Humans react to all sounds with their whole body. Different sounds can give rise to feelings ranging from irritation all the way to pure ecstasy. In any case, if we choose to refer to sounds generally as ‘noise', then wadaiko (the Japanese drum) is without doubt one of the most powerful instruments in existence to produce such ‘noise'.

The sound that children make when they pound the wadaiko mischievously obviously comes across as nothing much else than pure noise. However, when it is rigorously trained players who hold the sticks and hit the drums with all their might and skill, what might have otherwise been mere noise turns into true art that resonates beautifully into the soul of the listener. To reach the level of pure art, the wadaiko has passed through a long process that has been supported by the traditional Japanese spirit and sense of beauty.