Proud of Japan’s “World’s Oldest Orchestra”

Have you ever heard of Japanese music called “Gagaku”?
“Gagaku” is a classical music that is a fusion of ancient Japanese music and dance and music and dance brought from the continent.
It is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and is also called “the world’s oldest orchestra” because of its long history.

There are different types of Gagaku, so let’s take a look at them now.

First is “kangen”.
Kangen” is only the playing of instruments and does not include dancing or singing.
Kangen” is an orchestration that uses wind, string, and percussion instruments, exactly the same as an orchestra.

Next is “Bugaku”.
Bugaku is a combination of instrumental music and dance.
There are three types of bugaku: those accompanied by “Komagaku” from the Korean peninsula, those accompanied by “Tougaku” from China, and those from ancient Japan.

Lastly, there is “kayou”.
Kayou is a combination of instrumental music and song.
There are two types of songs: those sung with verses attached to folk songs from various regions of Japan and those sung with verses attached to Chinese poems.
The former uses wind, string, and percussion instruments, while the latter uses only wind instruments.

Gagaku was performed not only at court, but also at temples and shrines.
Even today, Gagaku concerts are held in Japan and abroad.
We hope you will visit Gagaku concerts at least once.