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Enka (Japanese Music)
Enka (演歌) refers to two different styles of Japanese music. The first is a
traditional type of music from both the Meiji period (1868–1912) and the Taisho
period (1912-1926). The second is a genre of melodramatic Japanese popular
songs, which has been likened to American country music in terms of themes and
audience. The term now usually refers to the latter.
The term enka originated in Meiji Japan. It began as a form of political dissent -
speeches set to music to make them spread more easily - but quickly changed
form. It was the first style to synthesize the Japanese pentatonic scale with
Western harmonies.
In recent decades, enka music has declined both in sales and in recognition as
American-like J-Pop music has become more popular. However, there are still
many in Japan who like it. Its popularity among younger Japanese people has
increased lately because of singer Kiyoshi Hikawa and the early solo releases of
then-Morning Musume member Yuko Nakazawa. Enka singers, especially
females, usually perform in a kimono.
Nods to traditional Japanese music are common in enka, usually in the form of an
interlude featuring instruments like the shinobue and the shamisen. Besides
television, enka can usually be heard in many restaurants and drinking
establishments.
Enka (演歌) refers to two different styles of Japanese music. The first is a
traditional type of music from both the Meiji period (1868–1912) and the Taisho
period (1912-1926). The second is a genre of melodramatic Japanese popular
songs, which has been likened to American country music in terms of themes and
audience. The term now usually refers to the latter.
The term enka originated in Meiji Japan. It began as a form of political dissent -
speeches set to music to make them spread more easily - but quickly changed
form. It was the first style to synthesize the Japanese pentatonic scale with
Western harmonies.
In recent decades, enka music has declined both in sales and in recognition as
American-like J-Pop music has become more popular. However, there are still
many in Japan who like it. Its popularity among younger Japanese people has
increased lately because of singer Kiyoshi Hikawa and the early solo releases of
then-Morning Musume member Yuko Nakazawa. Enka singers, especially
females, usually perform in a kimono.
Nods to traditional Japanese music are common in enka, usually in the form of an
interlude featuring instruments like the shinobue and the shamisen. Besides
television, enka can usually be heard in many restaurants and drinking
establishments.