“Wadaiko” is the general term for traditional Japanese drums, and “taiko” are drums that are struck with a rod-shaped stick rather than being struck by hand. Taiko have been used since ancient times in festivals and ceremonies at shrines and temples. In the performing arts, they have been used as instruments to accompany folk productions, gagaku, noh, kabuki, and other performances, and they have also been used to mark the time and to send signals (for example, used as war drums on the battlefield). The process of constructing taiko varies between manufacturers but commonly involves stretching a skin taut over a wooden body. Crafting the drum body and skin can take several years, depending on the method used.