Summary
Japanese education values music and other artistic mediums, which contribute to the country's cultural richness. In particular, the music in the anime uniquely combines traditional Japanese and Western influences. The arts in Japan nurture creativity and talent, promising a bright future for anime music.
Anime music has become a staple in the community, and at its best, it's become as iconic as the series for which the songs were written. However, due to the popularity of anime globally, music as an artistic medium and its impact on Japanese culture are often overlooked. Since the late 19th century, American music education has heavily influenced Japanese music education. Therefore, Japanese music is often inspired by Western music. However, anime music has become its own unique genre. Japanese filmmakers and artists try to combine their history from the previous century with modern or “Westernized” music.
Japan is one of the countries with the most developed art scene in the world because art is deeply integrated into culture. The first anime created dates back to the early 20th century, titled Namakura Gatana (The Dull Sword) from 1917, directed by Junichi Kouchi. Since then, Japanese storytellers have created thousands of anime series, all unique in their art style, moral message, age classification, and genre.
Japan's appreciation for music stems from its educational system, which emphasizes the importance of music education more than any other country. Therefore, cultivating the arts, including anime and music, is given high priority. The combination of two of Japan's most powerful entertainment mediums is why anime music is essential to Japanese culture.
Military history of Japanese music
Music was originally used by the government to influence the public.
Ushering in the Taisho period, music education in Japan continued to grow as it expanded with the creative movement. However, the basic political influence remained, renamed “character building,” a concept that would become very popular in the next era. During World War II, schools included a number of “homecoming songs” in their curriculum. The main objective of these songs was to instill ideas of ultra-nationalism and militarism into the minds of children.
An example of musical ability applied in a military environment is the ability to distinguish the roar of aircraft at the front and the sounds of machinery in munitions factories using perfect pitch. Due to the government's complete control over this entity, Music education influences Japanese schools more than ever. Since the Taisho period, when the government emphasized militaristic beliefs, Japanese music education has developed significantly through the influence of American education.
Immediately after World War II, music education in Japan entered its final phase. The philosophy and methods behind music education underwent a complete transformation thanks to Luther Whiting Mason, who was employed by the Emperor of Japan. The Emperor wanted to bring American educational technology to Japan. Thus, in 1945, the first Scheduled Course was released, which stated that The main goal of music education is to cultivate aesthetic feelings and rich human intelligence by appreciating the beauty of music. This course is inspired by American educational principles.
What makes Anime music different from other genres?
Music is the secret behind anime's popularity.
Anime has become extremely popular all over the world. A common misconception is that anime is a genre and all stories are identical. However, this is far from the truth. Anime is a storytelling medium, not a genre. Like the American entertainment industry, the stories range from romance to drama to comedy. Anime has inspired artists around the world for decades. Director Hayao Miyazaki, founder of Studio Ghibli, an award-winning Japanese animation studio, has inspired some of Disney's most famous films, including Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Wall-E and Up.
Another example of anime's popularity is the success of its American film adaptations. For example, due to the increased popularity following Netflix's live-action remake, One Piece is now the best-selling literary work written by a single person of all time, outselling even the Batman comics and JK Rowling's Harry Potter. Although the anime covers of the stories are diverse and attractive, The music behind the plot brings them to life.
Japanese anime can include many different musical genres, including sacred classical music, Western classical music, jazz, hip-hop, and J-pop. However, anime music is unlike any other genre. In contrast to Westernized animated films like Disney or Pixar, Japanese anime scores and music do not highlight character movements but highlight contextual emotions.Anime theme songs play an important role in their series. The opening and ending themes, often combined with a montage, explain the premise of the series and will occasionally give clues about events.
Examples of core themes in Anime songs
While it combines Japanese and American features, the storytelling mechanics of anime music make it truly unique.
An example of foreshadowing in anime music is One Piece's most iconic theme song, Kokoro No Chizu. The lyrics of this song say: “There's nothing we can't do when we fight together” and “I just know that we will stand strong and we will all be intact.” The song's lyrics emphasize standing together as one. However, during the Water 7 Arc in One Piece, both Usopp and Robin briefly left the crew before returning to fight against the Marines.
In addition to the opening theme, Japanese film scores are created to express core themes. Joe Hisaishi, a Japanese composer most widely known for his work for Studio Ghibli, excels at creating themes that fit the film's premise. Merry-Go-Round of Life, the theme song to Howl's Moving Castle, is a waltz written in ¾ time (usually associated with romance) with an orchestral arrangement. The track begins with a piano solo, establishing the song's central theme. The opening section lacks a steady beat, creating a slow, hauntingly beautiful sound. Soon, the strings take over the melody, playing the symbolic theme, the chords.
Finally, anime series like Death Note are popular because of their use of leitmotifs. Because anime episodes typically last around 23 minutes, with each series having 26 or more episodes, The composers will use the same material throughout each episode, guiding viewers through the plot. Some of the most famous character motifs in Death Note are L's Theme and Himitsu by composers Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi. These short musical specialists help older anime series, like Death Note, remain relevant nearly 20 years later.
The importance of art in Japan
Japanese culture values art more than any other culture.
While the American education system emphasizes sports, math and science, music in Japan is a mandatory subject from elementary to middle school. Education usually includes starting the recorder and melodies, singing home songs in Japanese, solfege, and reading scores. Furthermore, Music theory is part of standardized testing in Japan, unlike in the United States. However, music is not the only art class offered. In addition to music, Shodo and Japanese calligraphy are taught in high school.
Anime and J-Pop are often used in music lessons and extracurricular activities. Private music teacher in Japan uses Japanese folk songs and anime music to teach students and keep them interested. Music performances and festivals are also extremely popular in Japan. The musical performances will incorporate J-pop songs, American pop music and anime themes. Finally, world music and culture are also showcased at many outdoor festivals. The music community is large in Japan, which can be encouraging for young music students. Japan has produced excellent musicians and will continue to do so, giving hope to Japanese music lovers around the world.
The future of Anime music is bright
Thanks to the cultivation of young artists, anime fans can look forward to an exciting future for anime music.
For centuries, American schools considered music education inferior to other subjects such as math, science, and literature. Beginning in the 18th century and continuing throughout the 20th century, American leaders viewed music education as extracurricular and frivolous. Although the political agenda is the catalyst for many decisions, The Japanese school system has continuously included music education in its curriculum since the 19th century. Research shows that Japanese musicians are among the most skilled in the world thanks to the quality of their country's music education.
According to researchers, some people believe that the Japanese education system does not foster creativity due to its philosophy of focusing on discipline for many years. However, it cannot be denied Japan produces some of the most creative content in the world. From Super Mario Bros. to the films of Studio Ghibli, Japanese creators remain among the most skillful in their industry, which can only be recognized based on the value that Japanese culture places on art .
Music is incorporated into the daily life of the Japanese community, regardless of occupation. Even in rural areas, quality music lessons are available, which train successful musicians. In Japan, music students are regularly spotted carrying musical instruments on their daily commute, and music festivals are constantly taking place around larger cities, providing a sense of safety and community. aspiring musicians. Art is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, setting it apart from the rest of the world. Therefore, anime fans can rest assured knowing that they will continue to produce groundbreaking musical works.
For centuries, art has played a pivotal role in Japanese culture. Originally a tactic to control people, Japanese music is now seen as a symbol of cultural influence. The prominence of art in Japan stems from the education system. However, the cultivation of this craft is maintained thanks to the popularity of Japan's most famous entertainment medium, anime. By combining the unique storytelling of anime with the heartfelt messages of Japanese musical works, anime music remains one of the most important contributions to music.
While music researchers speculate that creativity is somewhat wasted in Japanese schools, Their contributions to the entertainment industry are immense. Furthermore, Americanization has influenced the educational system for centuries, which in turn influenced Japanese music.
Anime music allows composers to combine traditional Japanese music with Western influences, maintaining distinction from standard American pop music. It preserves traditional Japanese sounds and creates opportunities for creative ingenuity, that's why cartoon music plays such an important role in Japanese culture.
Source(s): Tokyo Restaurant Guide: “History of Traditional Japanese Music”, The New York Times, Music Education in Japan