Japanese Music

Try looking for Nonesuch Explorer albums or Smithsonian Folkways etc. These are devoted to traditional foreign/ethnic music. Other labels cover the same material. Your local library may have a whole section of their CD collection devoted to this material. They may be filed under international music, or under folk music. Most of the Nonesuch Explorer LPs received 5 stars from the Rolling Stone guide back in the 80s. They have several Japanese releases, including orchestral Gakaku music, solo flute (shakuhachi)and koto.

Hi, check out your library if you have not already done so..I know ours has many discs from around the world.

although somewhat in danger of your "new ageish" criteria, check out the Yoshida Brothers - they are some of the top Shamisen players in Japan, but weave a lot of other influences into thier music as well

seriously think you would enjoy listening to them

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E991AW/sr=8-1/qid=1153367537/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3882757-7522318?ie=UTF8