Hiroshi Tamura – Yayoi No Fue

Japan Original Pressing.

A remarkable 1978 exploration of Japan’s ancient sound culture — reconstructed Yayoi-period clay flutes, earthen percussion and long-form compositions unfolding somewhere between traditional music, ritual atmosphere and primitive ambient.

Yayoi No Fue is not simply a traditional Japanese music record, but a fascinating attempt to imagine the sound of Japan before the classical traditions we know today.

Inspired by clay flutes excavated from the Ayaragi archaeological site in Shimonoseki, Hiroshi Tamura performs on reconstructed Yayoi-period instruments alongside marimba-like fired-clay percussion and rhythms created from earthen vessels. The two long compositions, “Yayoi No Uta” and “Tsuchi No Uta,” unfold slowly through warm breath tones, earthy resonance and hypnotic repetition. 

The result feels ancient yet strangely contemporary — part archaeological reconstruction, part experimental composition, and part meditation on the elemental sound of soil, air and human breath.

A unique doorway into the deepest roots of Japanese sound culture.