Abstract. The article is devoted to the historical position of music in the philosophical

and religious doctrines of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism prevalent in Chinese and

Japanese societies. The theoretical basis of the study is the ancient written monuments “Shi Jing” and “Kojiki”. The distinctive features of the musical art of Chinese and Japanese cultures, which continue to carry the rich heritage of past generations, are presented. The question of mutual infl uences between the two countries and, as a consequence, the impact of Chinese culture on the formation of Japanese music is considered. The conclusion is made about the similarity of some provisions of many ancient cultures, in particular, about the existence of belief in the magical power of music aimed at overcoming the natural laws

of nature. In China and Japan this myth was developed in the belief that music is able to

transmit the powerful force of the human heart, refl ect the interconnection of people and

nature, demonstrate the naturalness of events.

 

Keywords: music, philosophy, China, Japan, “Shi Jing”, “Kojiki”, religious concept, Tao-

ism, Buddhism, Confucianism