Cultural Policy and the Transmission of Traditional Music in Japan

This chapter attempts to shed some light on Japan’s cultural policy as the context within which the transmission of traditional music takes place. A special focus is on the place of shakuhachi music: The traditional nature of shakuhachi instruction, as well as recent changes in shakuhachi practice, are introduced, with particular attention being paid to: (a) the international context; (b) non-traditional community settings; and (c) the formal learning context in schools. Together, they reveal the different challenges and opportunities facing shakuhachi music in terms of its preservation, innovation and transformation. Implications for sustainable practices are discussed in relation to alternative pedagogies, approaches and places.