Database: Music in Medieval Japan

In Japan, music developed mainly in connection with dance and theater. For example, gagaku, of the Imperial Court, was formed between the 8th and 10th centuries based on music with (more or less) theatrical dance of ancient Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Manchurian, and Vietnamese origin. This was done to organize all types of ceremony in a style influenced by Tang China. Conversely, shōmyō, the recitation of sutras with a melody, in Buddhist temples, also formed in the same era under Chinese (and a little Indian) influence. This form, that was appreciated as a song or liturgical music in the Middle Ages, does not accompany dance or theater.

Gagaku is played by aristocrats and musicians in the service of the Imperial Court, while shōmyō is sung by priests and monks. However, people of lower status were also involved in numerous other types of music: dengaku and kusemai accompanying dance, sarugaku and ennen including theater as well, and sekkyō-bushi derived from shōmyō. It is well known that blind monks sang heikyoku while playing the biwa, as well as early jōruri while playing the shamisen. The patrons of music were essentially aristocrats and Buddhist elites. By the 14th century, many shogunate leaders were fascinated by dengaku or sarugaku, as well as many samurai who participated in Kyoto salons during the 15th century. It is said that at this time, a samurai created kōwakamai, music and dance originating from kusemai, which was adored by Oda Nobunaga.

Little is known about the music in villages or towns. Only fūryū, thanks to it being presented before elites, was mentioned in private journals and paintings. Organized since the 15th century, it is a type of popular dance and music done mainly in summer or early autumn to pray for protection against epidemics. People dressed up or wore their splendid clothes. They danced in groups and sang accompanied by gong, drum, and flute. From the Edo period cames many rituals, dances, and folk music. For example, bon-odori, the dance with music organized today everywhere in the country in July or August to delight the souls of ancestors.