Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: music

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Doyo

童謡
alternative words: Douyou, Douyo, Children's song
keywords: music
related web sites: http://www.doyo.co.jp , http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/k3j/ , http://www.town.otone.saitama.jp , http://www1.pref.tottori.jp/douyou/
explanation: In broader sense, it includes any songs for children. In narrow sense, it includes only high quality children's songs created during Taisho period by poets and novel writers such as Suzuki Miekichi, Kitahara Hakushu and Noguchi Ujo on a periodical, Akaitori (red birds). In this case, it excludes old country songs such as Warabeuta and school songs (Shoka).

Geisha

芸者芸妓芸子
alternative words: Geigi, Geiko, Geishas, Geisha girl
keywords: artist , music
related topics: Edo period , Meiji period
explanation: Traditional entertainers who offer music, dance and companionship in private restaurants and banquets. Professional entertainers without prostitution appeared during Edo period, both women and men. The latter was called "Taikomochi" i.e. "drum holder". During Meiji period, the profession of geish was prosperous but known some abuse: young girls were bought to form geisha. After WWII, because of the police control, the number of geisha has considerably declined.

Koto

琴琴
alternative words: Japanese zither, Sou, So, Zither
keywords: china , music
related topics: Nara period
related web sites: http://kiuchi.jpn.org/souhome.htm
explanation: A zither imported from China during Nara period. Initially having small size (about 1 m long) as an ordinary zither with 5 cords, it has evolved to become longer (about 1.8 m) with 13 cords. Laying horizontally, the note is controlled by tiny moving bridges set under each cord. The musician puts small picks on her thumb and first two fingers of the right hand and the left hand is used to control the note.

Shakuhachi

尺八
alternative words: Bamboo flute, Japanese flute
keywords: music
related topics: Komuso
related web sites: http://www.shaku8.com/makeshaku8/
explanation: Flute made by bamboo. Having 4 holes on the front and one hole behind, the musician holds it vertically. In old times it had been used by itinerant monks. The name of Shakuhachi comes from its length, i.e. 1 feet and 8 inches.

Shamisen

三味線
alternative words: Samisen
keywords: music
related web sites: http://tikuyu-shamisen.com , http://www.shamisenplayer.com
explanation: Music instrument imported from China via Okinawa. The body forms a kind of drum and the cat's skin is stretched over it while a rod of about 1m is attached perpendicularly on the side with 3 codes. It is played with a pick. The region where it is mostly played now is Tsugaru located in the west of Aomuri Prefecture.

Wadaiko

和太鼓太鼓
alternative words: Wataiko, Taiko, Japanese drum
keywords: music
related web sites: http://www.asano.jp
explanation: A big wooden drum of about 1m high and it is played with 2 rods. In old times, it had been used during wars to encourage soldiers. It has also been played during different festivals but recently concerts with many taikos played simultaneously are organized in Japan as well as abroad.

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