Jul 27 (Mon), 2020 / Last updated : Sep 7 (Mon), 2020 melanie News from Kodo

Kodo Group Current Situation Update (Revised on July 22, 2020)

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Kodo Group Current Situation Update

Thank you for your continued support, everyone.
We hope you are safe and well.

On May 25, 2020, the government announced that it was ending the State of Emergency in place nationwide to prevent the spread of COVID-19. After this change, the entire Kodo Group (Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble, Kitamaesen Co., Ltd., Kodo Cultural Foundation, Otodaiku Ltd.) will continue to do its utmost to maintain the safety of our members, families, and our local community. We have the following measures in place:

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 when they are near others.
  • regularly ventilate any shared spaces.
  • keep a close eye on their health.

• As a rule, members only leave Sado Island and only host visitors from outside of Sado Island after careful consideration of the necessity to do so at this time. We tell any visitors who were planning to visit the Kodo Group about the policies we have in place. We ask them to carefully monitor their health in the lead up to their visit and to take extra care around locals (maintaining physical distance, etc.) during their stay.

2. Regarding Kodo performers
From June 1, the members of Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble resumed their practice. They are currently preparing for Earth Celebration 2020, working on recording projects, and preparing for tours in the fall, while practicing social distancing and following strict hygiene guidelines. Any changes regarding upcoming performances will be announced on our website.

3. Regarding Kodo staff
Kitamaesen and Kodo Cultural Foundation staff are working remotely where possible and holding meetings online. 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 returned to usual. (Weekdays 9:30–17:00)

5. Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan)
• The Centre was closed until the end of May, and was open for on weekends only in June for a restricted number of visitors. From July,  the Centre is back to its usual operating days and hours.
• Staff are following the Kodo Group Standard Policies regarding infection prevention, as well as the Centre’s own operations manual so that members of the public can feel at ease when they visit knowing that strict hygiene guidelines are being followed.
• Staff are available to answer inquiries in English by email. (Weekdays 8:30–17:30)
http://www.sadotaiken.jp/en

6. Earth Celebration 2020
This year, Earth Celebration will be held exclusively online for a live global audience! The theme for this new-look EC is “Connect with the World on Sado Island.”
We hope you’ll tune in on Aug. 21 (Fri)—23 (Sun).
For details, visit the Earth Celebration website.
https://earthcelebration.jp/en/

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 the 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 page 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.

June 1, 2020
Partially revised on July 22, 2020

 

Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
Kitamaesen Co., Ltd.
Kodo Cultural Foundation
Otodaiku Ltd.

Previous Updates

Kodo Group Movements During Nationwide State of Emergency (COVID-19) [Apr. 23, 2020]
https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/info_en/news_kodo_en/25279

Kodo Group Response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/info_en/news_kodo_en/23992