Hokan (also called Taiko) is a profession of a man who indulges hosts and guests at a drinking party such as a banquet or ozashiki (banquets in which guests are attended by geisha), does performances himself, and helps geisha (Japanese professional female entertainers at drinking party) and maiko (apprentice geisha) to set the groove.
幇間（ほうかん、または、たいこ、とも読む。）は、宴席やお座敷などの酒席において主や客の機嫌をとり、自ら芸を見せ、さらに芸者・舞妓を助けて場を盛り上げる男性の職業をいう。