The oldest historical evidence of Taiko in Japan is a 6th or 7th century haniwa clay figure representing a drummer. It is not clear, but because of the resemblance of the drums, it is believed that Taiko was brought to Japan from China and Korea, during the period 300-900 AD, together with Buddhism. Anyway, after that period the instruments were modified, receiving a typical Japanese shape.

Today, Taiko concerts take place both during Buddhist and Shinto festivals, and many groups, composed manly of young people, are performing with passion and enthusiasm. During my travels I enjoyed a lot of festivals and one moment I remember was the performance of these joyful drummers photographed here at the Kagurazaka Awa Odori.

Kagurazaka Awa Odori, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese Traditional Architecture, Mokoshi