Discovering The Music Of Japan (1966)

Discovering the Music of Japan (1966), written and produced by Bernard Wilets, provides an engaging introduction to Japan’s rich musical traditions. This 22-minute educational film explores the history, construction, and performance techniques of Japan’s three major traditional instruments: the koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi. Through demonstrations and contextual explanations, viewers gain insight into how these instruments are used in both historical and modern settings. The film also highlights traditional Japanese singing and dancing, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s cultural expressions through music and performance.