A survey of present-day Japanese concepts and classifications of musical instruments

Abstract

Japanese musical instruments are classified in Japan today in numerous and unique ways. As well as using well-known international classifications, together with other modern-day Japanese and non-Japanese counterparts, Japanese classifications of musical instruments are found on several levels of discourse. An examination of such hierarchies and divisions reveals not only an abundance of information about the structures of the instruments themselves, but also about aspects of Japanese culture in general. This initial survey examines Japanese concepts of, names for, and classifications of musical instruments.