Many observers attribute the steep decline of Japanese traditional music in the 20th century in large part to the fact that Japan's school system teaches Western music intensively and hogaku almost not at all. That situation is due to change as the Education Ministry introduces new guidelines, effective in 2002, that will sharply increase hogaku's profile in schools.
"Students in middle school will all be required to have actual experience playing a Japanese instrument," says Katsunori Ouchi of the Education Ministry's curriculum division. "Which instruments will be studied is not laid down; teachers are to draw on local resources, especially in terms of identifying traditions that are strong or unique in their area."
He adds that hogaku teachers can be brought in from outside and paid through a special fund. Meanwhile, schools will also be encouraged to invest in Japanese instruments with their regular equipment budget. Apart from basic familiarization in class, students will be encouraged to pursue the music as a club activity.