ST: Music & Arts

• What is the primary focus of Japanese music?

  The art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty or emotional expression
• How did Japan's isolation affect its music?

  It allowed Japanese music to develop unique characteristics
• What is the nature of traditional Japanese music?

  It is meditative and highly ritualized
• In what contexts is traditional Japanese music often used?

  Religious festivals, work, dance, love, and regional songs
• What are the two main types of percussion instruments in Japanese music?

  • Odaiko (big drums)
  • Tsuzumi (hourglass-shaped drums)
• What is the role of Odaiko in Japanese festivals?

  They contribute powerful sound and energy to the excitement of events
• What are the two sizes of Tsuzumi drums?

  Kotsuzumi (smaller) and Otsuzumi (larger)
• How is the Kotsuzumi drum tuned?

  By squeezing its laces while held on the right shoulder
• What is the historical significance of ancient Chinese music?

  It was vital for ensuring state harmony and longevity
• What are the main categories of traditional Chinese musical instruments?

  • String instruments
  • Percussion instruments
  • Wind instruments
• What is the Yueqin?

  A moon-shaped lute used for accompanying operas
• What is the Pipa?

  A four-stringed lute with a pear shape
• What is the Erhu?

  A two-stringed fiddle commonly used as a solo or in ensembles
• What is the Zheng?

  An ancient instrument with an elongated trapezoid shape
• What does Yunluo mean?

  Cloud gongs or cloud of gongs
• What is the Sheng?

  A Chinese mouth organ that can produce multiple notes
• What is the Dizi?

  A traditional Chinese flute
• What is the significance of Taiko in Japanese culture?


  It plays a central role in festivals and rituals
• What is the Koto?

  A two-meter long 13-stringed zither
• What is the Shamisen?

  A plucked stringed instrument with a slimmer, fretless neck
• What is the Biwa?

  A revered instrument in Japanese Shinto
• What is the Shakuhachi?

  A famous bamboo flute with 4-5 finger holes
• What is the Nokan?

  A bamboo flute used in Noh
• What are the two main modes in Japanese music?

  Yosen and In-sen
• What does Sakura symbolize?

  The season of cherry blossoms in spring
• What is Arirang?


  A Korean folk song symbolizing Korea and its culture
• What is the significance of the Changgo/Janggu in Korean music?

  It symbolizes the harmony of man and woman
• What are the main themes in East Asian paintings?

  • Flowers and birds
  • Landscape
  • Palaces and temples
  • Human figures
  • Animals
  • Bamboos and stones
• What is the historical significance of Eastern painting?

  It dates back to prehistoric times and showcases rich artistic heritage
• What materials are commonly used in East Asian calligraphy?

  Paper and silk
• What is the purpose of face painting in Peking opera?

  To reflect the character's personality and historical assessment
• What is Kabuki makeup known for?

  It is a powerful form of visual storytelling
• How does Kabuki makeup contribute to the audience's experience?

  It helps the audience decode the drama through graphic designs
• What is the significance of the Ryūteki in Gagaku music?

  It is a commonly used bamboo transverse flute
• What is the role of the Sho in Japanese music?

  It is a free reed musical instrument introduced from China
• What is the main characteristic of Chinese vocal music?

  It is traditionally sung in a thin, non-resonant voice
• What scale is primarily used in Chinese music?

  The pentatonic scale
• What is Mo Li Hua about?

  It features a gentle melody and lyrics about the jasmine flower
• What are the main genres of Korean traditional music?

  Pansori and samul nori
• What is the Kayagum?

  A stringed instrument similar to a zither