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Taiko

History of Taiko

Thinking about Japanese musical instruments, the Japanese taiko is presumably the first that springs to mind. The word ‘taiko’ literally means ‘fat drum’.  There are numerous taiko drums in many different sizes and models. The Japanese taiko, having its origin in Korea and China, has a very long history marked by many developments.

In ancient Japan the taiko was used for different purposes, such as the announcement of village activities, warning for approaching threat or calamity, calling for good spirits and the expulsion of evil spirits. The village border was determined by how far the sound of the taiko could be heard. Later on, the taiko drum was used as a means of communication during wars and battles to intimidate the enemy and communicate commands. The taiko has always been and are still used for religious ceremonies, rituals, local festivals etc. 
Since the year 700 the taiko has been used as an accompanying musical instrument at the Imperial Court of Japan. Later the taiko was played during Noh and Kabuki, Japan’s traditional performing arts.

In spite of the long history of the taiko, the music ensembles using musical compositions for  several taiko drums (kumi-daiko) appeared not earlier than in the fifties of the last century. 
It was the Japanese jazz drummer Daihachi Oguchi (1924 – 2008) who happened to stumble across an old taiko piece in the 1950s. Wondering why taiko was never played together, he arranged this piece and formed his own taiko ensemble. Herewith a dynamic and renewed way of playing the taiko was born. Due to its tremendous success in Japan it was soon followed by others.

The Japanese percussion group Ondekoza, established in 1969, introduced the world to this new Japanese music style, and proved that a lot of rhythmical and harmonic possibilities could be added to the taiko. Since then the number of taiko groups have increased considerably, not only in Japan but worldwide and taiko music is more popular than ever before.

Nowadays taiko is often used in western music as well. Many famous pop musicians, DJs, classical musicians etc. regularly add the powerful, magnificent sound of the taiko to their own repertoire.

Drum-making process

A taiko performance is compelling but the process of making a drum has its own captivating power. It is amazing to see how a taiko drum is built.

 

The most beautiful part of a hand-carved taiko drum is hidden inside. The intricate pattern, concealed within makes all the difference for the tone of the drum. 

 

The oldest and leading taiko manufactures in Japan is Asano Taiko, a family company having their taiko factory in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture since 1609. 

 

Besides Asano Taiko there are many companies spread across Japan, that produce and repair Japanese taiko drums such as Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten (1861) in Tokyo, and Miura Taiko (1865) in Aichi. 

Taiko construction has several stages, including making and shaping of the drum body, preparing the drum skin and tuning the skin to the drumhead. Historically, taiko were crafted form trunks of the Japanese Zelkova tree, that were dried over years, using techniques to prevent splitting. A master carpenter then carved out the rough shape of the drum body with a chisel; the texture of the wood after carving softened the tone of the drum.

In contemporary times, taiko are carved out on a large lathe using wood staves or logs that can be shaped to fit drum bodies of various sizes.

 

Drumheads can be left to air-dry over a period of years, but some companies use large, smoke-filled warehouses to hasten the drying process. After drying is complete, the inside of the drum is worked with a deep-grooved chisel and sanded. Handles are placed onto the drum. These are used to carry smaller drums and they serve an ornamental purpose for larger drums. Lastly the drum will be skinned. 

 

In the autumn of 2007 we visited the factory of Maruoka, a taiko manufacturer located in Sakai City, Osaka. We were able to see the different stages of the making process of a taiko drum and very impressed by the skilled craftsmanship.

 

Left you find a photo impression of this visit. 

 Shaping the cowhides for the Nagadodaiko drums 

 Shaping the cowhides for the Nagadodaiko drums 

 Shaping the cowhides for the Nagadodaiko drums 

 The drying wooden block which eventually will become a taiko 

 The drying wooden block which eventually will become a taiko 

The raw body of the Miyadaiko is treated with resin to avoid from drying too quickly

 The diameter of the drum is determined 

The used measurement unit is ‘shaku’ which is equal to approximately 30,3 centimeter

 After chiseling, planing and sanding, the body gets its final shape 

 After chiseling, planing and sanding, the body gets its final shape 

 After chiseling, planing and sanding, the body gets its final shape 

The taiko is dyed with natural pigments. The finishing coat of lacquer will be applied after the taiko is tied with ropes

The taiko is dyed with natural pigments. The finishing coat of lacquer will be applied after the taiko is tied with ropes

 This aged Nagadodaiko is ready for a new drum skin 

 The inside of the taiko reveals the year of construction 

The number of skins this taiko has had in its lifetime can be read from the previous nail holes

 This taiko gets its fifth skin 

 The taiko is clamped between the cowhide and the clamping table 

Short sticks are put in the holes in the turned part of the cowhide. The rope to tighten is put around

By twisting the ropes, the tightening around the taiko is performed consistently

 The cowhide is hit hard and gets settled 

Along with the increase of the clamping force on the cowhide the drum is alternately hit on the edge and in the middle, the latter to check the sound

Along with the increase of the clamping force on the cowhide the drum is alternately hit on the edge and in the middle, the latter to check the sound

Along with the increase of the clamping force on the cowhide the drum is alternately hit on the edge and in the middle, the latter to check the sound

The ropes divide the tension equally. The clamping force itself is supported by an hydraulic system

In the past this was done by using wedges that were placed between the clamping table and the taiko

After having assured that the cowhide is perfectly tensioned, the cowhide will be nailed. One can choose to leave the skin as it is or to cut it off under the nails. (as you can see in the background)

After having assured that the cowhide is perfectly tensioned, the cowhide will be nailed. One can choose to leave the skin as it is or to cut it off under the nails. (as you can see in the background)

After having assured that the cowhide is perfectly tensioned, the cowhide will be nailed. One can choose to leave the skin as it is or to cut it off under the nails. (as you can see in the background)

The Master’s blessing

Impressed by the craftsmanship and kindness of Maruoka-san, the Tentekomai team had a very nice time and learned a lot about the taiko making process