Taiko facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Taiko

A kumi-daiko group in Aichi, Japan
Percussion instrument
Other names	wadaiko, taiko drum
Classification	Percussion
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	212.2 (Instruments in which the membrane is struck directly, which have tubular bodies.)
Inventor(s)	Unknown, origin possibly from India, China, or Korea.
Developed	5th-7th century CE

The word Taiko (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)) simply means "drum" in Japanese. Outside of Japan, "Taiko" usually refers to any type of Japanese drum. It also describes the exciting art of Taiko drumming groups, often called "kumi-daiko" (組太鼓). Taiko drums make a very loud, deep sound.

What is Taiko?

Taiko drums are a big part of Japanese culture. They have been used for many centuries. Long ago, a very large drum called an odaiko helped mark the edges of a village's land. This showed how far the village reached.

Today, Taiko drumming is mostly a performance art. You can see it at festivals or in concerts. It's a powerful and exciting show.

The History of Taiko

Taiko drums have a long history in Japan. Some people believe they came from places like India, China, or Korea. They have been around since at least the 5th to 7th centuries CE.

In 1951, a person named Daihachi Oguchi helped create the modern Taiko drumming style. He brought together different drums and rhythms. This led to the "kumi-daiko" style we see today.

Famous Taiko Groups

One of the most famous Taiko groups is 'Kodo'. Their name means "heart-beat." Kodo is known worldwide for their amazing performances. They also work to keep many traditional Japanese art forms alive.

The members of Kodo live together on an island called Sado Higashima. They live in a traditional way. This helps them stay connected to the history of Taiko.

Taiko Around the World

Taiko drumming has become popular in many countries. People in Germany, the United States, and Australia have started their own Taiko groups. This shows how much people love the powerful sound and energy of Taiko drums.

Many different kinds of people play Taiko. Since the 1990s, there have been just as many female performers as male performers in Taiko groups.

Images for kids

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  Haniwa statues from the 6th century CE show early Taiko use.

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  A woman playing a shime-daiko drum around 1885.

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  A woodblock print of a woman playing a tsuri-daiko.

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  A display showing how Taiko drums are made.

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  Bachi are special sticks used for playing Taiko drums.

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  Eisa are Okinawan folk dances that include Taiko drumming.

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  Hachijō-daiko is a tradition where two people play one drum.

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  A performance of the song "Zero" by the Brazilian group Seiryu Daiko.

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  The New York-based group Soh Daiko was one of the first kumi-daiko groups in the eastern U.S.

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  More women are playing kumi-daiko now.

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  Eitetsu Hayashi at a concert in Tokyo in 2001.

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  A chū-daiko (middle-sized drum) being played on a slanted stand.

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  This large ō-daiko from a Kodo show has a tomoe design.

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  An example of a shime-daiko drum, tightened with rope.

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  An example of an okedō drum, also tightened with rope.

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  A tsuri-daiko drum on display at a museum.

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  A ko-tsuzumi (small hourglass drum) from the 17th century.

See also

In Spanish: Taiko para niños