Taiko in Japanese History
The exact history of Japanese Taiko remains
shrouded in speculation, although some educated guesses are possible.
The oldest physical evidence of taiko in Japan is a haniwa clay
figure of a drummer that dates from the sixth or seventh century.
However, since the first instruments in any society tend to be
percussion instruments, it would not be out of the question for
taiko (as we know them today) to have been used in Japan for well
over 2000 years.
Japanese taiko as we know them today bear strong resemblance to Chinese and Korean instruments, which were probably introduced in the waves of Korean and Chinese cultural influence from 300-900 AD. It has been speculated that the predecessor of the tsuzumi style of taiko may come from as far as India, and came to Japan along with Buddhism. However, the waves of cultural influence stopped for the most part around the year 900, and development from that point can basically be attributed to native Japanese craftsmen. Taiko, although continuing to bear similarities to Chinese and Korean drums, have evolved into unique Japanese instruments.
Modern Taiko History
Taiko as it is performed today, as an ensemble
(kumi-daiko), is a post war phenomenon which was born in Showa
26 (1951). Daihachi Oguchi, who created the kumi-daiko style,
is given much of the credit for the current taiko boom. Oguchi
was a jazz drummer, who happened upon an old piece of taiko music.
Deciding to perform the old music for the Osuwa shrine, Oguchi
"jazzed it up" as he arranged it. Coming from a jazz
background, he wondered why taiko were never played together,
and broke with tradition by assembling a taiko drum ensemble.
By taking taiko of various sizes, Oguchi assembled
a variety of musical voices which he quickly assigned roles in
his arrangement. The high pitched shime-daiko carried the ji (backing
rhythm). The Odaiko played a simple rhythm that firmly provided
the pulse. A variety of nagado-daiko each had propulsive riffs
that pushed the music along. Topping this off was the metallic
sound of three pieces of differing diameters welded together.
Since many of his performers were not professional musicians,
he also divided the rhythms into easier to play parts. In addition,
each performer played on several taiko, set up in the fashion
of a jazz drumset. Oguchi went on to lead the influential Osuwa
Daiko, and spread his exciting taiko style throughout Japan, and
then throughout the world.
This dynamic and propulsive kumi-daiko style was an instant hit, and many groups were formed in the Hokuriku (Japan Sea) region of Japan. Groups would often play at hot springs for the entertainment of the guests. By 1957 the Hokuriku Odaiko Enthusiasts Association was formed, and the Hokuriku Taiko Association was founded the following year. The advent of Japanese television brought exposure and more popularity to the style.