Taiko is part of traditional Japanese culture:from time immemorial  it has been used in  Japan’s rural areas during propitiatory ceremony for sowing, to show respect for gods and to obtain good harvests, used daily by monks during temples’ ceremonies and meditation and in the various dojos to stress certain phases of training.

Taiko tradizionale

Taiko sound can be heard at a great distance: in the past villages’ borders were determined where they couldn’t hear no more the drums’ sound.

Every drum is an hand-made product. To create a good drum the wood body needs to be be seasoned for many years and prepared with care. The skin must be processed and have special treatments. The sticks used to play (called bachi), are distinguished by length and type of wood used.

Every detail is carefully studied and helps create a unique and unrepeatable sound.

The drum’s skin in Japanese language is called “mirror” (Kagami) because it reflects the person who place him-self in front of it. If the drum is played with no interest and lack of respect, the sound will result aphonic and not lively. If it will be played with care and good intentions, the result will be a strong, full of life sound and it will touch the heart of listeners.

Therefore each drum  reflects the person who play it.

Taiko as Performing Art