Seeking Apprentices for the Kodo Ensemble Performer Development Course

*Please note that all apprentices require advanced Japanese-language skills.

Are you ready to unleash your hidden potential? If so, then let Sado Island’s natural setting and culturally rich environment be your classroom.

Kodo Cultural Foundation’s Apprentice Centre aims to pass “new traditions” on to the next generation. The Kodo Apprentice Programme brings young people from far and wide to Sado Island to learn through a broad range of hands-on experiences that are connected to nature and culture. The two-year apprenticeship begins with learning the fundamentals of traditional Japanese culture, allowing the apprentices to form a solid base for artistic expression. In their second year, Kodo apprentices further develop their practical skills through training and activities with Kodo.

After successfully completing their studies at Kodo Apprentice Centre, apprentices may be selected to become junior members of Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble for one year, during which they train and perform as probationary members of Kodo. At the end of this trial year, junior members who pass a final selection stage are invited to become fully-fledged Kodo performers.

May 2025 Announcement
Every year in June, Kodo Cultural Foundation announces the Kodo Apprentice Centre application guidelines for the following year. However, we have deemed it necessary to take time to improve the environment where our apprentices live and learn so the programme can continue into the future. As a result, we have decided not to carry out our usual annual apprentice intake in 2026.

Please visit the pages below for further details.

Kodo Apprentice Centre | 2026 Intake Pause and Reform Plans

Application Procedure | Kodo Apprentice Centre Performer Development Course (Japanese)