanese traditional instruments, where serenity and dynamism coexist.