As a comparative note between Zatoichi and Ladyhawke, Zatoichi also uses modern synthesized music but it doesn't sound tagged on, even next to the traditional music in the rest of the soundtrack.
Zatoichi is a major eye opener for the design of building in Lookshy. There's a myriad of design styles visible in the background. The last time I watched it I spent more time looking at the background than the characters on a few occasions. There's a wealth on information for someone interested in it. As well as the fact that it suits perfectly Creation's eastern architecture, most obviously that of Lookshy. It's not such a question of what materials they use, it's how they use them that's important in determining regional styles.
