komagaku

Komagaku is a category of ancient Japanese court music, specifically referred to as the "music of the right." It was largely imported from Korea and established as a court tradition by the 8th century. Unlike tōgaku (music of the left), komagaku does not include stringed instruments.12

Gagaku, the broader term for ancient Japanese court music, is characterized by its elegance and has origins in Chinese and Korean traditions, with some indigenous Japanese elements incorporated over time. Instrumental performances without dance are called kangen, while music accompanying dance is known as bugaku. The categories and instrumentation of gagaku have evolved throughout history, offering rare insights into East Asian musical practices from over a thousand years ago.132