Japanese Taiko Drummers

One of our local drumming groups performing in downtown Shizuoka city, Japan. This particular group includes many school age kids. Drums are called taiko in Japan where drumming has a long tradition within the spheres of entertainment, religion and warfare. The Japanese have produced several distinct drum styles of various sizes, most of which are played with a stick (though hand drums are also used). Traditional drummers may perform alone or in the company of wind and string musicians. Ensemble style taiko performances called kumi-daiko (as seen in this video) are a relatively recent development in the world of Japanese drumming and a style which has gained the attention of many outside Japan. Kumi-daiko performances are typically very impressive with numerous drummers beating out distinct rhythms on various sized taiko. The drummers can produce deep, resonant tones which carry for long distances and produce an unforgettable and almost visceral experience in the hearer. Taiko drum heads are made of cowhide dried and tightly stretched before being attached to the drum by iron nails (byou-uchi daiko style) or sewn onto iron rings (tsukushime-daiko style). Drum heads may be used for several years before needing to be re-stretched, though the cowhide is normally discarded after one or two stretches. Most Japanese drums are formed from the limb or even the trunk of the Japanese Elm (keyaki) tree while other types of wood are also sometimes used. Especially large drums may have been made from ancient trees (up to 1200 years old!) which are thought to imbibe the drum with a spiritual significance and presence.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• taiko
• drums
• tokaido
• softypapa

[leonil7]

just good anger management therapy, 2nd to a cold shower :)

[softypapa]

@leonil7 Great point! Everyone should have one of these. The world might be a better place. Thanks for watching and commenting! ~Kurt :-)

[SangosEvilTwin]

Ever since my first experience with a taiko drummer (in person, at the opening of a shabu-shabu restaurant in Hollywood) I have had such a fascination and respect for those who play the taiko . . . I would love to learn myself, if I could. I do not think there's many places to learn in Seattle though.

I hope to someday have learned the language well enough to consider traveling to Japan . . . I would love to see how rich the culture is there.

[SheilaghLesarge]

Awesome Drumming!!!!Blessings Much Love*

[SheilaghLesarge]

Happy 12th Day of Christmas Blessings and Happy 2012 and Always Much Love

[scaryfuji4]

That's was just awesome. I am wondering if you know the title of this song that they were performing so I could ask my teacher if we could learn it because I only know: shihou, matsuri, and isami. I would love to learn more but don't know what I should look up. Any suggestions?

[kimmeration]

patterns and dynamics

[AtamanashiDrummer]

Sorry that should be tsutsumi a small hour glass shaped drum.

[AtamanashiDrummer]

Some people have been asking what the kanji says on the back of the drummers shirt. I have been told it says tsusumi and is an old style drum. I have seen them used in kabuki in Tokyo, but I suspect this is the name of the Taiko group. So, the group could be called "tsusumi". Maybe, this is right. ".?

[AtamanashiDrummer]

I've learned so much from this video. Nearly got the whole thing worked out. Arigatou gozaimasu. Ganbare Tohoku, Ganbare Nihon. Watashi wa Nihon no koto ga suki desu.

[ChileHT]

I have been looking for taiko drum lessons in my area, but none so far :'( I really want to find one. Or at least a Samgo-mu class D: wwwaaahhhhh I love the sound so much!!

[kendojockey]

I joined the St. Louis Taiko group today for lessons...For only 2 hours of practice on a sunday afternoon and im 100% hooked

[UFCmaxer]

Discipline...Justified!