Polite to Stranger
Cultural · Traditional · Arts
雅楽は宮中で千年以上演奏されてきた、世界最古の合奏音楽だと言われています。 — Gagaku is said to be the world's oldest ensemble music, performed at the imperial court for over a thousand years. (Cultural · Traditional · Arts, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N3)
You
雅楽は宮中で千年以上演奏されてきた、世界最古の合奏音楽だと言われています。
ががくはきゅうちゅうでせんねんいじょうえんそうされてきた、せかいさいこのがっそうおんがくだといわれています。
Gagaku is said to be the world's oldest ensemble music, performed at the imperial court for over a thousand years.
Romaji: Gagaku wa kyuuchuu de sennen ijou ensou sarete kita, sekai saiko no gassou ongaku da to iwarete imasu. / Reply Romaji: Sore wa sugoi desu nee. Ichido kiite mitai desu.
Reply
それはすごいですねえ。一度聞いてみたいです。
それはすごいですねえ。いちどきいてみたいです。
That's incredible. I'd love to hear it sometime.
Gesture & etiquette
When explaining, speak with measured reverence—gagaku is considered sacred court music. If demonstrating an instrument silhouette, use respectful gestures (no quick movements). Recommend Imperial Household concerts (NHK broadcasts annually) for first-time listeners.
Gagaku is the traditional court music of Japan, with origins traceable to the 8th century and continuous performance ever since. UNESCO recognized it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. The Imperial Household Agency's Music Department preserves the tradition. Three streams: native Japanese, continental (China/Korea-derived), and vocal pieces. Instruments include sho (mouth organ), hichiriki (oboe-like), ryuteki (flute), biwa, taiko.