Okinawan folk music is one of Japan’s musical forms, rich in historical and cultural context. In particular, the Okinawan shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, is frequently used, and its unique style of playing and singing captures the hearts of many. In this blog, we focus on the ‘human voice’ in Okinawan folk music, exploring its characteristics and significance. ◇Characteristics of vocalization…
Have you ever heard of a Japanese musical instrument named “biwa”? The biwa is a wooden instrument with an oval, flat body and usually four strings. The biwa is a musical instrument played by plucking with a plectrum, and is especially characterized by the arpeggio technique in which multiple strings are sounded. The most commonly used technique is called kakibachi,…
The unique tonality of traditional Japanese instruments is best accentuated when played in a traditional Japanese tatami room. The tatami mat setting softens sound reflections, creating an enveloping soundscape. However, setting up a tatami room outside of Japan comes with its own set of challenges. Here, we’ll outline the key points to consider when establishing a tatami space abroad for…
