Posts by Staff
“Motofumi Yamaguchi ‘Ikkan Fugetsu'” by Narumi Matsuda
Motofumi Yamaguchi “Ikkan Fugetsu” in Sammu, Chiba
On May 16, Naruto Cultural Center Wild Chrysanthemum Plaza presented Motofumi Yamaguchi’s “Ikkan Fugetsu” concert. This hall is near the home of Ranjo-san, the craftsman who makes the shinobue (bamboo flutes) we play.
The venue erected a temporary stage in its entrance hall and sold beverages and snacks behind the audience seating. This setup made for a relaxed mood.
This was the 148th salon concert held by this hall. I saw some members in the audience who looked like they had come straight from working in their fields and they were relaxing as they listened to the concert. I could tell that these concerts are a firmly established event in this town.
Motofumi’s bamboo flute and talks to the audience created a great harmony with the piano and vocal performance by Yumi Nogami. After seeing this concert, I am already looking forward to their performances to come!
For the finale, Motofumi was joined by junior high school students to play “Hana wa Saku – Flowers Will Bloom, ” which is a song to support the regions affected by the Tohoku Pacific Earthquake. It was so moving.
Motofumi Yamaguchi “Ikkan Fugetsu”
“The ‘Sado Long Ride'” by Yui Kawamoto
Spring is here on Sado Island, which brought bright green colors into the scenery.The beautiful weather wonderfully complements the grand panoramic view. Wouldn’t it be a great opportunity to exercise in an environment like this?
The Sado Long Ride was held on May 18th. Participants biked around the island through various scenic views. After cycling up a long strenuous hill, participants would hear….
Don doko, Don doko, Don doko, Don doko!
We had a chance to cheer on some participants who were half way through the course.
Hope to see you back on Sado again! And come visit Sado Island Taiko Centre while you’re here!
“The Second Day at Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa” by Naomi Iseki
The Second Day at Sanja Matsuri
Each portable shrine (mikoshi) was purified at Asakusa Shrine and then carried out into the town of Asakusa.
The costume is different for each district, so the atmosphere is also different.
The local children were doing their best, too!
I came across the portable shrines wherever I went.
It was such an exciting day for the locals carrying the portable shrines, and for spectators like me, too!
“First Night at Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa” by Naomi Iseki
I also went to see the festival Sanja Matsuri at night on the first day.
The six portable shrines that were in front of Asakusa Public Hall came and went through Kaminarimon Gate.
Here comes a tengu, a long‐nosed goblin! His gold eyes are so striking.
The lanterns on the portable shrines were lit up at night and it was very beautiful.
And there were people, people and more people! The festival is in full swing!
Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Mystery
[June 21-25 Kodo Asakusa Performances]
“First Day of Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa” by Naomi Iseki
Six portable shrines lined up in front of Asakusa Public Hall. I was not able to fit them all into one picture to show you, but I can assure you that a still photo wouldn’t do the passion and power justice!
It was my first time to see Senso-ji Temple’s large censer (vessel for burning incense) moved from where it always stands.
Inside Asakusa Shrine, three big portable shrines were waiting for their own turn.
The festival will continue tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, so I am getting more and more excited!
Safety first! They’ve prepared the area perfectly!
“Cute Visitors at the Tatakokan!” by Masami Miyazaki
On May 16, a cute group of visitors came to see us at the Tatakokan (Sado Island Taiko Centre). These children are from Ota Nursery School on Sado Island.
They all listened carefully to Shinchan-sensei and really enjoyed playing the taiko. It’s hard to get your sound in sync with your friends, but when you do, it’s really fun!
“Rehearsal Scenes from Kodo One Earth Tour” by Narumi Matsuda
To present performances of the highest quality, we have intense rehearsals at each theater we visit on tour. A lot of advice and directions fly about when we rehearse together.
The performers get ready for the performances by talking about the detailed nuances of sound and movement so that they will be in tune with one another on stage.
“Kodo One Earth Tour: Three Performances in Kyushu” by Narumi Matsuda
We have just had 3 performances in Kyushu: Kagoshima City on May 10, Hyuga in Miyazaki on May 11, and Fukuoka City on May 13. We always enjoy the atmosphere in each town we visit, performing in each unique theater, and meeting the locals. (And, of course, we have to sample the local cuisine!)
Everyday we are either traveling or performing and we are so grateful to meet all the people who welcome us at each place on the road. The tour has just started. We will go to Shikoku next!
Kodo One Earth Tour in Shikoku!
We look forward to seeing you all at the following theaters:
【Kagawa】May 21 (Wed) Sunport Hall Takamatsu, Takamatsu
Start: 18:30/ Inquiries: Okayama Onkyo Tel.086-224-6066
【Ehime】May 23 (Fri) Nanyo Bunka Kaikan, Uwajima
Start:18:30/ Inquiries: Tsushima Taiko Shudan Miyabi Tel. 090-2782-4792 (Mr. Tanaka)
【Ehime】May 24 (Sat) Matsuyama Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall, Matsuyama
Start:18:00/ Inquiries: EBC Enterprise Tel. 089-933-0322
“Lanterns for Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri” by Naomi Iseki
May 12, 2014
The other day, I saw a lot of lanterns and imitation flowers on a trolley. In Asakusa, it is probably much easier to go from store to store with a trolley than with a car.
They are put up like this in front of the houses as decorations for the festival.
The festival, Sanja Matsuri, is this weekend! I can’t wait!
“Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Mystery” 5 Days of Performances in Asakusa! (June 21-25)
“School Workshop Performance Tour Sets Off” by Yuko Shingai
On May 15, the School Workshop Performance tour left Kodo Village.
Safe travels, everyone!
May 25 (Sun), 2014 Kodo Workshop Performance & Taiko Clinic (Tokai, Aichi)
June 15 (Sun), 2014 Kodo Appearances at “CoCoLo Early Summer Festa” (Niigata City)