Taiko Banten, Master of the Taiko

A little Known but Vital Position Within a Samurai Castle

Every samurai castle had either a Taiko Yagura, a standing drum tower or a Taiko Mon, a drum tower built across the top of a main gate. Both were large structures housing a huge taiko drum. The drum was used for time keeping, and in times of war, as a signal to bear arms and even direct the troops.  Drum towers and drum gates sounded alarms such as in times of fires or floods, as signals to enter and exit the castle, and to welcome the feudal lord home on his return from Edo following Sankin-kotai alternate attendance service.