Adapted from an article by David Leong for Rolling Thunder (www.taiko.com). This is part two in a three-part series.
Taiko as it is performed today, as an ensemble (kumi-daiko), is a post-war phenomenon which was born in 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. 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 included in his arrangements. The high pitched shime-daiko carried the ji (backing rhythm). The large odaiko played a simple rhythm that firmly grounded the pulse. A variety of nagado-daiko (barrel-shaped drums most commonly associated with
taiko) each had propulsive riffs that pushed the music along. Topping this off was the metallic sound of the tetsu-zutsu (often called a cannon in English), a bell-like instrument consisting of three pieces of pipe of differing diameters welded together. Since many of his performers were not professional musicians, he also divided the rhythms into easier parts. In addition, each performer played on several taiko, set up in the fashion of a jazz drum set. 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 region of Japan. Groups would often play at hot springs for the entertainment of the guests. The advent of Japanese television brought exposure and more popularity to the style.
Another taiko pioneer was Sukeroku Daiko, whose playing style was based on Edo-bayshi rhythms. In 1959, a group called Yushima Tenjin Sukeroku Daiko was founded under the auspices of the Yushima Tenjin shrine. Sukeroku Daiko created a dynamic performing style emphasizing speed, fluidity and power that is highly emulated. They also brought a strong sense of choreography and flashy solos to the growing taiko movement. At some point, a schism split the group up. Imaizumi-sensei maintained the Yushima Tenjin Sukeroku Daiko group and is still active. Founding member Seido Kobayashi went on to found Oedo Sukeroku Daiko, which is credited with being the first professional taiko group.
Taiko got a boost in the 1970s when the Japanese government authorized funds to help preserve the intangible cultural assets that were slowly vanishing in the post-war era. Many local communities used some of the monies they received to start community taiko groups. Some of these groups used the local taiko rhythms used in festivals; others went to well-known groups and had music written for them. The end result is that it is estimated that there are over 4,000 taiko groups in Japan.
In 1969, Tagayasu Den founded Za Ondekoza on Sado Island in Japan.
Collecting a group of dedicated youths disaffected with modern big city life, he created a new kind of taiko group totally dedicated to taiko drumming as a way of life. Rigorous training, including daily marathon running, and communal living forged powerful taiko performances that have awed the world. Za Ondekoza is credited with bringing taiko to audiences worldwide. The original members of Za Ondekoza went on to form Kodo in 1981 after splitting with Den, who started a new Za Ondekoza. Kodo has gone on to international fame, becoming perhaps the best know taiko group outside of Japan.
With the success of internationally touring taiko groups like Kodo and Ondekoza, Taiko groups have been started in many other countries as well, notably the U.S. and Canada, although groups exist throughout Europe, Australia, and South America as well. Currently taiko is enjoying a boom in popularity worldwide, but especially in North America, where there are around 150 taiko groups. Given that most groups do not receive any support, and that most must make their own drums out of wine barrels, the growth of North American Taiko has been phenomenal.
