I have a personal love for traditional Asian instrumentals that I think is not used enough in soundtracks. Many soundtracks for Asian cinema are inclined to imitate the western orchestra and only strives to imitate. It doesn't live up to the reputation of award winning classical composers. That is partially the reason why I like it when composers use elements from their own culture. It is because you know yourself the best so why not use it to its fullest extent. Another reason is that it sets you apart from other composers so that not everyone sounds the same. It's also very nice to listen to fusion soundtracks where they mix both Asian cultures with western sounds. I gathered a list of soundtracks I came across over the years. There were some names that didn't make it on to the list because I felt that it wasn't too defined for this particular category.
Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto
This soundtrack uses a lot of flute and bells to give its cultural references. Of course there are some classical elements to it being that the Bakumatsu era had European influences. The prologue track that they play at the beginning of each episode is my favorite song because it embodies that destiny and fate theme that they talk about and the consequences that come along with it.
Saiunkoku Monogatari
I didn't like the first soundtrack as much as I liked the second one. It stays very true to the Chinese instrumentals in terms of composition and throws in more twists to it like some foreign percussion. The flute pieces at times doesn't feel too Chinese, but of a different culture. Overall a very light soundtrack to listen to.
