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The Japanese songs are largely derived from a tradition, which is ancient. This ancient tradition has folk origins and also has an early influence from the continent of Asia.
The Japanese songs are therefore wrapped in the midst of history. The Japanese songs also comprise of the associated musical tradition of Okinawa in addition to the autonomous tradition of the Ainu people of Hokkaido.
The Japanese songs of the folk nature can be classified into four basic groups:
1. Religious songs which comprise of songs such as the Shinto sato kagura and also some of the Buddhist Bon dance songs
2. Work songs which comprise of songs such as rice-planting or the boatmen's songs
3. Occasional songs which are meant for occasions such as parties, weddings and funerals
4. Children's songs, which include traditional pieces that have been passed down through the centuries and also the songs that have been written in the 20th century by noted poets and composers.
During the famous Japanese festival of the midsummer Bon festival, most of the Japanese people, especially the Japanese people of the rural areas, dance and sing to local melodies that are played accompanied by the flute and the drum.
This is a ceremony that is meant to welcome the spirits of the Japanese ancestors who are supposed to be returning to the living world for a few days each year.
Shamisen, drums and the transverse flute customarily accompany the Japanese songs. The Vocal delivery of the Japanese songs tends to be strong and declamatory. The style is such that it slides, and has long passages, which dwell on a single syllable. The delivery consists of other effects such as pitched shouts.
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