"Packs a punch with gorgeous photographs, a brief history of taiko drumming, drums and accompanying instruments used in taiko, costumes, drumming techniques, and glossary. . . . A great introduction."?WorldMusicCentral.org Japanese taiko drumming, an ancient sacred harvest-time practice, has evolved into a form of mental, physical, and martial arts training combining rhythm, harmony, and movement. This book is for anyone who plays taiko or is fascinated by the instruments, dances, and compositions of a typically powerful taiko performance. Heidi Varian has practiced taiko over thirty years and is a taiko event producer. Seiichi Tanaka is founder and director of the renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo.