It is not an independent art but is the collective name of various aristocratic and folk arts, including bugaku (traditional Japanese court music accompanied by dancing), sangaku (form of theater popular in Japan during the 11th to 14th century), furyu with lines (form of theater popular in Japan during the 11th to 14th century), local music and dance, sarugaku (form of theater popular in Japan during the 11th to 14th century), shirabyoshi (Japanese traditional dance) and kouta (a ballad sung to samisen accompaniment) etc.
単独の芸能ではなく、舞楽や散楽、台詞のやりとりのある風流、郷土色の強い歌舞音曲や、猿楽、白拍子、小唄など、貴族的芸能と庶民的芸能が雑多に混じり合ったものの総称である。