Asian percussion has recently been popularized worldwide through the phenomenon of Japanese Taiko drumming and Korean ensemble drumming. Both traditions have their roots in rural festivals, generally occurring during the time of the fall harvest. Asian ensemble drumming styles are notable for their dramatically stylized way of performing, and in the structure of the music itself, which consists of layered repeating rhythmic patterns (ostinatos).

In Asian art and music, however, especially the Japanese theatrical genres of Kabuki and Noh drama, percussion performance is almost an exact opposite of the athletic festival styles. Musicians sit in one place, unmoving for hours on end, and play intermittently in a carefully controlled manner.

Most Asian and Southeast Asian drums come in one of two forms: hourglass or barrel-shaped (which can be shallow). The hourglass-shaped drums, similar to those found in the Middle East and Africa, are made using Remo’s ACOUSTICON™ shell material to help produce a focused tone and relatively definite pitch. Barrel-shaped drums, while less purely tonal, can produce a sound of immense power and projection. In Japan these drums are seen and heard as the heart of the Taiko ensemble and, arguably, are the largest drums in regular use today.

Asian Drum

Chinese Drum

Hira Daiko

Klong Yaw

Taiko

Taiko Hira Daiko