Is Kojiki a good place to start with Kitarō?

Yes, Kojiki is recommended as a starting point for new Kitarō listeners. A meditative blend of traditional Japanese instruments and electronic soundscapes that evokes nature's serene beauty. Kojiki marks Kitarō's sixth studio album, released in 1990 during a period of growing international acclaim following his Grammy Award win for Best New Age Album. This release solidified his status as a pioneer in the new age genre, showcasing his ability to fuse ancient musical traditions with modern electronic techniques.

Kojiki works well if you're into serene soundscapes for relaxation, wave-like pacing encourages reflection and nature-inspired immersion in sound.

How many songs are on Kojiki?

Kojiki has 7 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Kojiki

Kitarō · 1990

46 min · 7 tracks · electronica

A meditative blend of traditional Japanese instruments and electronic soundscapes that evokes nature's serene beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hajimari Start here — Opening the album with gentle melodies that weave traditional instrumentation into lush electronic textures, this track sets the tone for the entire listening experience.
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Orochi — This track features dynamic rhythmic shifts and a haunting melody that encapsulates Kitarō's ability to evoke emotion through sound, highlighting his artistic range.
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Matsuri — An expansive piece that showcases a festival-like atmosphere through vibrant instrumentation and rich layering, embodying the spirit of celebration central to Japanese culture.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Kojiki blends electronic textures with traditional melodies, creating an immersive and cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of synthesizers layered with traditional Japanese instruments, creating a rich textural landscape.
Each track flows seamlessly into the next, often using nature sounds as transitions, which enhances the immersive experience.
Melodic themes are introduced in the first half and revisited in varied forms throughout the latter tracks, establishing a cohesive narrative.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

serene soundscapes for relaxation
wave-like pacing encourages reflection
nature-inspired immersion in sound
gradual builds create anticipation

Maybe skip if you

seeks fast-paced excitement
prefers short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Elevated Kitarō's profile globally, following Grammy win and critical acclaim.
Career context: Kojiki marks Kitarō's sixth studio album, released in 1990 during a period of growing international acclaim following his Grammy Award win for Best New Age Album. This release solidified his status as a pioneer in the new age genre, showcasing his ability to fuse ancient musical traditions with modern electronic techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Vangelis· Enya· Jean-Michel Jarre