noun
kakko; Japanese hourglass drum
A small double-headed drum played with sticks on both sides, traditionally used in gagaku (court music). The term refers specifically to this instrument.
雅楽では羯鼓が重要なリズムを刻む。
In gagaku, the kakko marks an important rhythm.
羯鼓は両面を桴で打つ太鼓だ。
The kakko is a drum played with sticks on both sides.
The word 羯鼓 (kakko) is of Chinese origin, referring to a type of drum introduced to Japan along with gagaku. The kanji 羯 and 鼓 relate to a drum used in ancient Chinese and Central Asian music.