Final answer:
Japanese music has transformed from the artistic and court-focused traditions of the Heian Period with a focus on calligraphy and poetry, through fluctuations of traditional and Western influences in the Meiji era, to the diverse and globally influenced modern Japanese music scene featuring genres like J-Pop and Visual Kei.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Japanese music scene has evolved significantly from the late 12th century to now. During the Heian Period, which was the tail end of the classical Japanese history, the focus was on artistic growth with an emphasis on poetry and literature. This was a time when new lettering, such as Katakana and Hiragana, were developed, and the women of the court documented court life through vibrant paintings. The Edo Period saw the rise of Ukiyo-e and the perfection of calligraphy, denoting a rich cultural heritage in visual arts.
In contrast, the modern Japanese music scene is highly diversified and influenced by global trends. The Meiji era brought a swing between the appreciation of Japanese traditions and the embrace of Westernization. This theme of fluctuation between tradition and modern influences is reflected in contemporary Japanese music, which includes genres such as J-Pop and Visual Kei, blending traditional elements with modern styles and technologies.
Secular music during the late 12th century was limited in variety, mainly due to the absence of printing technology which would have made music more widely available. Much of the popular music from the middle ages is lost, contributing to a less comprehensive understanding of the period's musical diversity compared to today's well-documented modern music scene.