“KASA MIX 2016” by Yui Kawamoto

KASA MIX 2016

Rumored to be “life-changing,” this biennial program called KASA MIX is an intensive program designed for taiko players from outside of Japan.

With the current growth of the international taiko culture and community, the KASA MIX participants have gathered from countries all over the world such as  United States, Canada, England, Argentina.

When they arrived on Sado, the KASA MIX participants joined our apprentices in their unique lifestyle at the Kodo Apprentice Centre.

They participated in every aspect, from the early morning workout to eating meals, cleaning, and taking baths together.

They took a variety of different workshops from our veteran Kodo performing members, and experienced the great seasonal nature of Sado.

Timing worked out perfectly to observe one of the practices of ondeko (demon drumming) in the Iwakubi community, and had the opportunity to learn an ondeko dance themselves, from the Kasuga community in the latter half of their stay.

And of course, they enjoyed everything else that this island has to offer.

Gathering from all over the world, the participants were able to share with us some taiko stories from their country or area.

The different reasons, history, spirit and culture that each person had shared with us have opened up a bigger world for our young apprentices who had no knowledge on the taiko culture outside of Japan.

As they discovered their new findings of taiko in the world, it looked to me that they found another reason to strive to become a Kodo performing member.

KASA MIX has come to an end once again with very warm and heart-filling memories through this short time we had together on Sado island.

As one of the staff members for this program, I was very moved by the unification we have created through taiko, which brought a sense of nostalgic comfort to my heart.

Thank you to everyone who participated this year! We look forward to seeing you again somewhere in this world.

Next one is coming up again in two years! To all taiko enthusiasts all over the world, we look forward to having you here on Sado for our next KASA MIX!