Tag ‘Narumi Matsuda’
“The 2017 ‘Michi’ Performances Have Begun” by Narumi Matsuda
Mar. 19, 2017
The 2017 “Michi” Performances Have Begun
Yesterday the 2017 “Michi” performances began with a concert at Fussa Shimin Kaikan in Tokyo.
Today, we have our second performance at Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (a.k.a. Rune Kodaira), also in Tokyo.
This is the third time I have been to this venue. My first time was in 2010 when Kodo performed here on the opening night of my first “One Earth Tour” as a company manager. The second was in 2014 with “Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery.” Looking back, those were both times in my career when I was really stretched.
There are only six performances of “Michi” this year. Each day, the cast and staff are all working hard against the clock. I want to make each and every performance count. I hope to share theses performances with as many people as possible.
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance 2017 “Michi”
“The 2017 ‘Michi’ Programme” by Narumi Matsuda
The 2017 “Michi” Programme
At Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi”, we will present a selection signature numbers that Kodo has treasured for many years. We look forward to sharing these classics with you live!
The programme will feature Miyake, Monochrome, Mine no Kaze, Zoku, Irodori, O-daiko, Yatai-bayashi, and more!
Here is a brief introduction to some of the pieces on the lineup:
Miyake (Arranged by Kodo)
This piece is based on the unique style of drumming played at local festivals in the Kamitsuki Region of Miyake Island, one of the seven volcanic islands of Izu south of Tokyo. The drums are set very low to the ground, requiring a strenuous stance, and the performers drum with relentless power, like ocean waves beating upon the island shore.
Monochrome (Composed by Maki Ishii)
Weaving constant rhythmic patterns together with highly irregular ones, Monochrome develops spirally to an exciting climax. The listener might interpret the sounds as those of the changing of the seasons, or perhaps even the progression of life itself. The ambitious pace greatly expands the range and power of expression of the roped shime-daiko.
O-daiko (Arranged by Kodo)
This great drum, carved from a single tree, measures about 4 feet across and produces intense sounds that possess a deep tranquility. Lose yourself in the vibrations created when the power of the ancient drum and the pure drive of the drummer become one.
Yatai-bayashi (Arranged by Kodo)
Every year on December 3rd in Saitama Prefecture, an all-night festival is held featuring richly decorated two story ‘yatai’ (carts) pulled from village to village. The people hauling the yatai are urged on by the powerful beating of the taiko, concealed in the cramped first story of the carts. This gave rise to a technique of drumming while seated. Our version of the traditional Yataibayashi is played at a faster tempo, giving it a unique and fervent flavor.
Director:
Performers:
Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Yuichiro Funabashi, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Kenta Nakagome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Maya Minowa, Shogo Komatsuzaki, Koki Miura, Tomoe Miura, Mizuki Yoneyama
*Cast is subject to change without notice.
Kodo Special Concert 2017 “Michi” (Japan)
- Mar. 18 (Sat), 2017 [14:00] Fussa Shimin Kaikan Dai-Hall (Mokusei Hall), Fussa, Tokyo
- Mar. 19 (Sun), 2017 [16:30] Kodaira Citizens Cultural Hall (Rune Kodaira Dai-Hall), Kodaira, Tokyo
- Mar. 20 (Mon/Public Hol.), 2017 [16:30] Ota Kumin Hall Apricot Dai-Hall, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 25 (Sat), 2017 [18:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
- Mar. 26 (Sun), 2017 [13:30] Shin-Kabukiza Theater, Osaka City
About Kodo Special Performance “Michi”
“Rehearsals for Shinon Kansha Nihon Taiko Matsuri” by Narumi Matsuda
Rehearsals for Shinon Kansha Nihon Taiko Matsuri
We are enjoying the autumn sun here on Sado Island.
At Kodo Village, rehearsals are underway for the upcoming performances at Shinon Kansha Nihon Taiko Matsuri on Nov. 5 & 6 in Ise, Mie.
This annual event is a huge two-day taiko festival where groups from all over Japan gather to perform. Everyone spends the weekend enjoying a wide array of taiko performances. Admission is free, so please come along!
The Kodo cast for this event will be Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Motofumi Yamaguchi, Tomohiro Mitome, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Masaya Koike, and Koji Miyagi. (Yoshie Abe is rehearsing with them in this photo, but she won’t be performing at the event.)
“14th Shinon Kansha Nihon Taiko Matsuri”
Nov. 5 (Sat), 6 (Sun), 2016 Okage Yokocho Arcade in front of Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie
“Huge Surprise Kodo Reunion at the Port!” by Narumi Matsuda
I found myself heading back to Sado Island on the same ferry as the “Kaguyahime” members on their way back from Canada, the “DADAN” members returning from Hong Kong, Chieko who was in Australia, and Eiichi who had been in Tokyo leading workshops!
I was on my way home from a business trip to Nagano when I ran into everyone at the port, so I had traveled the least distance of everyone. I hadn’t seen some of the members in two months, so we talked about our travels as we boarded the ferry. Now that all the fall tours have come to an end, we’ll all be back on Sado Island together for a while.
“‘Mystery’ Japan Finale in Shimane” by Narumi Matsuda
The Japan Finale of “Mystery” in Shimane
The Japan performances of “Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery” ended at Oda Shimin Kaikan in Shimane on Oct. 26. It was also the last One Earth Tour performance for cast members Kenzo Abe and Yosuke Inoue.
Our tour ended in Shimane, where the original folk art that serpent dance Jamai is based on is upheld. All the members, especially serpent performer Yosuke Kusa, got so nervous soon after we arrived in Shimane. A serpent was on display in the lobby (see the picture below) and we received warm applause from the members of Yunotsu, who taught us the serpent dance. The performers must have felt really encouraged by their support. The performance was really lively thanks to this great atmosphere, created by everyone there: the audience, the staff backstage and front of house, and the entire cast. Thank you, everyone!
“Appearance on Hiroshima TV” by Narumi Matsuda
Mariko Omi, Yosuke Kusa and Kosuke Urushikubo visited Hiroshima TV on Oct. 21. They announced the Hiroshima performance of our new “Kodo One Earth Tour: Eternity” production on Dec. 12 and performed live on programme “Terebi Ha.” It will be our first performance in Hiroshima City in two years. We hope you are looking forward to it, we certainly are!
You can watch the footage of our appearance on the Hiroshima TV website. Please take a look!
http://www.htv.jp/event/
Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Eternity
Dec. 12 (Fri), 2014 Ueno Gakuen Hall, Hiroshima City
http://www.kodo.or.jp/oet/20141212a_en.html
“One Earth Tour Travel Days” by Narumi Matsuda
On our “travel days,” we sometimes have to drive hundreds of kilometers from one theatre to the next. On these long drives, we take several breaks at road stops and expressway service areas. Some people buy coffee, others stretch… each person spends these pitstops as they wish.
Junior member Shunichiro is always holding drumsticks when he’s on the bus. On this travel day, he received advice from two of the seniors in the group, Takeshi and Masaru. I think our travel days provide a good chance for communication amongst our members.
“Sightseeing at Abashiri Prison Museum” by Narumi Matsuda
We went out sightseeing during our Hokkaido Tour and paid a visit to Abashiri Prison Museum. It was very interesting to see their informative exhibition. We spent about 2 hours there, engrossed in the displays.
Looking at farming tools, the Kodo members, who were all formerly apprentices, said:
“We used to use that, didn’t we?”
“Yeah, we did, but it was hard to use.”
“The best way to use it is…”
They talked about the equipment with such familiarity.
I admired them for their life skills and knowledge, which they had obviously acquired during their apprenticeship.
“‘Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Mystery’ in Tomakomai” by Narumi Matsuda
On September 20, we had a performance in Tomakomai, Hokkaido. Most of the seats were not allocated, so many people queued for a long time before the doors opened to get the best seats. I could feel their excitement to see the performance by looking at that long queue. It made me happy!
There was a long line right around the theater. No matter how busy I am, at concerts with free seating I always pop out to see the enthusiastic queue.
“‘Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Mystery’ Sapporo Performance” by Narumi Matsuda
On Sep. 19, we performed at Sapporo Shimin Hall, which is near famous landmarks such as Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower. It’s been 3 years since both Kodo and I were last in Hokkaido. Last time, I was still inexperienced as a “One Earth Tour” manager, so I didn’t have any free time to venture out and ended up staying inside the hall all day long. This time, there are many new members, which makes me their senior. For junior member Shunichiro, this is his first ever “One Earth Tour.”
We were greeted by a large audience in Sapporo! The fall tour of “Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Mystery” is off to an energetic start.