Tampa Taiko
Please enjoy this educational video provided by Tampa Taiko as we learn about Japanese Culture.
Tampa Taiko is a professional drumming ensemble that has performed for a vast array of audiences. Tampa Taiko entertains and educates audiences with an exciting traditional presentation of an ancient Japanese art form.
“Through study in the arts, we learn about and honor others and the worlds in which they live(d).”
Taiko is known as the modern art of traditional Japanese drumming in a group ensemble that uses martial art like movements and “ki-ais” (shouting to encourage high energy). Taiko drums are deeply entrenched in the fabric of Japanese culture.The performance may also dramatize Japanese folktales with dialogue, with gestures, and through the use props. Drums were used in ancient times to signify the boundaries of a village. Events such as rice harvests, public ceremonies and dance festivals were celebrated with drums. Drums were played loudly to sound like thunder and make rain. Drummers led warriors into battle to send signals and to intimidate the enemy. Taiko drums were included in Japanese folklore. In one example, by drumming, the Sun would come out of its cave. Japanese culture has celebrated the athleticism of traditional drumming for over one thousand years.
Taiko became popular around the world in the 1950s and was introduced to the United States in 1968 by Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, who wanted taiko to be a common household word, like chopsticks and sushi. Knowledge shared by Grand Master Tanaka has been passed from generation-to-generation, from sensei-to-student, and eventually was shared with the performing members of Tampa Taiko.
Patricia Blanco Sr. Librarian-Youth Services
Blanco-patricia@monroecounty-fl.gov