Taiko Drumming

What is taiko?

Link to More Taiko

Making Taiko Drum

Taiko means drum in Japanese. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) describe group drumming with taiko drums. Taiko started in Japan, but later taiko became popular in North America.

Taiko drumming is very physical. The musicians use their whole bodies the when playing the drums. The drummers perform in different stances and even use their voices to chant and yell.

The Drums!

Photos are from MN Taiko's website. This group makes taiko drums.

Bachi

Bachi are the wooden sticks that are used to hit the drums.

Chu-daiko

This drum is use a lot in taiko ensembles. Chu-daiko are played in different positions like in the two pictures.

2 people can even the same chu-daiko at the same time!

Shime Daiko

This drum is high pitched so all the drummers can hear and stay together.
This drum signals the tempo.
Shime uses smaller bachi.

Okedo

This drum also helps keep time!
Okedo can be played with a strap while walking around in a parade.

Odaiko

This is the largest drum!
It is often put on a stand to play. It is stands upright then it is in beta stance.
They make a low, booming sound.
Odaiko players play with their back to the audience. 2 people can play odaiko at the same time.
There are also solo odaiko performances.

Solo Odaiko

Ensō Daiko with Tiffany Tamaribuchi

Ensō Daiko is a North American Taiko group base in Minnesota!
There are men and women in this group!

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