TAIKO

Taiko
The Ancient Japanese Art of Taiko Drumming

C HAPTER 1: T AIKO

The Origins of Taiko

Much like in other cultures of the world, the drums have
been used for thousands of years and are considered to be one
of the oldest instruments used by mankind. In Japan, Taiko
drums have been played for over 2000 years. They were often
used as a tool for communication or in religious ceremonies.

Taiko drums are used in performance ensembles known

as Kumi-Daiko (
). The performances involve Taiko
drums being played simultaneously, as well as vocal parts and
occasionally flute parts as well. They have been known for being used in warfare as a tool of motivation and presentation. It
can also be found in theatre settings.

There is evidence of Taiko artifacts being found in Japan as early as

in the 6th century, during the Kofun
period. Similar artifacts were also
found in parts of South China and the
Koreas.
Taiko drumming continued to develop as a typical aspect in Japanese
traditional music throughout the imperial period and into modern age.

C HAPTER 2

Traditions &
Characteristics
The performance of Taiko involves a
great deal of tradition and customs that
are always to be respected. These range
from the traditional clothing (the use of Kimonos) to the maintaining of the posture
and use of correct stroke technique. Taiko
performance is 10% drumming and 90%
posture and technique.
Taiko ensembles perform in uniforms,
performing as a unit. Although different
members of the ensemble play different
parts, all parts are properly coordinated.
The importance lies on two main aspects:
Kata (form) and Ki (energy).

Professional Ensemble
Notice how professional Taiko performers dedicate themselves fully to the intensity
of the performance. Kata and Ki are both
clear in this performance

https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=2yV1SO58AxU

Foreign Junior Ensemble

Although this is not a professional group, notice
how all the traditions and characteristics of the art of
Taiko are still in place and very much respected. Both
Kata and Ki are very much present in the performance

https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=S4_YryyrI_U

The Drum
The drums used in Taiko
come in all different sizes,
shapes and sound qualities.
The smallest one, often used
as the lead drum, is the
Shime. It is roughly shaped
like a snare drum and produces a higher sound than
most other Taiko drums.

The biggest drum used

in Taiko is called the ODaiko. This drum is awfully big and often requires
two players to be played in
a performance. Its sound
quality is very low and
deep. Most Taiko ensemble groups do not need
more than one O-Daiko
drum in the ensemble.

The most commonly used

drum in Taiko performances
is the Chu-Daiko. This drum
is roughly the size of a wine
barrel and produces a midrange sound. Most ensembles
will use multiple Chu-Daikos
in their performances.

The sticks used for Taiko

drumming are nothing like
regular drum sticks. They
are called Bachi sticks and
are short, flat, thick wood
sticks.

C HAPTER 3

Final
Considerations
Taiko drumming is a delicate art, yet
very powerful in itself. It was said by the
imperial palace performers that Taiko
drumming is the door through which the
soul liberates itself and allows the impossible to become possible. Taiko is a form
of art that continues to be kept alive and
thrives even within the young communities nowadays. Taiko is one of Japans
most symbolic performance style and it
will always remain as a gift to the musical
world.

Quiz
Question 1

Question 2

When were the first evidences of

Taikos existence found?

What do you call a Taiko ensemble?

A. 6th century

A. Hikari-Daiko

B. 4th century

B. Kumi-Daiko

C. 2003

C. Nihon-Daiko

D. 1600s

D. Chu-Daiko

Check Answer

Check Answer

11

Question 3

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a Taiko

drum?

What are the two most important aspects in

Taiko performance?

A. Shime

A. O-Daiko & Shime

B. O-Daiko

B. Good uniforms & Smiles

C. Chu-Daiko

C. Kata & Ki

D. Nihon-Daiko

D. Bachi & Shime

Check Answer

Check Answer

12

Bibliography
-Wikipedia
-Taiko-center.co.jp
-Hikari Daiko
Braslia
-tamashii.nz