Posts by Staff
“EC Shiroyama Concert Rehearsals Resume!” by Jun Akimoto
Earth Celebration Shiroyama Concert Rehearsals Resume!
The Kodo members were off performing in many different places over the past months, but at last everyone has come back to Sado Island. Our rehearsals for Earth Celebration 2014, coming up this Aug. 22-24, have begun. The first rehearsals are for the opening night performance directed by Mitsuru Ishizuka, “UMI/OCEAN.”
This performance cast features all of the Kodo members, including this gentleman, the eldest one, who is always full of vigor!
“Eiichi Saito’s Workshop” by Yui Kawamoto
July 23, 2014
Eiichi Saito’s 3-Day Intensive Workshop
Following Chieko Kojima’s workshop, Eiichi Saito’s 3-Day Intensive Workshop was held at the Los Angeles Taiko Institute (LATI) housed at Asano Taiko US this week.
We had participants from all over the world (i.e. Australia, Belgium, Spain, etc…) thanks to the World Taiko Gathering that was held last weekend.
Under the theme of “Hard Work and Hard Play,” the 20 participants put their hearts and souls together for 3 full days of playing taiko.
“2 Days of ‘DADAN’ Performances in Lyon Conclude”
July 24, 2014
“Dadan” Performances in Lyon, France
It was rainy and chilly, but so many people came to see our performances. They seemed to enjoy Kodo’s sound in the ancient Roman theatre, backed by the wondrous night view in Lyon.
During our encore, we were treated to this festival’s renowned lancer de coussins, which means “cushion throw.” If the audience enjoyed the performance, they throw their seat cushions at the stage. We are glad that they enjoyed our brand new version of “DADAN,” specially arranged for outdoor festivals. The staff of “Les Nuits de Fourvière” supported us tremendously with their warm and attentive care.
We hope to return to this festival again. Thank you, Lyon! See you again!
DADAN Tour Staff
Kodo “DADAN” Spain & France Performances
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20140709dadan_en.html
“2014 World Taiko Gathering” by Yui Kawamoto
July 18 – 20 Chieko Kojima & Eiichi Saito at
“2014 World Taiko Gathering” (Los Angeles, USA)
This past weekend, we participated in the World Taiko Gathering held in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles.
Left: At the Welcome Reception on the first day. Over 300 particpants enjoy a meal and jam session together.
Right: Presentation about Kodo & Sado Island.
Taiko players from all over the world came together on this wonderful event, and the diversity of bachi bag holders walking around town was a heart-warming sight!
Outdoor events were held day to night; wonderful workshops, informative discussion sessions, and exciting performances created a festive atmosphere.
Left: Eiichi Saito leads a beginner’s taiko workshop
Right: Chieko Kojima leads a dance workshop
OET “Mystery” Tour Finale | Performance in Hakusan City
July 20 “Mystery” Finale at “Hakusan International Taiko Extasia 2014”
“Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery” toured throughout Japan from May to July, giving 31 performances attended by around 40,000 people. For the finale of this tour, we were invited to perform at “Hakusan International Taiko Extasia 2014,” held at Hakusan-shi Matto Bunka Kaikan in Hakusan, Ishikawa.
The “Mystery” tour will continue from September, traveling from Hokkaido & Tohoku all the way down to Western Honshuu. We hope you’ll join us!
Setting Up for “DADAN” Performances in Lyon
We have left Spain for a few days to come to Lyon, France! It’s been 5 years since Kodo was last at outdoor festival “Les Nuits de Fourvière,” and it’s great to be back. The Roman amphitheater venue is a World Heritage site! It is wonderful to see these relics still in use today. We have to be very careful on stage not to touch the historic stone pillars.
It requires a detailed “plan of attack” by Kodo’s sound engineer Takuro Susaki and Niigata Shomei Giken Co. sound engineer Kaori Abe, who works with us in Japan.
Our preparations are done and we are ready for two days of performing here!
DADAN Tour Staff
Kodo “DADAN” Spain & France Performances
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20140709dadan_en.html
“Chieko’s 3-Day Intensive Workshop has Finished!” by Yui Kawamoto
The Los Angeles Taiko Institute (LATI), housed at Asano Taiko U.S., hosted a 3-day intensive workshop led by Chieko Kojima.
Participants were from all over North America including Seattle, Sacramento, Boston, Calgary, Montreal, etc.. Not only did they gain experience in playing Hana Hachijo, but I believe they gained many new friendships within the taiko community.
Thank you Yuta Kato, principal at LATI, for being the assistant/interpreter! And thank you, participants! We hope to see you again somewhere!
Chieko Kojiima, Eiichi Saito “LATI 3-Day Intensive Workshops”
Madrid Performance
On this “DADAN” tour in Spain, we are perfoming in places Kodo has never held concerts before, including here in Madrid. It’s our Spanish capital debut.
An audience of all ages, young and old, came along to see us at the round concert venue, Teatro Price, and they shouted excitedly after each piece, giving us a standing ovation at the end.
“DADAN” is charging on full-steam ahead thanks to the power we have received from our audiences in Spain so far. Thank you very much to everyone who has come along to see us.
Next, we are heading to Lyon in France. It’s been 5 years since we were last here in 2009 to perform at festival “Les Nuits de Fourvière.” Everyone in Lyon, see you really soon!
DADAN Tour Staff
Kodo “DADAN” Spain & France Performances
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20140709dadan_en.html
“Rehearsals for ‘TAIKO NATION 2014′” by Yui Kawamoto
This weekend, taiko enthusiasts from all over the world come together in Los Angeles, California, for the World Taiko Gathering.
The Taiko Nation concert is just one of the many exciting events that will be held there, as it features taiko players from several different countries.
Chieko Kojima and Eiichi Saito will participate in this event from Kodo.
On this day, Chieko joined TAIKOPROJECT for their rehearsal on a collaboration piece.
We are all very excited to see how this piece will turn out at the performance!
“DADAN” Castellón Performance
On July 11, we gave a “DADAN” performance at an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of Ube Industries, LTD. in Spain.
Here’s a picture of Kodo’s Spanish agent Isabel Gonzalez with Yosuke Oda.
Ms. Miyanaga from S.L.S., who always does our tour lighting in Japan, joined our tour in Spain for support until Castellón. Thank you and great job, Ms. Miyanaga!
Tomorrow we have an outdoor performance in Tarragona. Our hard schedule continues…
By DADAN Tour Staff
Kodo “DADAN” Spain & France Performances
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20140709dadan_en.html