Above are a few videos of Japanese Drummers performing Kumidaiko. Kumidako is the ensemble form of performing on Taiko, which are Japanese drums. The word Taiko is often used to describe Kumidaiko in America. In Japan, Kumidaiko is considered an art form.
It is speculated that Taiko has been peformed in Japan for over 2000 years. The drums resemble drums from Korean and Chinese cultures, and the influences behind it include ideas from as far away as India, but for the most part Japan is crdited fro the evolution of Taiko.
Originally, only holy men were allowed to use the Taiko, because the drums were associated with the gods. Currently, Kumi-Daiko, credited to Daihachi Oguchi, is commonly played in an ensemble style, with several different kinds of drums together, as well as other instruments at times. With the help of many people and incidents over history, such as Japanese immigration to America and their WWII internment, Taiko has boomed in North America and has evolved and formed hybrids with other similar arts. Taiko is an important illustration of Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Resources:
http://www.taiko.org/our-mission-san-jose-taiko-performance-arts/
http://www.taiko.com/taiko_resource/history.html
No comments:
Post a Comment