After the Second World War, the Japanese lifestyle was strongly influenced by Western technology and culture. Fascinated by what came from exotic foreign lands, many musicians simply reproduced what was new to them.
In the 1970s, however, artists rediscovered Japanese musical traditions. By combining aspects of these traditions with their own preferences, something truly new emerged.
46-minute mix with works by Akio Suzuki, Haruomi Hosono, Jun Togawa Unit, Toshi Ichiyanagi and others.
Featured cover art: Osamu Kitajima – Benzaiten
Playlist
Akio Suzuki – Taka No
Cosmic eternity as background for traditional Japanese flute sounds. (2000, and/OAR)
Toshi Ichiyanagi – Electric Chant
The second scene from Toshi Ichiyanagi’s opera From The Works Of Tadanori Yokoo, which is dedicated to the artist’s poster art depicting aspects of Japanese culture; here, electronic sounds are used as a backdrop for the worship of the Tenno. (1969, Bridge)
Eitetsu Hayashi – Cosmos
Japan’s national instrument, the koto, is being played along with the Korean gayageum and a piano. (1983, Victor)
Geinoh Yamashirogumi – Doll’s Polyphony
From the soundtrack to the animated post-apocalyptic cyberpunk film Akira. (1988, Invitation)
Osamu Kitajima – Benzaiten: God Of Music And Water (Reprise)
Melding ancient Japanese instruments with Seventies prog. (1976, Island)
Haruomi Hosono – Down To The Earth
Music for ballet, putting traditional Japanese drums into an electronic context. (1984, Monad Records)
Jun Togawa Unit – Umi Yakara
Variation of an Okinawan folk song. (1985, Yen Records)
Noizunzuri – Figure & Ground
Traditional folk song, avant-rock style. (1985, Telegraph Records)
Ryuichi Sakamoto – Das neue japanische elektronische Volkslied
The new Japanese electronic folk song. (1978, Better Days)
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