Editing Taiko (section)

===In traditional settings===
{{transliteration|ja|Taiko}} have been incorporated in Japanese theatre for rhythmic needs, general atmosphere, and in certain settings decoration. In the [[kabuki]] play ''The Tale of Shiroishi and the Taihei Chronicles'', scenes in the [[Yūkaku|pleasure quarters]] are accompanied by {{transliteration|ja|taiko}} to create dramatic tension.{{sfn|Brandon|Leiter|2002|p=86}} [[Noh]] theatre also features {{transliteration|ja|taiko}} music,{{sfn|Miki|2008|p=176}}{{sfn|Malm|2000|pp=286–288}} where performance consists of highly specific rhythmic patterns. The {{nihongo||金春流|Konparu}} school of drumming, for example, contains 65 basic patterns in addition to 25 special patterns; these patterns are categorized in several classes.{{sfn|Malm|1960|pp=75–78}} Differences between these patterns include changes in [[tempo]], [[accent (music)|accent]], [[dynamics (music)|dynamics]], [[pitch (music)|pitch]], and function in the theatrical performance. Patterns are also often connected together in progressions.{{sfn|Malm|1960|pp=75–78}}

{{transliteration|ja|Taiko}} continue to be used in {{transliteration|ja|gagaku}}, a classical music tradition typically performed at the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace]] in addition to local temples and shrines.{{sfn|Malm|2000|pp=101–102}} In {{transliteration|ja|gagaku}}, one component of the art form is traditional dance, which is guided in part by the rhythm set by the {{transliteration|ja|taiko}}.{{sfn|Malm|2000|pp=103}}

{{transliteration|ja|Taiko}} have played an important role in many local festivals across Japan.<ref name=JANM>{{cite web|title=Kenny Endo: Connecting to Heritage through Music|url=http://www.janm.org/exhibits/bigdrum/interviews/endo.php|work=Big Drum|publisher=[[Japanese American National Museum]]|access-date=7 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109222631/http://www.janm.org/exhibits/bigdrum/interviews/endo.php|archive-date=9 November 2013}}</ref> They are also used to accompany religious ritual music. In {{transliteration|ja|[[kagura]]}}, a category of music and dances stemming from [[Shinto]] practices, {{transliteration|ja|taiko}} frequently appear alongside other performers during local festivals. In Buddhist traditions, {{transliteration|ja|taiko}} are used for ritual dances as part of the [[Bon Festival]].{{sfn|Miki|2008|p=180}}{{sfn|Bender|2012|p=110}} {{transliteration|ja|Taiko}}, along with other instruments, are featured atop towers that are adorned with red-and-white cloth and serve to provide rhythms for the dancers who are encircled around the performers.{{sfn|Malm|2000|p=77}}