Kodo Group Movements During Nationwide State of Emergency (COVID-19)
PostThank you for your continued support, everyone.
We hope you are safe and well.
On April 16, 2020, the government announced it was expanding the area included in its State of Emergency declaration (based on the COVID-19 Special Measures Law) to encompass all of Japan. In line with this order, the entire Kodo Group (Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble, Kitamaesen Co., Ltd., Kodo Cultural Foundation, Otodaiku Ltd.) introduced further measures to its response to COVID-19. We have outlined the main points below.
We are doing our utmost to maintain the safety of our members, families, and our local community. We plan to keep these measures in place until May 6, 2020. However, we understand we may need to alter or extend them to suit the ever-changing situation.
Previous Updates:
Updated: Kodo Group Response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
1. COVID-19 prevention measures
• All Kodo Group members and Kodo apprentices continue to:
- check their temperature twice a day and report it to their supervisor via an online form.
- refrain from non-essential, non-urgent outings.
- minimize their risk of infection by using hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and masks.
- regularly ventilate any shared spaces.
- keep a close eye on their health.
• As a rule, members are refraining from leaving Sado Island. If anyone needs to travel for unavoidable reasons, they will be required to self isolate for two weeks on their return. We have also postponed all non-essential, non-urgent visitors who were planning to visit the Kodo Group in the near future.
2. Regarding Kodo performers
Until May 6, there are no activities scheduled for members of Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble so they can work (practice, train, compose, etc.) from home.
Any changes regarding upcoming performances will be announced on our website.
3. Regarding Kodo staff
70% of our staff are working from home until May 6. Staff who are working on-site are practicing social distancing and following strict hygiene guidelines.
4. Kodo Office
Staff are available to handle inquiries in English by email and in Japanese by phone/email. Please note that our office hours have been shortened until May 6. (Weekdays 9:30–15:00)
5. Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan)
The Centre is closed from April 13 until May 6. Staff are available to answer inquiries in English by email and in Japanese by phone/email. (Weekdays 8:30–17:30)
6. Earth Celebration 2020
Earth Celebration Committee is considering a range of options for Earth Celebration 2020, scheduled for Aug. 21 (Fri)—23 (Sun).
The announcement of EC 2020 event details has been postponed until early June.
https://earthcelebration.jp/en/topics/notice/118/
7. Kodo and Sado Island
In hopes of reducing the causes of concern to our supporters and the citizens of Sado Island, every Kodo member is taking extra care in their daily activities.
The Kodo Group will continue to put health and safety first by keeping in close contact with Sado Heath, Welfare and Environment Department and updating our measures based on the latest information. We are also creating an Infection Prevention and Control Procedure Manual that we can refer to during the current and any future outbreak situations.
We know it’s a difficult time for everyone. We are thinking of you and cheering you on.
Please take care and stay safe.
The events that have unfolded since January have had a great impact on our organization, too.
If you are able to offer Kodo emergency support, please read our Call for Emergency Support for details on how to help us get through this crisis.
All of us at Kodo would like to take this opportunity to send our sincere condolences and sympathy to everyone who is suffering from the effects of the spread of COVID-19, directly and indirectly, physically and mentally.
We would like to express our deepest respect for all the healthcare workers and essential workers who are working on the frontline during this pandemic. We pray for their safety.
We sincerely hope this global crisis will end quickly and that we are able to bring the feel-good sound of taiko to you all again soon.
Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
Kitamaesen Co., Ltd.
Kodo Cultural Foundation
Otodaiku Co., Ltd.
Apr. 20, 2020