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588
The earliest known evidence of Taiko
Although the exact date of the Taiko invention and it's precise origins are unknown, there has been evidence that it has been around as early as 501 - 600 CE (common era). Evidence also shows that it was heavily influenced by Korea and China's drumming methods, which were very similar to Taiko. During this period of time the drums were used in ceremonies, festivals and rituals. Old statues called Haniwa were found dating to this point in time depicting men playing Taiko. -
720
Taiko in Japanese Mythos
During the year 720 CE, a book was written called Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan). In it was a story describing how Amaterasu (Goddess of the Sun) had ran away and hid in the Heavenly Rock Cave due to anger towards her brother, Susano'o, who had been mean to her. The world became dark, and to no avail could the gods get her to come out of the cave. She was lured out of the cave by Ame-no-Uzume (The Goddess of Dawn), who played Taiko by dancing on it. -
Japanese American Controversy
The year 1941 was met with an attack from Imperial Japan on Pearl Harbor. The public's opinion very quickly turned against the Japanese Americans, they questioned their "Loyalty" and assumed that they could be spies. Tensions rose throughout the year, some people defended them and some were very against the idea of having "The Enemy" in their country. -
Executive Order 9066
02/19/1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Executive Order 9066. This allowed military commanders to create these "Exclusion zones" which were applicable to anyone: Citizen or not. These camps mostly contained large numbers of Japanese Americans due to the controversy surrounding them after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They were heavily discouraged to practice their traditions or beliefs, or even speak Japanese in these camps. -
Civil Rights Movement
During the Civil Rights Movement, lots of Japanese Americans have decided to engage in their own cultures and beliefs. One of the many being Taiko. -
Emerging in north america
In 1968 the first north american taiko group emerged under the name San Francisco Taiko Dojo. The founder of the group believed that learning to play taiko wasn't a matter of person’s gender, ethnicity or past, but rather a genuine interest in learning the art, accepting any and all who wanted to learn. This is what granted it great success at the time as it allowed anyone the opportunity to join in and participate.
