Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of music courseware that features a music search system that uses impression keywords. The paper applies the courseware to "Kansei" (sensibility) development for elementary and junior high school students. The objectives of this courseware are to cultivate…

European music is more relevant to contemporary Japanese life than Japanese classical music is. The sociocultural and economic reasons for the Japanese fondness for European culture and their active participation in European musical life are discussed. (AM)

Discusses the similarities of adult musicians' experiences in five Japanese community and company bands and the experiences encountered in the United States. Focuses on the profile of the Japanese musicians, their reasons for being musicians, the teaching methods and funding of the bands, and rehearsal/performance experiences. Addresses…

A preschool teacher in Japan tells how she uses "the artifacts of advancement," such as the songs children have become familiar with through watching television, to educate "the feeling heart" of young children and lead them to involvement with and appreciation of nature. After a description of the Sasanoha kindergarten in…

Japanese children get 10 years of mandatory music studies, resulting in a population which can read music and appreciate it. History, theory, conducting, instrumental and choral performance, and reading and writing of music are taught. Japanese educators often criticize the approach as emphasizing the intellectual rather than the creative. (CS)

Describes the role of arts education and, specifically, music education in Japanese schools. Outlines the music curriculum and teaching methods in elementary and secondary schools. Describes the role of western music and compares music education in Japan and the United States. (CFR)