Japan has a rich musical history that dates back centuries. Traditional Japanese music encompasses diverse genres such as gagaku (court music), shomyo (Buddhist chant), and kabuki theater music. In the early 20th century, Western influences introduced modern genres like jazz and classical music. Post World War II, Japan experienced a musical boom, with the emergence of popular styles such as enka, rock, and pop. The 1970s witnessed the rise of J-pop, a fusion of Western pop with Japanese sensibilities, which continues to dominate the charts today. Japan is also renowned for its electronic music scene, spawning influential artists like Yellow Magic Orchestra. Notably, karaoke, a Japanese invention, gained global popularity and became a cultural phenomenon. From classical court music to contemporary J-pop, Japan's music scene is a diverse and vibrant mix of tradition and innovation.