| The Rough Guide to the Music of Japan | |
| Type: | Compilation |
| Artist: | Various artists |
| Cover: | RoughGuideJapan1999.jpg |
| Released: | 20 April 1999 |
| Genre: | World, Japanese |
| Label: | World Music Network |
| Chronology: | Full series |
| Prev Title: | The Rough Guide to Tango |
| Prev Year: | 1999 |
| Next Year: | 1999 |
| Misc: | Complete list |
The Rough Guide to the Music of Japan is a world music compilation album originally released in 1999. Part of the World Music Network Rough Guides series,[1] the album presents an eclectic mix of the music of Japan ranging from traditional Japanese music (including Ryukyuan and Ainu music) to J-pop by artists of the 1990s.
Liner notes were written by Paul Fisher, a journalist and broadcaster specializing in Japanese music and founder of Far Side Music.[2] Phil Stanton—co-founder of the World Music Network—produced the album.[3] This release was followed by a second edition in 2008.
Alex Henderson of AllMusic called the album an "interesting and eclectic survey" that, like other albums in the series, "keeps us guessing and provides a variety of rewarding music along the way".