Taiko

Taiko are a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments. In Japanese, the term refers to any kind of drum, but outside Japan, it is used specifically to refer to any of the various Japanese drums called wadaiko. Taiko have a mythological origin in Japanese folklore, but historical records suggest that taiko were introduced to Japan through Korean and Chinese cultural influence as early as the 6th century CE.

About Taiko in brief

Summary Taiko Taiko are a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments. In Japanese, the term refers to any kind of drum, but outside Japan, it is used specifically to refer to any of the various Japanese drums called wadaiko. The process of constructing taiko varies between manufacturers, and the preparation of both the drum body and skin can take several years depending on the method. Taiko have a mythological origin in Japanese folklore, but historical records suggest that taiko were introduced to Japan through Korean and Chinese cultural influence as early as the 6th century CE. Kumi-daiko performance, characterized by an ensemble playing on different drums, was developed in 1951 through the work of Daihachi Oguchi and has continued with groups such as Kodo. Many groups accompany the drums with vocals, strings, and woodwind instruments. The origin of the instruments is unclear, though there have been many suggestions. Certain court music styles, especially gigaku and gagaku, arrived in Japan through both Korea and China. In both traditions, dancers were accompanied by several instruments that included drums similar to taiko. In feudal Japan, taiko often used to motivate troops, call out orders or set marching pace; usually set to six paces per beat of the drum. During the 16th century Warring States period, specific drum calls were used to communicate orders and advancing. The Emperor was thought to have used it to encourage his own army and intimidate his enemies. The story of Keitai offers a story that he obtained a large drum from China, which he named Senjin, for use in his army and in the theatre.

This story is based on the legendary 6th-century 6th Century Emperor Keiai, who used a rhythmic beat to intimidate enemies and encourage his army to advance and pursue and pursue an enemy. The myth tells how Amaterasu, who had sealed herself inside a cave in anger, was beckoned out by an elder goddess Ame-no-Uzume and danced furiously on top of it. Historians regard her performance as the mythological creation of taiko music. In modern times, taikos have also played a central role in social movements for minorities both within and outside Japan. The origins of the taiko are unclear, but there are many suggestions, including that they may have been influenced by the Korean kakko, a drum that originated in South China. This study and appropriation of Chinese instruments may have influenced the emergence of taiki performance in Japan. In Japan, many groups use different types of barrel-shaped nagadō-daikos as well as smaller shime- daiko. Other performance styles, such as hachijō-DAiko, have also emerged from specific communities in Japan and are active not only in Japan, but also in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Taiwan, and Brazil. The Nihon Shoki, the second oldest book of Japanese classical history, contains a mythical story describing the origin of Taiko. This statue is titled \”Man Beating the Taiko\” and is considered the oldest evidence of taika performance.