The Tsuzumi, or Tsudzumi (鼓) is a Japanese hand drum, believed to be introduced to Japan in the 7th century, and is of Chinese or Indian origin. The tsuzumi plays roles in both Noh and Kabuki theater music, but it is also used in min’yō (民謡), or Japanese folk music. The quality of sound emanating when played depends upon the moisture in the drum heads. The more the moisture, the better the quality of sound. So the players of tsuzumi generally breathe very close to the drum heads while playing it.

The quality of sound emanating when played depends upon the moisture in the drum heads. The more the moisture, the better the quality of sound. So the players of tsuzumi generally breathe very close to the drum heads while playing it.

Thanks to the meticulous measures gone through to craft them, a set of drumheads combined with the wooden body, when properly cared for, is said to last for centuries; it is not uncommon for professional players to use instruments made in the Edo period or Muromachi period. New instruments on the other hand might require years, or even decades, of use to be broken in. Only the cords holding the instrument need to be regularly replaced as they fray over time.

The two main types of tsuzumis are the ōtsuzumi (大鼓), or large tsuzumi, and the smkotsuzumi (小鼓), small tsuzumi. While the two are similar, they are played differently, and have different sounds and tones. The two drum heads are taut and have cords which may be “squeezed or released to increase or decrease the tension of the heads respectively. This mechanism allows the player to raise or lower the pitch of the drum while playing.” (Reuters Editorial 2022)