My Kodo Discography Pick 10 | Seita Saegusa: Heartbeat Best of KODO 25th Anniversary (Album)

Seita Saegusa

During my apprenticeship, I would listen to the recording of Chonlima from this compilation when I practiced.

I was determined to bridge the gap between my practice version and the version on this CD.  

The tempo, the nuances of the sound…

Come to think of it, I also practiced while listening to Miyake over and over.

When I listen to this CD, I think back to my apprentice days when I was training to become a member. I remember how hard I was practicing to sharpen my senses, what I had my sights set on, and how I was feeling.

This is an important collection to me, for now and for the future.

Album | Heartbeat—Best of Kodo 25th Anniversary

↓Listen to sample tracks

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/sicl155_en.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_6.html

My Kodo Discography Pick 11 | Kei Sadanari: Honoka (DVD)

Kei Sadanari

My DVD recommendation is ”Honoka.”

When I was in junior high school, Kodo came to my hometown for their Interactive Performances, and I performed with them. It was back then when I was given this “Honoka” DVD. It was my first time watching a Kodo performance, and I was greatly moved.

Especially by the very first track, Honoka.

I remember getting goosebumps even just watching it on video, and turning the TV up as loud as it would go.

Last year, we performed Honoka at the Interactive Performances and I was so excited that I couldn’t stop smiling.

DVD | Honoka

↓Watch trailer

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/od007_en.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_68.html

My Kodo Discography Pick 14 | Koki Miura: warabe (Album)

Koki Miura

My recommendation is “Warabe.”
My seniors in my high school taiko club played Itsuka Mata (Until Next Time) and I thought it was a great song.
Then I found out it was on a CD, so I bought “Warabe.”

I started listening to it over and over every day.
The flow of tracks starting with Yokigen (Mirthful Mood), then Bird Island, Koro Koro (Round and Round), and leading in to Itsuka Mata (Until Next Time) is amazing.

おすすめ!私の一枚(13)三浦康暉 / CD『童 warabe』
Even today, listening to this CD gets me excited.
It shows that great music is timeless.

Album | warabe

↓Listen to sample tracks
https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/srcl4671_ja.html

Buy at Kodo Online Store
http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_88.html

My Kodo Discography Pick 12 | Tomoe Miura: TATAKU BEST OF KODO II 1994-1999 (Album)

Tomoe Miura

My favorite CD is “TATAKU BEST OF KODO II 1994–1999.” It was bought for me in elementary school. We would often listen to it in the car on family drives. My favorite songs on the CD are Itsuka Mata, Song of the Universe, and Ao-ki Kaze (Wind from the Steppes), and I would listen to them on repeat, over and over.

I have lots of great memories of this CD. I would skip SHAKE —even though I like the song— to listen to Itsuka Mata, and sing along with Yoko on Niji no Nagori (Rainbow Traces).

Since joining Kodo I’ve had a lot of chances to play Ao-ki Kaze, but I still can’t play it as well as I want to. It’s so frustrating… it’s really not an easy piece to master. But I’ll keep trying.

This album features a special selection of great songs from the 90’s. Please give it a listen!

CD | TATAKU BEST OF KODO II 1994-1999

↓Listen to sample tracks

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/sicc1066_en.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_67.html

“Thank You for Supporting Kodo” by Yuichiro Funabashi

Recently I made a public appeal on behalf of Kodo for emergency support. Many people from many places sent us support and words of encouragement. I sincerely appreciate your generosity and thank you all very much for your help. These difficult times are yet to let up and it’s hard to see an end to this situation. Please rest assured our group is going to do all we can to continue bringing the sound of taiko and our music to all of you.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my gratitude and respect to everyone working on the frontlines in the healthcare and nursing sectors, along with all the people who provide essential services that maintain distribution and infrastructure that support our communities.

Right now, the Kodo Group has had to largely scale back its activities so our members can stay at home and work from home. We are doing what we can within the necessary restrictions to continue our work and to prepare for future projects.

I know that this chaotic situation around the world has been extremely difficult for so many people. While Kodo can’t do much right now, we promise to keep cheering you on through our videos, music, radio programmes, and written messages as we pray for your safety and wellbeing.

As we prepare for the time when we can safely resume our core activities, we are taking this opportunity to carefully reflect on everything we have done to date. We look forward to bringing the sound of taiko to you all again soon.

Thank you all for supporting Kodo. I kindly ask for your continued support and encouragement.

Yuichiro Funabashi
Kodo Ensemble Leader

Call for Emergency Support


A note from the Kodo Office
Thank you to everyone who has given Kodo their generous support. Our office is operating with a smaller team than usual, which is causing delays with issuing receipts, forms for monthly and annual donations, and other correspondence. Please note it may take us a few days to respond to new inquiries, too.  We appreciate your patience and understanding.

(Apr. 30, 2020)


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