[Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful tones woven from Japanese tradition

Voice and Performance as One VOL.1 ‘Heart Sutra’seimei ongaku raibu

"Heart Sutra" by Ryukai Matsushima - 3rd Buddhist Music Concert "Shōsō Ichinyo" - Bunkyo Civic Hall

A live performance of the Heart Sutra by Ryukai Matsushima—composer, arranger, and monk of the Koyasan Shingon sect.

This is the most famous sutra, used by many schools, teaching that “all phenomena are emptiness,” a densely packed world of just 260 characters.

Including hosting and a Dharma talk, it’s a profoundly uplifting yet enjoyable piece to listen to.

It’s not stiff at all—something you could listen to every day.

Wadaiko + drum performance [Leap Forward]Garyū

Wadaiko GARYU Music Video [Leap Forward – Yakushin]

GARYU is a unit formed in Fukuyama and Fuchu, Hiroshima Prefecture, with the goal of creating new music unconstrained by conventional genres through the fusion of Japanese taiko and drum set.

In addition to stage performances at events, they are extremely popular for band collaborations such as student wind ensembles.

Their crisp, exhilarating performances are especially captivating.

Wagaku: Heart Sutra PopKineya Nanami Shachu with Semimaru P

Hatsune Miku [Heart Sutra Pop]

A very pop-styled take on the Heart Sutra in traditional Japanese music.

I’ve relearned it many times in my life, but, as you’d expect, it never really sticks—after all, most of it reads like dense classical Chinese.

With something this pop, though, it feels like it would really stay in both your head and your heart! It’s the kind of track that makes you want to use it for a sunny-day drive—the scripture and the sound wash your heart clean in double measure.

It’s a piece featuring Kineya Nami (Kineya Nanami), who earlier delivered outstanding shamisen performance in The Nutcracker.

Also, don’t miss how they gradually become more character-like in the latter half of the video!

SHI-BU-KIHayashi Ei & Kinoshita Shin’ichi

Eitetsu Hayashi & Shinichi Kinoshita “-SHI-BU-KI-”

A collaborative piece by a master of Japanese taiko and a master of shamisen.

Even through a YouTube video, you can sense the extraordinary fusion of sound at an exceptionally high level, completely different from an ordinary traditional Japanese ensemble.

For anyone who thinks taiko and shamisen are simply instruments overflowing with powerful beats, this track will amaze you with its unmistakable technical sophistication.

SenbonzakuraBiwa ensō

bilibili Tuantuanzi – Senbonzakura by Hatsune Miku [Biwa Ver.]

There are many YouTube videos covering Hatsune Miku’s signature song “Senbonzakura” with traditional Japanese instruments.

Among them, this video using the biwa is particularly rare.

Not only is the instrument itself uncommon, but the performance technique is outstanding as well.

Do you know the name of the performer?

A serious Lupin the Third with traditional Japanese instruments!Mahora wagakki ansanburu

Pros perform a serious Lupin the Third with traditional Japanese instruments! — Japanese traditional musical instruments ensemble “MAHORA”

When you think of the Lupin the Third theme, many people probably recall the hard-boiled brass sound of a big band arrangement.

This version doesn’t just swap in traditional Japanese instruments; it also sprinkles in deliberate rhythmic displacements while keeping a decent sense of groove.

In the best possible way, it feels Edo-esque—gently drawing you into a laid-back wa vibe—with a pleasing, easygoing rhythm.

The performance is solid, and the arrangement is outstanding!

I tried playing “Roku Chōnen to Ichiya Monogatari” (Six Trillion Years and One Night Story)Koto Manon

[Koto] I tried playing “Six Trillion Years and Overnight Story” [Manon].avi

The famous Vocaloid song “Roku Chōnen to Ichiya Monogatari” can now be found performed in many different styles by various artists on video platforms everywhere, including overseas.

Manon performs a gently rendered version on the koto.

That said, it’s a piece you’ll want to watch on video to fully appreciate—especially the suppleness with which she keeps up with the intense melody.

The famous Vocaloid song “Roku Chōnen to Ichiya Monogatari” can now be found performed in many different styles by various artists on video platforms everywhere, including overseas.

Manon performs a gently rendered version on the koto.

That said, it’s a piece you’ll want to watch on video to fully appreciate—especially the suppleness with which she keeps up with the intense melody.