The Drums That Bang Out the Heartbeat of My Community

A 13-Year-Old Explains How Japanese Taiko Drumming Connects Her to the World Around Her

I am 13 years old, and taiko drumming is my life. Taiko are Japanese drums—big ones are the size of a Mini Cooper, and small ones are 15 inches around and very heavy. The one I usually play is about the size of a wine barrel. Unlike other drums, you can’t just hit taiko and create sounds. Instead, you have to concentrate the energy from your legs, your arms, your torso, your mind, and your emotions in order to really pull music from the big drums. If you are slacking, …