Japan is one of the countries that has a rich heritage in their music wherein it consists of wide array of diverse music artists in different genres e.g. from traditional to modern (rock, pop, alternative or reggae). With the changes happening in the country, Japanese music had also been influenced by Western music. The modern Japanese music scene has become a part of the daily lives of the people. The word J-pop and J-rock became a household name especially to younger generation within and outside the country. The rise of some Japanese music artists all over Asia spreads fast such as Utada Hikaru, Arashi and Ayumi Hamasaki. With the strong presence of Western music in the country, traditional ones are never left out. It is still reminisced and played by several folks.

Traditional Japanese music is divided into several types namely the:

Gagaku - literally means elegant music wherein it is performed by the musicians in the Japanese Imperial household.

Biwakagu - the music is played with Biwa, a four-stringed guitar.

Nogaku - during No performances, nogaku is being played. No refers to an old Japanese term that means theater.

Sokyoko - it is accompanied with the Koto instrument when it is being played. Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, which is considered as the national instrument in the country.

Minyo - a genre of Japanese music, which is the folk song. Thus, it’s not all J-pop and any Western music has been dominating the music industry, traditional ones also take part.

Japan is the home of around 130 million people of Japanese descendant. Nikkeijin is the term used for people of Japanese ancestry that live in other countries. It was deemed that the interbreeding of Jomon Era people, which consist of Ice Age early settlers and the arrival of people from China and Korea were the result of the modern Japanese people. The people in Japan are known to be generous and hardworking individuals. That’s why, Japan is one of the countries that have a flourishing and rich economy worldwide. In addition, they have a high literacy percentage of over 99%.

Approximately 99% of the population speaks Japanese, which is their first language. Then, most of the Japanese people are Buddhist and Shintoists, these religions have the highest estimates of followers wherein it comprises at 84-96 %. There are also Confucianism and Catholic believers but not that much compared to the leading religions in Japan. Some of the religions like Confucianism influenced the beliefs and customs of some people.

Japan is as diverse as its history, culture and tradition wherein it homes various ethnic groups e.g. Yamato people, which is considered as the most dominant indigenous group and the native Ainu and Ryukyuan, the primary minority groups.