Today was the first day of the conference I am attending in Japan.

The opening ceremonies included a kumi-daiko performance. Kumi-daiko is performed on different drums or taiko. The term taiko refers to a wide range of percussion instruments.

Here we see the main drums that the troupe used in the performance. The performance is a combination of drumming and dance and is also very vocal.

The drummers were all wearing traditional costumes for kumi-daiko. The thin fabric coat is called a happi and the headband is hachimaki.

The performance was very noisy as the drums made a very loud noise, especially the big one. The sound of the drums also varied. The position of the smaller drum and where they hit them had an affect on the sound. They would also get a different sound by hitting the rims and sides of the drums.

The stick that they use to beat the drums are larger than typical drumsticks and are called bachi. The performers would also twirl the sticks or toss them in the air and catch them.

In the second half of the performance the drummers wrapped their coats around their waists and revealed colorful outfits.

A wonderful experience to watch and listen to the performance. A great start to the conference today.

Steven