Gagaku

Gagaku is Japan's oldest classical music genre, originating in the Imperial court over a thousand years ago, which is quite a commitment for a genre that doesn't like to rush. It typically features elegant instruments like the sho and hichiriki, creating a sound that's part ethereal, part 'I'm definitely in a samurai film right now.' This delightful blend of slow melodies and complex rhythms has resulted in a cultural legacy that, much like fine tea, only gets better with age, whilst baffling those who prefer a bit more bang for their buck in the sound department.