noun
small hand drum; kotsuzumi
A traditional Japanese shoulder drum used in Noh, kabuki, and folk music; held on the right shoulder and struck with the right hand.
能楽では、小鼓が重要な役割を果たす。
In Noh theater, the kotsuzumi plays an important role.
彼は小鼓を肩にのせて演奏した。
He placed the kotsuzumi on his shoulder and performed.
Compound of 小 (small) and 鼓 (drum). The reading こつづみ is a native Japanese reading, while しょうこ is the Sino-Japanese reading, less commonly used for this instrument.