Japan's talking heads of a liberal persuasion are clearly troubled by a rising nationalistic sentiment they detect throughout the land. But while speculation on the geopolitical consequences of any such shift may be an absorbing topic, trends in the world of culture -- and the changing tastes of consumers -- offer some of the most fascinating and colorful insights into this apparent recasting of national identity.
In the world of art, works that reference traditional styles are certainly gaining in popularity. In music, too, a crop of bands fusing traditional instrumentation with modern musical styles -- and others that simply don nostalgic garb -- are finding an increasingly receptive audience.
While the success of the shamisen-twanging Yoshida Brothers, Okinawan warbler Chitose Hajime, multi-instrumental Imperial Court Musician Hideki Togi and trendy taiko drum troupe Gocoo has been well documented, a host of new, grassroots acts is also steadily emerging.