History of Taiko

The taiko has been a significant tool in the history of Japan. Introduced from China in the Kamakura Period [1192-1333 A.D.], taiko has had a number of uses.

Divinity
It was considered an instrument of divine power used to communicate with the deities.

Hunting
It was used to attract or threaten animals.

Battle
It was used in battle to inspire soldiers, communicate messages, boost morale, frighten enemies, and deceive enemies by making the battalion appear larger than it really was.

Festival
It was thought that it invoked spirits of the dead during Buddhist obon observance and kept time for the bon folk dances.

Communication
It was used to signal warning in the villages and announced different activities in Buddhist monastaries.

Theater
It was used as musical accompaniment in Noh and Kabuki plays during the Edo period [1603-1867 A.D.].

Buddhism
It represents the voice of Buddha calling disciples to listen to the Dharma or teachings. In a monastery, it is used to mark time and keep the beat for sutra chanting.