Taiko Drumming Style  The fat or round Japanese drum, known as
taiko, has become synonymous with a rhythmic and thunderous
beat. Though they are still common in the shrines of Japan,
their growing, international popularity means that these ancient
drums are just as likely to be seen today in choreographed,
stage performances around the world.  Ancient History of Taiko
A clay, drum-playing figure from about the sixth or seventh
century is the oldest evidence of drum playing in Japan. The
earliest written record of drumming in Japan comes from the Nara
period (712 AD) and tells the story of the goddess, Uzume, who
lures the Sun goddess from her hiding place by dancing and using
her feet to stomp out a beat on a sounding board. It’s likely
that the first large, booming, taiko drums came from mainland
Asia and played a part in court music, but they eventually made
their way into the chants of the Shinto and Buddhist
shrines. The taiko also became a drum of war. In addition to
being used for communications on the