Wada Nei

Wada Nei (和太鼓, literally "Japanese drum") refers generally to Japanese drums. More specifically, the term often denotes the art of taiko drumming, a performance art involving multiple large drums, often played with considerable force and choreography.

While taiko drums have been used in Japan for centuries in religious ceremonies, festivals, and theatrical performances (such as Noh and Kabuki), the modern performance art of Wada Nei is largely a 20th-century invention. Daihachi Oguchi, a jazz drummer, is widely credited with innovating the ensemble taiko drumming style that characterizes much of modern Wada Nei performance.

The types of drums used in Wada Nei vary in size, shape, and construction, each producing a distinct sound. Some common types include the nagado daiko (long-bodied drum), shime daiko (small, rope-tensioned drum), and odaiko (large drum).

Performances typically involve intricate rhythms, dynamic shifts in volume, and visually striking movements by the drummers. Wada Nei groups exist both professionally and as community ensembles around the world, playing a significant role in preserving and promoting Japanese culture.