Since the days of our antecedent group Ondekoza, Kodo has studied Hachijo Daiko—the style of taiko upheld on Hachijo Island—and we have learned many things through that experience.
I decided to take on the challenge of composing a piece based on Hachijo Daiko for the Kodo December Concerts 2025 tour that is currently underway in Japan. During the fall months, I had planned to travel to the island with another Kodo performer to train and prepare for this tour. However, we were unable to visit due to the recent typhoons there. Despite the aftermath of the storms, one of our teachers from Hachijo traveled all the way to Sado Island to help us prepare, just as I had hoped. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to train for this performance under their guidance.
On stage, we will pour our gratitude and respect into every beat to thank all the people on Hachijo Island who have taught our group over the years and everyone who keeps this tradition alive.
We are collecting donations to help Hachijo Island recover from the typhoons. I sincerely ask you all to join us in supporting them.

Moe Niiyama, Kodo