tsuzumi

Tsuzumi is a traditional Japanese drum used in gagaku court music and Noh theatre. There are two primary types: the ko-tsuzumi, a small, high-pitched drum, and the ō-tsuzumi, a larger, deeper-sounding drum. The instrument is hourglass-shaped, with a narrow midsection and two drum heads made of animal skin stretched over wooden rims; cords or hide thongs pass around the body to tension the skins. The heads are tuned to produce distinct timbres, and players can alter pitch during performance by adjusting the tension with the fingers or by pressing on the skin.

Playing technique involves striking the heads with a wooden stick, typically called a bachi, to produce different tones. In performance, the ko-tsuzumi is usually held under the arm, while the ō-tsuzumi may be supported on the thigh or worn with a strap. The two drums complement each other, with the smaller ko-tsuzumi providing bright, quick rhythms and the larger ō-tsuzumi delivering deeper, sustaining pulses.

Usage and history: Tsuzumi serves as a central percussion voice in gagaku ensembles and in Noh theatre, helping to cue mood, rhythm, and timing. It also appears in some Kabuki music. The tsuzumi is generally regarded as part of the indigenous Japanese percussion tradition, with influences from East Asian hourglass drums. Today it remains a staple in traditional percussion education and performances.