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Taiko Facts

Taiko Facts
The taiko is a large, drum-like instrument of the percussion family that is believed to have originated in Korean and Chinese culture and was introduced to Japan in the 6th century CE. Throughout their history taiko have been used for a variety of purposes including military, theatrical, religious, festival, concert, and communication. The Japanese use the term 'taiko' to refer to any type of drum, but those outside of Japan use the term to refer to Japanese drums in particular. Taiko drums usually have a shell with heads on both sides, and the cavity is sealed to provide the resonating effect. Some taiko are tunable and some are not.
Interesting Taiko Facts:
Taiko are also referred to as wadaiko and when an ensemble is playing taiko they are referred to as kumi-daiko.
It can take several years to build a taiko depending on the craftsman's process and material used.
When taiko were used in warfare they used specific drum calls to communicate specific orders. The sets and beats would tell the troops whether to advance or retreat.
Taiko are popular in Japanese theatre as they can be used to produce dramatic tension, rhythmic patterns, and set the tone for the performance.
Kumi-daiko, the ensemble playing of taiko was created in 1951 by Daihachi Oguchi, a trained jazz musician.
In order to make a taiko the craftsman must first create and shape the body of the drum. He/she must then prepare the drum skin, and later tune the skin to the head of the drum.
Traditional taiko were made from dried trunks of the zelkova tree. It took several years to dry the wood properly so that it would not split.
Some of the drum heads are air dried, which can take several years to complete, or they are dried more quickly in smoke inside large warehouses.
The Tokyo-based company named Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten has been manufacturing taiko since the 1860s only for the Emperor of Japan.
One company - Asano Taiko Corporation - has been manufacturing taiko for more than 400 years. It is a family owned company.
Umetsu Daiko has been manufacturing taiko since 1821 in Hakata.
The word 'kata' is used to refer to the movement and posture one uses when playing taiko. When taiko is being judged in performance, kata is the main factor used to distinguish quality. When musicians practice they often do so in rooms with mirrors so that they are able to judge their posture and movement.
Other factors used to judge taiko performance include clothing, how one grips the sticks, technical rhythm, and clothing worn.
Clothing for taiko playing is important. Many groups wear a thin coat and headband. Styles depend on who taiko is being played for and under what circumstances.
Taiko groups have begun to appear outside of Japan since the late 1900s including in countries such as Australia, Brazil, United States, Canada, and others.
When taiko is played in a group, there are also often vocalists and other musicians playing woodwind and/or string instruments accompanying the taiko players.


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