To most of us, Japan is an exotic and faraway land. When we see images of Shinto shrines, pagodas, geishas, and Kabuki actors in face paint, our imaginations are immediately captured.Now you can experience this rich and mysterious culture through its music. In addition to arrangements of classic folk tunes such as 'Sakura' and 'Edo Komori-uta,' Guitar Atlas: Japan teaches about Japanese scales, modes, and tunings, and traditional instruments such as the shamisen, koto, shakuhachi. Learn guitar techniques to emulate the sounds of these exotic instruments. Discover the fascinating world of Kabuki music, including a style of shamisen playing called ozatsuma. The book also informs about the Bon odori, or bon dances, held during the summer festival of Bon.This exciting introduction to the music of Japan offers new and interesting music to add to your repertoire, and teaches techniques, theory, and traditions that will enhance your playing and enrich your spirit. A CD demonstrating all examples and compositions is included. / Guitare

Full Score-In Japan there is an old tale which has been told since before time began. Two of the most beautiful stars in the night sky are Altair representing Man and Vega representing Woman. These two lovers can meet each other only one time each year on the night of July 7th. Living on opposite sides of the Milky Way they have to ride a ship to meet each other on that night. If it rains they cannot see each other because the river of the light in the sky is swollen. The name of the star ship that Altair and Vega ride is called Hoshi no Fune. I wanted to express in music the pain of these separated lovers.

Japanese Lullaby-This Japanese lullaby is a traditional song sung by girls far away from home as they worked as nannies in upper class households. The gentle sounds of flute and wind chimes support the plaintive quality of the melody presented in canon and simple harmonization over the arpeggios in the piano or optional marimba accompaniment.