You have likely heard music that sounds unmistakably Japanese. More often than not, this distinct sound is born from a traditional pentatonic scale known as the In scale(陰音階), or the Miyakobushi scale(都節音階).
First, take a listen to the Miyakobushi scale for yourself.
As you can hear, it is a five-note scale consisting of Mi, Fa, La, Ti, and Do.
If you play using only these five notes, anything you play will instantly take on a Japanese flavor. If you happen to have an instrument handy, why not give it a try?
Now, when it comes to iconic songs utilizing this scale, “Toryanse” immediately comes to mind.
(Lyrics)
通りゃんせ 通りゃんせ
ここはどこの 細道じゃ
天神さまの 細道じゃ
ちっと通して 下しゃんせ
御用のないもの 通しゃせぬ
この子の七つの お祝いに
お札を納めに まいります
行きはよいよい 帰りはこわい
こわいながらも
通りゃんせ 通りゃんせ
Come through, come through,
Where does this narrow pathway lead?
It is the narrow pathway of the Tenjin Shrine.
Would you kindly let us pass?
Those with no business here shall never pass through.
We have come to offer a talisman for this child’s 7th year.
The road going there is pleasant, but the road coming home is arduous. Arduous though it may be, come through, come through.
Now, I will play the accompaniment,
so let's sing along with the recorder♪
Piano and Recorder by Umineko
This traditional nursery rhyme is believed to have originated in the Edo period. It is famously sung during a children's playground game similar to "London Bridge is Falling Down," where two children form an arch for others to pass under. Because of its slightly eerie tone, the song has sparked numerous urban legends over the centuries, ranging from tales of hidden treasure to spirited-away children. Interestingly, this melody was also historically used for pedestrian crossing signals across Japan to assist the visually impaired, though it is slowly being replaced by bird calls today.
