Taiko Music of Japan

taiko performing

the taiko (太鼓), japanese drum comes in various sizes , used play variety of musical genres. has become particularly popular in recent years central instrument of percussion ensembles repertory based on variety of folk , festival music of past. such taiko music played large drum ensembles called kumi-daiko. origins uncertain, can stretched out far 7th centuries, when clay figure of drummer indicates existence. china influences followed, instrument , music remained uniquely japanese. taiko drums during period used during battle intimidate enemy , communicate commands. taiko continue used in religious music of buddhism , shintō. in past players holy men, played @ special occasions , in small groups, in time secular men (rarely women) played taiko in semi-religious festivals such bon dance.

modern ensemble taiko said have been invented daihachi oguchi in 1951. jazz drummer, oguchi incorporated musical background large ensembles, had designed. energetic style made group popular throughout japan, , made hokuriku region center taiko music. musical groups arise wave of popularity included oedo sukeroku daiko, seido kobayashi. 1969 saw group called za ondekoza founded tagayasu den; za ondekoza gathered young performers innovated new roots revival version of taiko, used way of life in communal lifestyles. during 1970s, japanese government allocated funds preserve japanese culture, , many community taiko groups formed. later in century, taiko groups spread across world, united states. video game taiko drum master based around taiko. 1 example of modern taiko band gocoo.