Recently the Kodo Cultural Foundation was authorized by Niigata Prefecture as a Public Interest Corporation and its registration on November 1, 2011, marked the beginning of a new era.
Exactly forty years ago, when we founded Sado no Kuni Ondekoza, our aim was to create a place to study traditional culture, such as the performing arts that remain in abundance on Sado Island. To share those activities both in Japan and abroad, we started playing taiko and touring, and that led to the birth of "Kodo."
The Kodo Cultural Foundation was established in 1997 as a means to share the experiences Kodo had accumulated to benefit the community through social education and local development programs. Thus far the projects spearheaded by the foundation include holding Kodo Juku workshops, producing Earth Celebration, running "Friends of Kodo," the Kodo Apprentice Centre, and the Sado Island Taiko Centre, as well as carrying out research and studies about traditional culture.
Henceforth, the foundation will continue to pursue and expand activities that nurture creative, capable people who will play an active role in our global society. Our home of Sado will remain at the heart of these activities as we learn from the nature and the people of the island, working together with locals to develop the region. Furthermore, we will share the attractions of Sado Island with both Japan and the world through culture and tourism promotion and international exchange. Our intention is to use specific, continual activities to reinvigorate regions that are affected by an ever-decreasing birthrate, aging population, and a lack of next-generation leaders.
I sincerely hope for your continued support and encouragement in the years ahead.
Makoto Shimazaki
Chairman
Kodo Cultural Foundation