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Taiko drumming is an ancient sacred practice in Japan, originally used to drive away pests from rice fields and then to call to the gods in thanks at harvest time. Today taiko in Japan and North America has evolved into a form of mental, physical, and martial arts training that combines rhythm, harmony, and movement. Ensembles are experimenting with new forms, arrangements, and instruments, making taiko a dynamic, living bridge between ancient traditions and modern performance art.

This book is for anyone who would like to try taiko or who is fascinated by the instruments, sounds, and compositions of a typically powerful taiko performance. It contains a brief introduction to taiko history, a guide to taiko instruments and movement, and an overview of training, disciplines, and the connections between drumming, nature, and spiritual practice.

Also included in The Way of Taiko is a detailed Taiko Glossary and over 35 full-color photographs of taiko players and performances.

Heidi Varian is a longtime student of taiko and a taiko event producer. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Seiichi Tanaka is founder and director of the renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo and is credited with introducing taiko to the United States in the mid-1960s.

With a Taiko Glossary by David Leong
Photographs by Francisco Villaflor, X2 Digital Photography, Irvin Yamada, Max Aguilera-Hellweg, Martin Butler, Lia Chang, Robert Mizono, Kallan Nishimoto, Kumiko Tanaka, Raymond Yuen

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Contents Foreword by Seiichi Tanaka Preface Acknowledgments Introduction: The Heartbeat of Japan A Brief History of Taiko Drums in Ancient Asia and Japan Traditional Japanese Music Drums at War Ensemble Drumming Taiko in Modern Japan Taiko in America The Future of Taiko Understanding Sounds and Movements Taiko: Japanese Drums Gakki: Instruments Kiai and Other Vocalizations Regalia and Costumes A Taiko Performance Connecting with Nature

Training in the Way Learning to Drum Kokoro = Spirit: Self-Control and Playing from the Heart Waza = Action: Musicianship, Skill, Technique Karada = Body: Physical Strength and Endurance Rei = Etiquette: Respect, Courtesy, Unity Senior Taiko Ensembles A Taiko Glossary by David Leong References