Shinto rituals are conducted on a daily basis at Meiji Jingu. Known as onikkusai, their start is announced with taiko drumming. Asamike, or morning offering, is held at 8 a.m., and yumike, the afternoon offering, at 2 p.m. at the main shrine hall. The rituals last around ten minutes each. Food offerings are made to the kami during these rituals, and the priests pray for world peace and the prosperity and happiness of all.
The drum has a long history of use within Shinto. It is thought that the taiko has been used in religious ceremonies since ancient times, when the reverberation of the drums would feel like the presence of the kami. The sound of the drumming was also thought to purify and sanctify the ritual. The taiko drums are still used to indicate the beginning and end of rituals, and to call upon the kami.