Gagaku: The Virtue Of Japanese Culture

Japanese culture, customs, and traditions are deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and practices. Japanese tradition is largely based on the ancient ideals of shame, duty, and honor. The Japanese individual had a duty to society and family, and by fulfilling this duty, one could maintain their honor. However, if this duty was not completed, then the individual would fall into shame. Shame was to be avoided at all costs because all Japanese relationships were duty-based. An individual in shame must do as society dictates to regain their honor, and often society demanded high prices for shame. The ancient practice of hara-kiri, or suicide by cutting one’s own belly, was considered a way to regain honor. In the ancient world of the shogunate and samurai,
Japan is also known for ancient music and dance. Much of the ancient music and dance styles originated in the 5th century and came from countries such as China and Korea around the same time that Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The most famous of these styles is gagaku. Gagaku is a fusion of various cultural music and dance styles that reached prominence in the 10th century. It has been passed down from generation to generation under the patronage of the imperial family. Over the years, gagaku has developed to include advanced musical technique, and today, it contributes to modern-day music and is recognized as a global art form. In ancient Japan and during the Meiji Restoration, it was performed at several court functions in the imperial palace and at state dinners and other important events. Gagaku attained global prominence immediately after WWII when allied forces entered Japan to begin rebuilding the country and brought back Japanese traditions and customs with them (Imperial Household Agency