Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Music-and-Dance-Terminology

◀️ Film and Theater Terminology — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Art and Literature Terminology ▶️

Japanese → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Arts and Media → Music and Dance Terminology

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of music and dance in Japan. Music and dance play a significant role in Japanese culture, spanning both traditional and modern styles. By learning the vocabulary and terminology related to music and dance, you will gain a deeper understanding of Japanese arts and media. This knowledge will not only enhance your language skills but also allow you to appreciate and engage with the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

This lesson is part of the larger course titled "Complete 0 to A1 Japanese Course." As complete beginners, you have already learned the basics of hiragana, sentence structure, particles, verb conjugation, noun and adjective modification, question words and phrases, greetings and introductions, describing people, counting numbers and telling time, basic food and drink terminology, daily activities and hobbies, basic directions and transportation, Japanese geography, brief history of Japan, traditional arts and customs, popular culture and entertainment, adjectives and adverbs, family and social relations, social etiquette and expressions, basic workplace and business terminology, shopping and consumer culture, religion and philosophy, particles and conjunctions, travel and tourism, education and science, prepositions and interjections, and arts and media. Now, let's dive into the world of music and dance!

Traditional Music and Dance

Gagaku (雅楽)

Gagaku, meaning "elegant music," is one of the oldest forms of traditional Japanese music. It originated in ancient China and Korea before being introduced to Japan in the 7th century. Gagaku is performed by an orchestra consisting of wind, string, and percussion instruments. The music is characterized by its slow tempo, intricate melodies, and solemn atmosphere. Gagaku is often accompanied by traditional court dances, which are known for their graceful movements and colorful costumes.

Here are some key terms and expressions related to Gagaku:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
雅楽	ががく	Gagaku
宮廷音楽	きゅうていおんがく	Court music
管楽器	かんがっき	Wind instrument
弦楽器	げんがっき	String instrument
打楽器	だがっき	Percussion instrument
舞踊	ぶよう	Dance
優雅な	ゆうがな	Elegant
正装	せいそう	Formal attire

Noh (能)

Noh is a traditional form of musical theater that dates back to the 14th century. It combines elements of music, dance, and drama to convey profound stories from Japanese literature and folklore. Noh performances feature masked actors and a small ensemble of musicians playing traditional instruments such as the flute, drums, and stringed instruments. The movements in Noh are slow and deliberate, emphasizing the emotions and expressions of the characters.

Here are some key terms and expressions related to Noh:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
能	のう	Noh
能楽師	のうがくし	Noh actor
能面	のうめん	Noh mask
三曲	さんきょく	Three categories of Noh plays
風流	ふうりゅう	Graceful
神秘的な	しんぴてきな	Mysterious
重厚な	じゅうこうな	Profound

Kabuki (歌舞伎)

Kabuki is a popular form of traditional Japanese theater that originated in the Edo period (1603-1868). It is characterized by its elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and exaggerated acting style. Kabuki performances often include singing, dancing, and acrobatics. The music in Kabuki is provided by a traditional ensemble called the "Kabuki Bayashi," which consists of drums, flutes, and stringed instruments. Kabuki plays cover a wide range of themes, from historical events to contemporary stories.

Here are some key terms and expressions related to Kabuki:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
歌舞伎	かぶき	Kabuki
役者	やくしゃ	Actor
舞台	ぶたい	Stage
化粧	けしょう	Makeup
衣装	いしょう	Costume
演技	えんぎ	Acting
観客	かんきゃく	Audience
劇団	げきだん	Theater company

Modern Music and Dance

J-Pop (ジェイポップ)

J-Pop, short for "Japanese pop," refers to popular music in Japan. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. J-Pop artists often have a strong visual and performance aspect to their music, with elaborate costumes and choreographed dances. J-Pop became popular in the 1990s and has since spread to other parts of Asia and the world.

Here are some key terms and expressions related to J-Pop:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
ジェイポップ	じぇいぽっぷ	J-Pop
歌手	かしゅ	Singer
アイドル	あいどる	Idol
バンド	ばんど	Band
ライブ	らいぶ	Live performance
ミュージックビデオ	みゅーじっくびでお	Music video
ダンス	だんす	Dance
カバー曲	かばーきょく	Cover song

Hip-Hop (ヒップホップ)

Hip-Hop has gained popularity in Japan, and Japanese hip-hop artists have developed their unique style and subculture within the genre. Japanese hip-hop often combines elements of traditional Japanese music with modern hip-hop beats and lyrics. Japanese hip-hop artists frequently rap in both Japanese and English, showcasing their bilingual skills. Dance also plays a significant role in Japanese hip-hop culture, with various dance crews and competitions throughout the country.

Here are some key terms and expressions related to Japanese hip-hop:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
ヒップホップ	ひっぷほっぷ	Hip-Hop
ラッパー	らっぱー	Rapper
ビート	びーと	Beat
ラップ	らっぷ	Rap
スクラッチ	すくらっち	Scratch
ダンスクルー	だんすくるー	Dance crew
フリースタイル	ふりーすたいる	Freestyle
バトル	ばとる	Battle

Cultural Insights

Japan's music and dance culture reflects its rich history and diverse traditions. Traditional forms of music and dance, such as Gagaku, Noh, and Kabuki, have been passed down through generations and continue to be celebrated today. These art forms not only entertain but also serve as a means of cultural preservation. On the other hand, modern music and dance, such as J-Pop and hip-hop, represent the evolving tastes and influences of contemporary Japanese society.

It is interesting to note that different regions of Japan have their own unique music and dance styles. For example, the Awa Odori, a lively dance festival, is popular in Tokushima Prefecture. In Okinawa, traditional music is heavily influenced by Southeast Asian and Polynesian cultures. These regional variations add further diversity to the music and dance scene in Japan.

Japanese music and dance also have historical and social significance. For instance, Gagaku was primarily performed for the imperial court, while Noh was enjoyed by the samurai class. Kabuki, on the other hand, catered to the common people and became a form of popular entertainment. Understanding the historical context and social dynamics behind these art forms provides a deeper appreciation for their cultural value.

Exercises

1. Match the following Japanese music and dance terms with their English translations:

a. 雅楽 b. 能 c. 歌舞伎 d. ジェイポップ e. ヒップホップ

i. Noh ii. Gagaku iii. J-Pop iv. Kabuki v. Hip-Hop

Solution: a. ii. Gagaku b. i. Noh c. iv. Kabuki d. iii. J-Pop e. v. Hip-Hop

2. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary terms:

a. The traditional Japanese music and dance form that combines elements of music, dance, and drama is called _____. b. J-Pop is short for ______ pop. c. Kabuki performances often include ______ and acrobatics. d. Noh is known for its ________ movements and expressions.

Solution: a. Noh b. Japanese c. singing d. slow

3. Imagine you are attending a Kabuki performance. Write a brief description of what you see and hear, including details about the costumes and music.

Solution: (Sample answer) As I enter the theater, I am immediately captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the Kabuki costumes. The actors, with their elaborate makeup and flamboyant costumes, transport me to a different era. The music, performed by the Kabuki Bayashi ensemble, fills the air with its rhythmic beats and melodic tunes. The actors' exaggerated movements and powerful acting bring the story to life, leaving me mesmerized throughout the performance.

Conclusion

Music and dance are integral parts of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern. By learning the vocabulary and terminology related to music and dance, you have gained insights into the rich artistic heritage of Japan. From the elegant melodies of Gagaku to the energetic performances of J-Pop and hip-hop, Japanese music and dance offer a diverse range of experiences. As you continue your journey to mastering the Japanese language, remember to explore and appreciate the world of music and dance as an essential part of Japanese arts and media.

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Hiragana Basics

• Hiragana Reading and Writing Practice
• Introduction to Japanese Sentence Structure
• Particle は and が
• Verb Conjugation
• Noun and Adjective Modification
• Question Words and Phrases

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introducing Yourself and Others
• Describing People
• Counting Numbers and Time
• Basic Food and Drink Terminology
• Daily Activities and Hobbies
• Basic Directions and Transportation

  ---

Geography and History

• Introduction to Japanese Geography
• Brief History of Japan
• Traditional Arts and Customs
• Popular Culture and Entertainment

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Conjugation
• Adjective Types and Usage
• Adverb Types and Usage
• Comparison and Superlative
• Adjective and Adverbial Modification

  ---

Family and Social Relations

• Family Members and Titles
• Social Etiquette and Expressions
• Basic Workplace and Business Terminology
• Shopping and Consumer Culture

  ---

Religion and Philosophy

• Shinto and Buddhism
• Zen and Samurai Culture
• Contemporary Spiritual Movements

  ---

Particles and Conjunctions

• Particles に and で
• Particles へ and を
• Particles も and しか
• Conjunctions and Compound Sentences
• Conditional and Hypothetical Sentences

  ---

Travel and Tourism

• Basic Travel and Tourism Vocabulary
• Famous Tourist Attractions and Landmarks
• Japanese Hospitality and Service Culture

  ---

Education and Science

• Educational System and Vocabulary
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology
• Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention

  ---

Prepositions and Interjections

• Prepositions and Postpositions
• Emphasis and Intensification
• Exclamation and Impression Expressions

  ---

Arts and Media

• Film and Theater Terminology
• Music and Dance Terminology
• Art and Literature Terminology

  ---

Politics and Society

• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Social Issues and Controversies
• Japanese Business and Work Culture

Sources

• Japanese Dance Terms Flashcards | Quizlet

Other Lessons

• Health
• Greetings
• Fruits
• Longest word
• Nature
• Love
• Counting and Numbers
• Colors 色
• Drinks
• Metals

◀️ Film and Theater Terminology — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Art and Literature Terminology ▶️