After the restoration, Western music in Japan developed through two ways: the military and the educational system. From 1869 on, the Satsuma army band was trained by the British John William Fenton. Also, Western music was extensively introduced into the educational systems in an attempt to modernize.

Now, all styles of Western music are enjoyed in Japan – chamber music, choruses, brass bands, opera, ballet, and pop are just a few examples. The Japanese general public first began to have access to Western instrumental music through the military bands of the Navy and Army. Then, the Tokyo Music School, later the Music Department of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, was established in 1887. Beginning in the 1910’s, other private music schools began to open in other major cities. These eventually became present major universities of music.

In the past, American jazz, Latin music, French Chansons, and canzone from Italy has been popular since the Meiji Restoration. Currently, however, rock, soul, and folk music are enjoying popularity, particularly with the young people. When a song becomes a hit in the US and Europe, it is immediately broadcasted on radio and television.

Japan’s own pop music is called kayo kyoku. This style was established during the late 1910’s through the early 1920’s, coming from the style of music for school education. The scales consist of a combination of Japanese and Western notes.