Tama is a percussion brand manufactured by Hoshino Gakki, a Japanese musical instrument company headquartered in Seto, Aichi, Japan. Hoshino Gakki began making drums in 1961 under the name Star Drums, then relaunched the line in 1974 under the Tama name — a word meaning "jewel" in Japanese and the name of the company owner's wife. An early milestone came when Tama acquired the engineering and patent rights from the defunct Camco Drum Company, integrating Camco's hardware innovations into their production and significantly raising the quality of their instruments.

Tama's product range spans entry-level to professional drum kits, hardware, and accessories. The Superstar series, introduced in 1976, established the brand as a serious competitor in the drum market. The Starclassic series became a flagship professional line known for premium shell materials and tonal versatility. The Iron Cobra bass drum pedal, launched in 1994, became one of the most widely used pedals in the industry, prized for its smooth action and durability. Tama also invented the octoban — a series of narrow, tubular drums of varying lengths that produce distinct pitches — which became a signature sound in progressive and jazz-fusion drumming. The more affordable Imperialstar line serves beginners and intermediate players, while the S.L.P. (Sound Lab Project) series experiments with alternative shell materials.

Tama has attracted a broad roster of professional drummers across genres. Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Bill Bruford of King Crimson and Yes, and Billy Cobham are among the notable artists associated with the brand. Neil Peart of Rush also played a Tama Superstar kit during a period in the early 1980s. Professional and R&D production takes place in Seto, Japan, while hardware and more affordable lines are manufactured in Guangzhou, China.

Tama has 531 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Snare Drums, Drum Sets, and Drums. Their gear is featured by 245 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Metal, and Pop. Notable users include Lars Ulrich, Eloy Casagrande, and Mike Portnoy. Tama's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.