Japanese Taiko

“The physical impact of taiko music, along

with the sheer visual poetry of a
choreographed ensemble presenting its
music in perfect synchrony, is so powerful
and inviting that taiko is beginning to catch
on as Japan's most influential and lasting
gift to world music.”

—Gil Asakawa
 History of Taiko!
● Taiko literally means “drum” in Japanese!
● Centuries ago, taiko was used predominantly in the military arena.

As it evolved, Japanese Buddhist and Shinto religions gradually began to take it

on as a sacred instrument. Historically, it has existed in a multitude of other
environments, including agrarian, theater, and the imperial court

● Taiko’s roots lie in the countless temples and shrines scattered all over Japan,
where Taiko is played in religious festivals and ceremonies
● It is said that the furthest point at which the village Taiko could be heard
marked the edge of the village
 Four principles of Taiko!

Attitude Kata Technique Ki

Body language and movements
Always doing your best Simple things done well Enjoyment and energy
that have meaning
 Different types of Taiko drums

Byo Uchi Daiko Shime Daiko

Drums have heads
Drums with heads held in
stretched over steel rings
place by tacks instead of
and tensioned by ropes.
with rope. This style of
The pitch can be changed
taiko cannot be tuned after
by adjusting the tightness
the head is stretched.
of the second rope.

A B
 Parts of a Taiko drum
Bachi: Hara:
01 02 03
Ko:
Dowels, or Center of the
The body of the
sticks, used to skin (bass)
drum
play

Fuchi:
04 Outside of the
skin (tone)
05 Kawa:
the skin
 Types of Taiko sticking

Don Doro Ka Kara

Hit the center of the Hit the center of the Hit the rim of the drum Hit the rim of the drum
drum once. drum twice. once. twice.
 Let’s try!
Don: Hit the center of the drum once.

Doro: Hit the center of the drum twice. Don Don Don Don

Doro Doro Doro Doro

Don Doro Don Doro

Doro Doro Don Don

 Let’s try (more)!
Ka: Hit the rim of the drum once.

Kara: Hit the rim of the drum twice. Ka Ka Ka Ka

Kara Kara Kara Kara

Ka Kara Ka Kara

Kara Kara Ka Ka
Let’s play!
 Exit ticket!
Turn to a partner and
explain or demonstrate the
difference between
Don and Ka!
 Thank you for
learning with me!