Kodo’s mission is to “explore the limitless rhythmic possibilities of taiko, and in the process, forge new directions for a vibrant living art-form.”
But I also believe that taiko has the endless ability to gather and connect people.
This is what I think is the most attractive aspect of taiko.
Tomorrow marks our final performance of our two-month-long North American tour of ‘Evolution.’
We were so lucky to have met and reunited again with new and olds friends across this continent.
To the local taiko groups who are talented in so many ways in embracing their creativity, and to our long time friends who have been watching and listening to our performances from way back when: Thank you so much to everyone who has come out to our performances this year!
Everyone’s passionate hearts for taiko definitely gave us energy and strength to pull through the tour.
The possibilities are still limitless.
Who have we not met yet? Who is still out there? What will our friendships bring?
These are just a few thoughts that excite me!
Hi everyone, I’m Ami Akimoto. In March, I was touring for the first time with Kodo as an assistant manager on the “Evolution” North America tour.
I have seen Kodo’s performances as an audience member many times before, however there was so much more that to learn about Kodo that I not seen before stepping behind the scenes as a staff member on this tour.
As I spent time on this tour, I had realised that there are so many different thoughts that existed in all the people who were a part of or had encountered Kodo. The performance and staff members on the tour all had their own reasons and unique thoughts, individual challenges, personal goals, and uncertainties to overcome. But there was always a sense of respect and understanding towards each other, which may assist in creating the feeling of ‘oneness’ as a group, transforming each performance into something spectacular on stage.
Personally, as I spent more time with the members, I found that the feelings I had towards watching each performance changed as well. I gained a new sense of appreciation and started to notice something new every time.
I had also discovered, through the direct contact with the audience members as part of my role in the tour, that the audience members all had very unique thoughts and different senses of appreciation for the performance they saw. It was not only from the love they had for taiko: there were also people who enjoyed the energy they felt through all senses in their body. There were people who seemed to be filled with a sense of courage and passion, perhaps simply from seeing the beaming performers on stage. And others who felt motivated to change in a positive way after seeing the dedication from the performers, just to name a few. I felt that this was proof of Kodo’s ability to connect and create something special that resonated and lingered differently within the souls of many people.
This was also true for the many local venue volunteers and staff members, bus drivers and stage hand staff that we met during the tour. Whether there was a common language spoken or not, it seemed that there were always smiles and positivity wherever we travelled, and new connections and relationships formed.
As I spent time on the tour, I realised that there are many feelings, numerous different reasons, and countless desires that wondrously co-exist and bring everyone together.
In line with the wish behind the title “One Earth Tour,” I hope that Kodo continues to be a special part of many souls, overcoming language and cultural barriers, resonating with an even wider audience from around the world.
Furthermore, I hope that the art of taiko can help to bring people together to understand one another, to form many special connections, and create infinite possibilities!
LUMINANCE opens with Shine a Light, a piece composed by Kodo’s Yuki Hirata in 2019 that embodies his hope for a much brighter future for Kodo. Soon after, as the 2020 pandemic took hold, those hopes for a promising future were something everyone was clinging to all over the globe.
The sound of flutes emerge from the darkness, then dazzling light heralds in a formidable taiko ensemble. The powerful opening serves as a beacon, delivering a message of hope: no matter how hard things get, the future will be brighter. Shine a Light’s composer Hirata is the artistic director of LUMINANCE. While he has directed several Kodo performances in Japan, their Europe 2026 tour marks his international directorial debut.
New Taiko Inspired by Stride
Photo by Takashi Okamoto
This catchy piece by Kodo’s Mitsuru Ishizuka features performers dancing to the beat as they play katsugiokedo taiko—barrel drums carried on a shoulder strap. Originally composed for one of Kodo’s album recordings, when the ensemble later prepared to play it on stage, they found the need for drums that allowed them to move about more dynamically. So Kodo contacted their trusted taiko maker and they worked on creating a new type of okedo taiko together. Most okedo taiko are made from Japanese cedar, but for this drum, the taiko maker switched the timber to a lighter, thinner paulownia, making it easier to beat either side of the drum. They used horse hides on both sides, which they processed to be thinner and lighter than usual, too. When you see the performers get into the groove with Stride, you’re bound to find yourself moving along with them, too.
The Origins of Miyake and Kodo’s Adaptations
Photo by Takashi Okamoto
Kodo’s Miyake is based on the taiko that accompanies a portable shrine carried from door to door during a festival on Miyake Island, south of Tokyo. Kodo members were first taught these rhythms in 1982 during a visit to the Kamitsuki region of the isle. With permission, Kodo arranged it for the stage and has been performing this taiko music ever since. Kodo’s Miyake differs from the original festival accompaniment in various ways. One is the number of taiko used: Kodo often performs this piece with three miya-daiko drums, while on Miyake Island, they play just one taiko at the festival, with people subbing in and out to keep the rhythms going all day long. Kodo’s arrangement for the stage is synchronized and has uniform movements, but on Miyake Island, the rhythms and forms change from player to player. Another interesting difference is that the locals stand with their legs apart and sink into a deep squat to play the base rhythm, whereas Kodo members crouch down and have one knee resting on the ground. The reason is apparently that when Kodo first encountered this style of drumming on the island, the people playing happened to get tired and put one knee down to steady themselves. If you ever have the chance to visit Miyake Island during their annual festival, you’ll see how this strong taiko beat encourages people as they carry the heavy portable shrine throughout their town.
There are thirty-three Kodo performers. They range in age from 21 to 68 years old, just like a big family.
Each of our performances has a unique cast selected from that large group. As you’d expect within a big ensemble, the members are all closer to some of their colleagues than others. However, one thing we often hear from our audience are comments about perfect coordination, synchronicity, and teamwork. So where does that come from?
Today is our first day of work on location for our two-month-long North America tour.
The Smith Center is a new, art-deco style theater in a redeveloped area near downtown Las Vegas. This theater hosts performances by world-class classical, jazz, and rock artists.
Still struggling with jet lag, the tour members all began unpacking their instruments, which had been shipped over from Japan. They checked the condition of all the drums and set up for the first performance, while meticulously organizing all the equipment for the long tour ahead.
Lifting heavy instruments onto stands, tuning drums by tightening the heads, and choosing the position for each drum on the stage… I really notice their synchronicity and feel that sense of teamwork when I see them carry out this type of work and their various discussions and checks. These are all important team tasks at beginning of the tour.
The curtain is about to rise for the opening night of “Kodo One Earth Tour 2019: Evolution.”
I hope you’ll come along to experience the unique groove this particular cast creates on stage.
Winter is on its way and the autumn leaves on Sado Island won’t be around for much longer.
When I see the mark for snow show up on the weekend weather forecast, I know it’s time to brace ourselves for another long, cold winter.
It’s easy to get sick now the temperature is much lower in the mornings and evenings, so it’s a good time to actively increase your intake of probiotic lactic-acid bacilli and get your gut microbiome in order!
So, on the menu this month at Kodo Village we’ve had:
*Grilled Fish (Saury) Saury (sanma in Japanese) is an exemplary bluefish. Blue fish oil lowers cholesterol.
*Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria-Packed Soup
This soup has soy milk, kimchi, and miso in it. Kimchi contains plant lactic acid bacteria, which regulates the intestines. The pungent component of kimchi increases your metabolism and disintegrates fat.
*Sweet Potato Salad
We use yoghurt as a dressing. Yoghurt makes good bacteria activate, so it helps prevent constipation. Walnuts bring an enjoyable crunch element to the dish.
