Tsuzumi

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A tsuzumi (鼓, tsuzumi^?) is a Japanese hourglass-shaped drum that was originally taught with fox skin. This drum is played with the tips of the fingers over the shoulder, and it produces a distinct "pon" sound. The tsuzumi plays roles in both Noh and Kabuki theater music. When played with its bigger counterpart, the ōtsuzumi (大鼓, ōtsuzumi^?), the tsuzumi is referred to as the kotsuzumi (小鼓, kotsuzumi^?), or "small tsuzumi." The ōtsuzumi is simultaneously known as the okawa. It looks very much like the tsuzumi, except that the okawa is played on the side instead of on the shoulder, and it produces a higher, sharper sound.