Japanese Piano Pedagogy Effects on Anime Music

Based on a personal observation, anime music uses the piano much more frequently when compared to its Western counterparts. A possible reason for this is that many musicians and animators who currently work in the anime industry experienced piano education when they were younger. After World War Two, Japan saw rapid economic growth and the middle class primarily invested in goods that would improve their lifestyle (Pollei et al, 1992). Many Japanese families purchased upright pianos and Japanese society also placed a strong emphasis on education (Pollei et al, 1992). Japanese Music Society also regularly collaborated with the European Music Society through exchanges, competitions, sharing of knowledge, masterclasses and the translation of works. (Pollei et al, 1992). This was a necessary collaboration since Japan was relatively new to the classical music scene (Midori, 1998). These conditions allowed for accessible piano education.

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During the early years, there is a very strong emphasis on developing a solid foundation such as finger technique, evenness, steady tempo, reading, rhythmic skills, solfege, ear training, sight singing and sight playing (Midori, 1998). Japanese children start learning the piano as young as two years old since their society believes children possess the greatest capacity to learn new skills while they are young (Midori, 1998). Due to this reason, ear training is normally started as early as possible so that students become immersed in it and develop aural awareness (Midori, 1998; Pollei et al, 1992).

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Harmonization is also taught at a young age. According to Dr. Midori Koga, in her article titled “Early Piano Education in Japan: The Importance of Laying the Foundation,” she stated that:

“This skill is taught methodically and thoroughly. Children begin with simple examples of five-finger melodies accompanied by blocked fifths. Within four or five years students can harmonize complex melodies that incorporate modulations and secondary dominant chords" (Midori, 1998, p. 31).

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At the same time, parents are usually involved in their child’s piano education and they make sure that their child practices the recommended amount (Pollei, 1992). A strong practice ethos is imprinted onto the student and family (Midori, 1998).

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Many current Japanese musicians and animators may have likely experienced this type of piano education while growing up. The emphasis on the fundamentals as well as more advanced skills such as transpositions and harmonization likely left a lasting impression on them. This may have resulted in them gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of the piano thus leading them to incorporate the piano in anime and anime music to a much greater degree when compared to their Western counterparts. Japan’s piano education has likely played a crucial role in the development of anime music.