On this day 20 years ago, a legendary arcade rhythm franchise was born in Japan!

Indeed, 21 February 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the popular Taiko no Tatsujin series – which sees players hitting a Japanese-style drum to the beat of various Japanese and international songs. The Taiko no Tatsujin games initially debuted as an arcade-only experience, but would eventually make their home on consoles starting with the PlayStation 2 in 2002. Following that, the series would debut in the west for the first time with Taiko Drum Master (2004).

Of course, the series has still been going strong to date, with dozens of games still releasing for most gaming platforms. In recent years, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! (2018) and Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack (2020) have also graced the Nintendo Switch system.

To celebrate this occasion, the official Bandai Namco Twitter account shared a fun birthday cake themed after the series’ mascot Don Chan, along with a message to fans:

おはようございます★

本日2月21日は『太鼓の達人』生誕20周年ですよ～！

こちらは昨日の『太鼓の達人ドーンと20周年記念！ありがドン生配信』に登場したケーキです♪

皆さん、#太鼓の達人20周年 をつけて、
是非お祝いメッセージをツイートしてくださいね(*'▽') pic.twitter.com/ty2C8xKbKO

— バンダイナムコエンターテインメント公式 (@bnei876) February 21, 2021

“Good morning ★ Today February 21st is the 20th anniversary of the birth of “Taiko no Tatsujin”! This is yesterday’s Taiko no Tatsujin 20th Anniversary cake that appeared in our “Thank you Don” live broadcast!”

『太鼓の達人』はファンの皆さまに愛され､支えられて､本日20周年を迎えることができました。太鼓の達人プロジェクトメンバー一同、感謝の気持ちとともに今後も末永く楽しんでいただける企画・コンテンツを引き続き提供して参ります！20周年ありがドーン！ #太鼓の達人 pic.twitter.com/xkl0bpfCqt

— 【公式】太鼓の達人 総合 (@taiko_All) February 21, 2021

“”Taiko No Tatsujin” was loved and supported by fans, and today we celebrated our 20th anniversary. All Taiko No Tatsujin project members will continue to provide plans and contents that can be enjoyed for many years to come! The 20th anniversary is here!”

What about you? Do you have fond memories of the Taiko no Tatsujin series? Feel free to share below!