Wadaiko
WADAIKO
Taiko (太鼓) means great drum. Although in Japan the word refers to any type of drum, outside of Japan it is used to refer to the Japanese drum and the art of Japanese percussion or wadaiko (和太鼓).
The taiko is an instrument that has existed in Japan since ancient times and that its uses throughout history have been varied. Historically it had an accompanying role, either in religious ceremonies, festivities (matsuri), warfare and artistic exhibitions (traditional theater) among others.
The wadaiko, or art of Japanese percussion as it is shown today, is an artistic expression that has existed since 1951, created by the Japanese jazz drummer Daihachi Oguchi, where for the first time Japanese drums were used for scenic form and musical ensembles.
Although Japanese drums have been in Japan for many centuries, so we can say that the instrument is millenary, the way in which the instrument and the existing repertoire is interpreted is completely modern, and therefore it is in the process of development and expansion within and outside of Japan. Although it is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese arts, wadaiko is also beginning to be influenced by arts born in the West.
Our taikos
At Nikyokan we have the largest professional drum fleets in Latin America.
They have been brought from Japan, and belong to the Asano taiko factory, founded in 1609, and recognized as one of the most important taiko factories in the world.
The drums are handcrafted in their facilities, and are made of «keyaki», a Japanese tree that grows for 200 years, and makes the wood have betas and porosities that contribute to the quality of the sound of the taikos.
Our fleet of drums is composed of: 8 (eight) Nagado daiko, 4 (four) Shime daiko, 4 (four) Okedo daiko, 1 (one) Hira daiko and 1 (one) O daiko and other local made drums.
Info: Our Instruments
Wadaiko courses we offer: