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“Japanese Traditions”: Japanese Festival Music (Jun Hōgaku)

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Festival hayashi music is indispensable to Japanese festivals.

It’s music performed with traditional Japanese instruments—such as taiko drums, flutes, and small gongs—sounds that every Japanese person has likely heard somewhere.

Classified as pure traditional Japanese music, festival hayashi has long been performed and cherished at festivals across the country.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide variety of such local festival hayashi!

Will your hometown’s festival hayashi be featured?

If you have information like “There’s also this kind of festival hayashi!”, please share it with us!

“Japanese Traditions” Japanese festival music of traditional Japanese music (41–50)

Tananabe Festival Hayashi (festival music)

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Tananabe Festival Hayashi (festival music)

Festival music is regarded as an important element of Japanese festivals, and among them, the festival music of the Tanabe Festival held on the Shimokita Peninsula has drawn nationwide attention.

With a Kyoto-like flavor, the ensemble of traditional Japanese instruments—taiko drums, flutes, and small gongs—creates sounds that captivate onlookers.

In particular, the music performed in unison with the festival floats, whose atmosphere shifts between day and night, is nothing short of overwhelming.

It feels like witnessing the very roots of Japanese music, with an impressive, powerful sense of rhythm.

This festival music offers a moving experience that goes beyond merely passing down traditional culture.

Be sure to listen to it at least once.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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In conclusion

We introduced many festival music traditions from around the country.

Perhaps some were familiar to you, like the festival music from your hometown or the tunes you often hear on TV.

Please enjoy the essence of Japan—passed down since ancient times and also known as traditional Japanese music (jun-hōgaku).