tōgaku

music

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July 14, 2026

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Tōgaku is an ancient form of Japanese court music, originating largely from China and Korea as early as the 6th century and established by the 8th century. The name translates to "elegant music".1

Tōgaku is categorized as "music of the left," primarily featuring Chinese music from the Tang dynasty, along with Indian influences. This contrasts with "music of the right," known as komagaku, which includes Korean and other traditions. While komagaku lacks string instruments, tōgaku utilizes them. Instrumental performances without dance are called kangen, while music accompanying dance is known as bugaku. Tōgaku remains the dominant repertoire in gagaku today.12

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Japanese music
Influence of Tang-dynasty China
…was called Tang music (tōgaku). In Japan, as in Korea, the establishment and maintenance of such a music has made it possible for modern listeners to hear foreign versions of famous pieces long forgotten in the country of their origin. For example, there are names of pieces played and…
Read More
…was called Tang music (tōgaku). In Japan, as in Korea, the establishment and maintenance of such a music has made it possible for modern listeners to hear foreign versions of famous pieces long forgotten in the country of their origin. For example, there are names of pieces played and…
Read More

gagaku
…century into two major categories: tōgaku, the so-called music of the left, which included Tang-dynasty (618–907) Chinese music as well as Indian materials; and komagaku, the music of the right, which contained Korean music and all other forms. The flute and the main drum of tōgaku and komagaku differ, and…
Read More
…century into two major categories: tōgaku, the so-called music of the left, which included Tang-dynasty (618–907) Chinese music as well as Indian materials; and komagaku, the music of the right, which contained Korean music and all other forms. The flute and the main drum of tōgaku and komagaku differ, and…
Read More