History

Before the second world war: 

Taiko could be over 2000 years old. The origin and development of taiko is associated with cultural influences from China and Korea, from the 5th century. Taikos are played in  Buddhist temples and for the worship of the gods. On militarily level taikos were used to encourage their own soldiers, giving orders and to scare enemies. A taiko was the only instrument you could hear on the battlefield.Taiko nowadays is mainly attributed to the creativity of his spiritual teacher, Daihachi Oguchi (1924 - 2008). Daihachi Oguchi used his experience as jazz drummer. The spread of taiko has to do with the reconstruction of Japan after world war two. Taiko became popular in Japan, but also in United States because many migrated to United States. Nowadays taiko can be found in popular culture. Many video games and taiko games have been made. It also shows up in certain movies. Probably there are more than ten thousand taiko-groups world wide.

After the second world war: 

Taiko nowadays is mainly attributed to the creativity of his spiritual teacher, Daihachi Oguchi (1924 - 2008). Daihachi Oguchi used his experience as jazz drummer. The spread of taiko has to do with the reconstruction of Japan after world war two. Taiko became popular in Japan, but also in United States because many migrated to United States. Nowadays taiko can be found in popular culture. Many video games and taiko games have been made. It also shows up in certain movies. Probably there are more than ten thousand taiko-groups world wide.