After an intake pause in 2026, applications have opened for the next Kodo Apprentice Centre intake in 2027.

Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
Member Training Course
2027 (Cohort 45) Intake Application Procedure

First, candidates submit their application documents online. If they pass the application screening stage and the practical interview on Sado Island, they will be invited to enter Kodo Apprentice Centre in April 2027.

In 2027, we will accept applications for two streams: one for individuals who wish to become Kodo members, and one for individuals who wish to contribute to society through taiko without becoming Kodo members. The latter will study the same curriculum as the Kodo Member Development Course apprentices for only the first year of the two-year course.

Application & Admissions Process Overview

• By Sep. 30 (Wed), 2026: Submit an application form, then submit the document submission form with your essay, photos, and a statement of health from a physician.
• Mid-October: Receive notification of application screening results. If successful, receive a practical interview invitation.
  All applicants will be contacted in mid-October.
• Oct. 31 (Sat)–Nov. 1 (Sun): Attend the practical interview weekend on Sado Island.
• November: Receive interview results. If successful, pay apprenticeship fees.
• Early April: Enter Kodo Apprentice Centre, start programme.Please note: All application and admission forms are in Japanese and must be submitted in Japanese.
  All communications during the application, interview, and admission processes will be conducted in Japanese.

Practical Interview Overview

Oct. 31 (Sat) afternoon—Nov. 1 (Sun) morning (2026)

Venue: Kodo Apprentice Centre (Kakinoura, Sado Island, Niigata)

Content:
Day 1: Practical skills (taiko, dance, singing)
Day 2: Self-promotion time, interview

Applicant Requirements & Apprentice Programme Dates

You may apply if you:

• • • wish to become a member of Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble, or you wish to contribute to society through taiko, and
    • are healthy and physically & mentally fit enough to undertake both the apprenticeship training and communal lifestyle, and
    • have advanced Japanese language skills (around JLPT N2 level or above), which are required to understand instruction and participate in training and communal life.

Please note that any individual who meets the above criteria and the age criteria in the table below is welcome to apply, regardless of their taiko experience, gender, education, or nationality.

	If you wish to become a member of Kodo	If you wish to contribute to society through taiko
Apprenticeship Period	Apr. 2027–Jan. 2029 (1 year 10 months)	Apr. 2027–Jan. 2028 (10 months)
Age Requirements	As a rule, you must be aged 18–27 on April 1, 2027.	As a rule, you must be aged 18–30 on April 1, 2027.

 

Application Form (Japanese)

※When you click “Submit” on the application form, you will receive an auto-reply email with the link to the document submission form.

Apprentice Centre Trial Stays

This year, we do not plan to host a group Summer Apprentice Centre Trial Stay. However, we welcome requests at any time from individuals who wish to participate in a two-day, one-night trial stay.

If you are interested, please contact the Kodo Apprentice Centre via the form below to inquire.

Kodo Apprentice Centre Inquiries

All personal information collected will be handled securely and used exclusively for screening, selecting, and contacting potential Kodo Apprentice Centre candidates. Throughout the application and selection process, this information may be shared within the Kodo Group (Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble, Kitamaesen Co., Ltd., and Kodo Cultural Foundation).