This volume explores not only the close ties that link the cultures and musics of East and Northeast Asia, but also the distinctive features that separate them. The volume begins with a summary of the philosophical, religious and aesthetic systems that spread from China through Korea to Japan as well as concise overviews of the music, instruments, dance and theatre of the region. Succeeding sections cover the music cultures of China, Japan, Korea and the Northeast Asian subregions of Mongolia and Siberia. Special attention is given to vocal, instrumental, narrative, theatrical and religious musics.