Japanese folk music
There are four main kinds of Japanese folk songs (min’yo): work songs, religious songs (such as sato kagura, a form of Shintoist music), songs used for gatherings such as weddings and funerals, and children’s songs (warabe uta). Many of these songs include extra stress on certain syllables, as well as pitched shouts (kakegoe), especially in northern Honshu.
In min’yo, singers are typically accompanied by shamisen, taiko and shakuhachi. A guild-based system exists for min’yo; it is called iemoto. Education is passed on in a family, and long apprenticeships are common.
A unique form of drumming from Sado island has become internationally famous through the groups Ondekoza and Kodo.
Okinawan folk music
Okinawa has been under the control of Japan since 1609, except for a brief period of US domination during and after World War II. Umui, religious songs, shima uta, dance songs, and, especially katcharsee, lively celebratory music, were all popular. The sanshin is an indispensible instrument for accompanying Okinawan folk music.
(Source: Wikipedia)
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