<P> Takashi Murakami is arguably one of the most well - known Japanese modern artists in the Western world . Murakami and the other artists in his studio create pieces in a style, inspired by anime, which he has dubbed "superflat". His pieces take a multitude of forms, from painting to sculpture, some truly massive in size . But most if not all show very clearly this anime influence, utilizing bright colors and simplified details . </P> <P> A remarkable number of the traditional forms of Japanese music, dance, and theater have survived in the contemporary world, enjoying some popularity through reidentification with Japanese cultural values . Traditional music and dance, which trace their origins to ancient religious use--Buddhist, Shintō, and folk--have been preserved in the dramatic performances of Noh, Kabuki, and bunraku theater . Ancient court music and dance forms deriving from continental sources were preserved through Imperial household musicians and temple and shrine troupes . Some of the oldest musical instruments in the world have been in continuous use in Japan from the Jōmon period, as shown by finds of stone and clay flutes and zithers having between two and four strings, to which Yayoi period metal bells and gongs were added to create early musical ensembles . By the early historical period (6th to 7th centuries), there were a variety of large and small drums, gongs, chimes, flutes, and stringed instruments, such as the imported mandolin - like biwa and the flat six - stringed zither, which evolved into the thirteen - stringed koto . These instruments formed the orchestras for the 7th - century continentally derived ceremonial court music (gagaku), which, together with the accompanying bugaku (a type of court dance), are the most ancient of such forms still performed at the Imperial court, ancient temples, and shrines . Buddhism introduced the rhythmic chants, still used, that underpin Shigin, and that were joined with native ideas to underlay the development of vocal music, such as in Noh . </P> <P> Japanese art is characterized by unique polarities . In the ceramics of the prehistoric periods, for example, exuberance was followed by disciplined and refined artistry . Another instance is provided by two 16th - century structures that are poles apart: the Katsura Detached Palace is an exercise in simplicity, with an emphasis on natural materials, rough and untrimmed, and an affinity for beauty achieved by accident; Nikkō Tōshō - gū is a rigidly symmetrical structure replete with brightly colored relief carvings covering every visible surface . Japanese art, valued not only for its simplicity but also for its colorful exuberance, has considerably influenced 19th - century Western painting and 20th - century Western architecture . </P> <P> Japan's aesthetic conceptions, deriving from diverse cultural traditions, have been formative in the production of unique art forms . Over the centuries, a wide range of artistic motifs developed and were refined, becoming imbued with symbolic significance . Like a pearl, they acquired many layers of meaning and a high luster . Japanese aesthetics provide a key to understanding artistic works perceivably different from those coming from Western traditions . </P>

What type & style of paintings were influenced the art of japan