Exhibition
Japan Music Catalogue
Organised by Japan House London
Tracing the DNA of music in Japan across the generations is not an easy task.
Today, all kinds of music can be accessed at any time, and various musical eras and genres co-exist, overlapping and mutually influencing each other in a myriad of ways. And while they have global relations, key genres in the Japanese music scene such as such as J-pop and J-rock, have frequently evolved according to local rather than global trends.
This Library display seeks to convey such aspects of Japanese music through books arranged by nine themes in a catalogue format. It covers popular musical genres which have flourished in Japan since the late 20th century including City Pop, Japanese rock, idol and video game music; hōgaku, Japan’s folk and classical music; and the music of the Ainu, an indigenous people of northern Japan. Connecting these disparate themes, the display is centred around the work of Takemitsu Tōru, a world-renowned composer of contemporary music. Some of the books are available in the Japanese language only, however, they are filled with a variety of striking images that can be understood universally.
Please check the Library page for any potential closures before planning your visit.
About the Book Curator
Haba Yoshitaka
Haba Yoshitaka is a Book Director and representative of BACH, as well as an associate lecturer at Waseda University and Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music. In order to create opportunities for people to have greater access to books and come across previously unknown books, Haba produces shop floor displays, library displays and reading areas that connect book stores and different industries.
His recent works include Wacoal Study Hall Kyoto (a venue that comprises a school, library, gallery and co-working space), ISETAN The Japan Store Kuala Lumpur and Japan House São Paulo. Haba is a book connoisseur, his love of books goes beyond book curation to include writing and editing.