What is taiko drumming?
Taiko drumming is known as "‘the heartbeat of Japan," and it is an ancient art form that
evolved from a single sacred beat to the spectacular ensemble performances we
see today. Taiko is a powerful part of Japanese and Japanese-American culture and
has deep roots dating back thousands of years.
Taiko drums are physically huge drums (sometimes as large as 6 feet in diameter)
and disciplined training rituals that some taiko groups endure lead many in the West
to equate taiko to orchestrated performing art groups. Taiko drums have a deep, low
sound you can feel as a heartbeat. They are commonly made out of hollowed
wood or wooden barrels with animal skin stretched over the top. Taiko is played
with hardwood drumsticks.
Due to the energy and excitement of taiko performances, taiko groups in the U.S.
commonly perform at Japanese and other non-Asian events. In Japan, taiko is
frequently played at festivals and religious ceremonies.
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A Japanese neuroscientist improved the cognitive and physical functions of
dementia patients by having them take part in 30-minute group drum sessions 3
times a week for 3 months. She demonstrated that rhythm prepares the body for
action. Exercise triggers the production of a nutrient essential for brain fluidity called
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNH). In short, rhythm and exercise could help
protect and boost the development of the brain’s nerve cells, because rhythm and
physical movement impact blood flow in the human brain. Exercise stimulates the
production of a protein called BDNF. BDNF is a brain nutrient, and experts believe that
when BDNF increases it will boost the development of the prefrontal cortex which
controls thinking, memory, judgment, and emotions. Therefore, beating taiko drums
in time with the group will condition the prefrontal cortex of the dementia patients
improving their cognitive functions. See Drum Communication Program Intervention
in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia at Nursing Home: Preliminary
Evidence From Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
