Taiko is the general name for Japanese drums, and also for the art of ensemble playing on them (kumi-daiko). The drums come in various sizes — from small ones to the enormous ō-daiko, hollowed from a single tree trunk, whose rumble is felt with the whole body.
Historically taiko had ritual, temple, and military purposes (signals, intimidating the enemy, accompanying Shinto and Buddhist rites). In the 20th century a modern ensemble style arose in which taiko playing becomes a stunning spectacle: the musicians strike the drums with their whole bodies, synchronously and athletically, combining powerful rhythm with choreography. Taiko embody the primal force of rhythm, discipline, energy, and spiritual focus — one of the most impressive examples of percussion art in the world.
