The Japanese taiko drum was rumored to have been used by military warriors, who took advantage of the sheer loudness of the drum to frighten and scare their enemy into either surrender or actual submission, Because of the drums loudness, it was an ideal instrument to be used with signaling orders in battles, and could be heard over large crowds.
Other uses in older times were also to serve villagers with an early warning system, which alerted them to any extreme weather that was heading their way, and gave plenty of time for the locals to get their valued goods indoors and out the way of ferocious weather.
The time and effort that went into the appearance of the taiko drum, is viewed to be just as important as the sound that comes from the drum itself. The drums were traditionally decorated by women who used flowers and other intricately crafted items to enhance the drums appearance.
Taiko drums groups can be found all over the world and there are many in Japan. Festivals have incorporated this fantastic display of skill and sound, to maintain its ancient heritage and to educate the younger generations of the drums origins.