Japanese Folk

Japanese folk music, or 'min'yō', can be traced back centuries, springing from rural communities who had an inexplicable desire to sing about hard work and the changing seasons, often whilst getting on with more pressing matters like growing rice. It's a delightful blend of lively vocals and traditional instruments like the shamisen and shakuhachi, sounding a bit like an understated karaoke night, minus the questionable choices in chart-toppers. Often used in festivals and rituals, it serves as a reminder that even amidst the earnestness of life, a catchy tune about farming can really lift the spirits (and keep the rice crops in good shape).