Taiko drumming: It's been called the heartbeat of Japan. With a history going back more than 1000 years, today Taiko drumming is still associated with ceremonies in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as being the drum of choice at every matsuri or Japanese festival. One man who has helped to take Taiko drumming out of its ritual setting and onto the concert stage is Master Bashow Kanagawa, a professional Taiko drummer from the old Japanese imperial capital of Nara.
