日本の歌舞・音曲は、古代の神楽が原点ですが、まだ太鼓や笛だけのお囃子でした。

室町期の世阿弥(1363？-1443？)の出現により、演劇の本質が加わり、

永禄期(1550s)に三味線が入ってきて、浄瑠璃、歌舞伎へと飛躍的な発展を遂げました。

Although ancient kagura (sacred music and dance) was the starting point for ongyoku (Japanese song and dance accompanied by shamisen music), it was still only accompanied by drum and flute.  Later, with the appearance of Zeami (1363? – 1443?), of the Muromachi Period, the essence of theatre was added.  In the Eiroku Period (1550s), the shamisen joined the mix, and the dramatic development of joururi (Japanese ballad drama) and kabuki was thus achieved