Oct 31 (Tue), 2017 / Last updated : Oct 31 (Tue), 2017 melanie Kodo Blog, , ,

“DADAN x Hiroshi Michael” by Hayato Otsuka

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DADAN x Hiroshi Michael

Hiroshima’s superstar Hiroshi Michael (Hiroshi-maikeru) is the official character of television broadcaster TSS (Television Shin Hiroshima System).

He is a positive guy.At first glance, you might think he is intense and somewhat gaudy, but I heard that his bold, unwavering presence gives energy and courage to the TSS viewers.

His favorite saying is “Hiroshima Ikeru!,” which means “Hiroshima can do it!”

His character is easy to understand and interesting, which are both traits that we strive to achieve with our intense “DADAN” performance.

As you know, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

Visiting Hiroshima, I was reminded of the value of peace and the joy of living in the world today.

As long as I am alive, I want to keep the fire within my soul burning brightly.

I want to share that fire on stage!

 

We received a pumpkin cake for Halloween.

“DADAN 2017” Japan Tour

Oct 20 (Fri), 2017 / Last updated : Oct 20 (Fri), 2017 melanie Posts by Members, , , , ,

“My Recent Onikenbai & Odaiko Workshops” by Yoshikazu Fujimoto

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On Sunday October 1st, I led Onikenbai (demon sword dance) and Odaiko (big drum) workshops at Gettoen in Shinto Village, Gunma Prefecture. There was a social get-together for the workshop participants the night before where we all had a great time chatting, drinking, singing, and playing taiko.
Gettoen is a multipurpose studio. On the ground floor, they have the studio and a kitchen and dining room. On the second floor, they have sleeping quarters for overnight guests.

Here’s a picture with the Onikenbai workshop participants. Despite partying heartily the night before, you can see that they were all fresh-faced and ready for the workshop the next day.

And here I am with the Odaiko workshop group. Even after a party and the Onikenbai workshop, they didn’t show any signs of tiredness throughout the Odaiko workshop. Look at those smiles!

The workshops were presented by Mr. Ryuji Okamura and his mother. Mr. Okamura is a taiko performer and the owner of Gettoen. They run hula dance classes at their studio, too. Mr. Okamura is a former Kodo apprentice and ever since those days he has been a loyal member of our supporter’s club. I am grateful for his support!


After the workshops I left Gunma and traveled home to Wachi in Kyoto Prefecture. The rice was harvested here on Sep. 5th and our current harvest is in the form of collecting chestnuts in the mornings and evenings.

My next workshops at Gettoen will be held on Sunday Dec. 17. Nearby there is a hot spring that is run by Shinto Village and it costs 300 yen for a two-hour soak. So I recommend you come the day before and have a nice soak in the springs on Saturday. It is really good. And of course, you can spend the night at Gettoen.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at the workshops.

Inquiries & Bookings:
Okamura Store Tel: 050-3551-8107

Oct 13 (Fri), 2017 / Last updated : Oct 13 (Fri), 2017 melanie Posts by Members, , ,

“Concert with Sayuri Ishikawa in Nagoya” by Tomoe Miura

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Concert with Sayuri Ishikawa in Nagoya

I was part of a select Kodo cast who performed with singer Sayuri Ishikawa at her concert in Nagoya last weekend. Now we are back on Sado Island. It was a concert full of firsts and I was nervous right up until the bell rang that signaled the start of the performance.

I was continually moved by Sayuri’s beautiful vocals as I performed with all my might. Even after the performance, the sound of her fabulous singing was still whirling around and around in my head.

Sayuri chatted with the audience and they responded with cheers and calls. It was surprising how close the audience felt to us on stage. Sayuri’s performances are the result of all forty-five years of her long career, so I am truly happy that she invited us to join her on stage to experience her unique world.

We will also join Sayuri for her Osaka & Tokyo performances. I will do my very best and I am sure I am going to enjoy those performances, too.

Kodo Joins Sayuri Ishikawa for 45th Anniversary Commemorative Recital Tour (Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo)

Oct 13 (Fri), 2017 / Last updated : Oct 13 (Fri), 2017 melanie Posts by Members, ,

“Kodo Interactive Performance in Mitaka on Oct. 7” by Kenta Nakagome

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On Oct. 7, we welcomed the Myojo Gakuen Wadaiko Club to perform as our special guest at the “Kodo Interactive Performance” at Mitaka City Public Hall in Tokyo. Myojo Gakuen is the alma mater of cast member Kenta Nakagome. Here is a message Kenta wrote in the lead up to the performance.

All of a sudden, thirteen years have passed since I graduated from high school.

I look back and wonder how I felt back then when I played taiko.
I went to Myojo Gakuen because I wanted to play taiko, and naturally that is the reason I moved to Sado Island, too.

I wonder how the current wadaiko club sounds,

and I wonder how Kodo’s performance and sound will resonate with them.

I am happy to be able to return to this familiar place to play taiko.

I hope everyone who joins us there will enjoy the unique sound we create together with our drums and hearts.

I am looking forward to it.

Kenta Nakagome

Kodo Interactive Performance 2017 with Guest Appearance by Myojo Gakuen Wadaiko ClubOct. 7 (Sat), 2017 Mitaka City Public Hall, Mitaka, Tokyo

Sep 9 (Sat), 2017 / Last updated : Sep 9 (Sat), 2017 melanie Posts by Members, , , ,

“Shishi Hair Whip” by Kengo Watanabe

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When I joined Kodo, I never imagined I would be given the chance to wear kumadori stage makeup or perform the traditional hair whip (kefuri) shown in the photo above! When I appear on stage in the role of shishi (beast), I perform each and every hair whip with great care.

Photo: Takashi Okamoto

Tamasaburo Bando x Kodo Special Performance “Yugen” (Japan)

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