Min'Yō

Min'yō is a genre of Japanese folk music, originating in the Edo period (1603–1868) and typically performed by Japanese folk singers. The songs are often based on traditional Japanese melodies and often include instrumentation such as shamisen, koto, and shakuhachi. The lyrics often tell stories of rural life and local folklore. Min'yō is considered an integral part of Japanese culture, and is performed at various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.