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Since the days of the early emperors, the thunderous heartbeat of the taiko has been a beautiful and sacred sound--a sound of laughter, of celebration, of protection, and power. In ancient times, the deep rumble of the drum drove away evil spirits and other malignant forces that would harm the village's valuable crops. During the harvest, the taiko was beaten in a different way--happier, less terrifying--as a joyful proclamation of a bountiful year. In times of drought, the taiko's thunder would call to the skies to bring clouds and rain. The sounds of the taiko still resound in modern times.
Our village is now global, and instead of crop pests, the drums now seek to drive away forces of hate and dissension that threaten our peace. We harvest a different sort of plenty, that of the love and community that surrounds us. When day to day life threatens to rob our lives of joy, the heartbeat of the taiko calls to the heartbeat within ourselves, reminding us of the wonderful gift of this world and our existence.
Taiko performances are very exhilarating-a dynamic energy stimulant, earth shaking and even called a spiritual experience. Taiko is entertainment enjoyed all over the world.
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