otsuzumi

Otsuzumi is the larger of the two traditional Japanese tsuzumi drums, a hand-held, hourglass-shaped percussion instrument used most prominently in Noh theatre. It forms one half of a paired set with the ko-tsuzumi (small tsuzumi). The drum is carved from wood and fitted with animal-skin heads on both ends; the skins are tightened to create pitch, and the body is commonly finished with lacquer. In performance, the otsuzumi is held and supported by a strap or tucked under the arm or on the thigh, depending on tradition and technique.

Pitch is controlled during play by tightening cords attached to the drumheads with the left hand, allowing the player to raise the tone as needed. The right hand strikes the drum with a short stick (bachi), producing a clear, cutting attack that projects in ensemble and stage settings. The combination of tension-based pitch variation and percussive strike gives the otsuzumi its distinct, bright timbre.

In Noh, the otsuzumi provides rhythmic punctuation and characterful color, often supplying louder, more forceful accents compared to the ko-tsuzumi. The two drums work together with other percussion and the chorus to signal scene changes, actions, and emotional shifts. While most closely associated with Noh, tsuzumi are also found in related traditional ensembles and have been incorporated into contemporary performances and compositions, where their expressive, timing-driven sound is valued.