Hayato Otsuka – Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble https://www.kodo.or.jp Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. Tue, 27 Mar 2018 06:09:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.10 https://www.kodo.or.jp/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-24a12099884b9d4a66ba885267151e16-1-32x32.png Hayato Otsuka – Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble https://www.kodo.or.jp 32 32 “Once-in-a-Lifetime Smiles” by Hayato Otsuka https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/kodo_blog_en/9382 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 03:35:59 +0000 http://www.kodo.or.jp/?p=9382 Mar. 23, 2018
Photo: Hayato OtsukaPhoto: Hayato Otsuka

We had a day off in Tallinn, the day before our performance there. It’s a lovely city with buildings dating back to the middle ages.

Photo: Ryoma Tsurumi

The town is adorned with elaborate details.
Even at the restaurants, their consideration showed through their attention to detail.

Photo: Ryoma Tsurumi

I felt fulfilled and full: my body, soul, and stomach!
Also, many people attended and enjoyed our performance.

Photo: Hayato Otsuka

After back-to-back performances in Switzerland and one performance in Estonia, today we are heading to Finland. Right now, I feel keenly aware that every trip is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Photo: Mio Takashiro

From the devoted agents who have presented Kodo for many years
to the many wonderful supporters who facilitate our performances.

The audiences who welcome us with passion and enthusiasm.
The atmosphere and history of each venue.
The unique characteristics and background of each country.
The taiko and us, the performers.

All these people and elements come together for each performance and meld together to create sound each night.

Photo: Hayato Otsuka

There is nothing I take for granted, not even breathing the air in a place I visit on tour.
Each time we are on stage, a glimmering chemical reaction is created that we can only encounter right there and then.
While I sometimes feel a sense of inevitability, every time I’m on stage it never fails to feel new and wondrous.

Photo: Mayumi Hirata

For that reason, I want to always reflect on the value of each moment.
I want to continue to sense all those moments

And among those moments are the occasions when everyone smiles.

They are all once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
I will always treasure these feelings and sensations.
Photo: Ryoma Tsurumi

“Kodo One Earth Tour 2018: Evolution” Europe Tour

  • Mar. 22 (Thu), 2018 Nordea Concert Hall, Tallinn, Estonia
  • Mar. 24 (Sat), 2018 – Mar. 25 (Sun), 2018 Savoy Theatre, Helsinki, Finland
  • Mar. 29 (Thu), 2018 BKZ Oktyabrskiy Big Concert Hall, St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Mar. 31 (Sat), 2018 Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia
 
]]> “DADAN x Hiroshi Michael” by Hayato Otsuka https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/kodo_blog_en/6136 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 06:42:58 +0000 http://www.kodo.or.jp/?p=6136 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

]]> “From Niigata to Nagoya on Tour with ‘Yugen'” by Hayato Otsuka https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/kodo_blog_en/2928 Mon, 29 May 2017 03:03:00 +0000 http://www.kodo.or.jp/?p=2928

I am currently on tour with “Yugen,” our brand new performance with Tamasaburo Bando, and we just completed three back-to-back performances in Niigata City. The theme of this work is the world of Noh theater.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who came to see our performances so far.

From right: Hayato Otsuka, Maya Minowa, Ryoma Tsurumi

Today we are flying to Nagoya, where we have three performances from May 31st. We look forward to seeing you at Aichi Prefectural Art Theater!

 

  • 2017.05.31 (Wed) – 2017.06.02 (Fri) The Theater, Aichi Prefectural Art Theater, Nagoya, Aichi
]]> Sold-Out Premiere Performances of “Yugen” in Tokyo https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/kodo_blog_en/2924 Sun, 21 May 2017 03:15:34 +0000 http://www.kodo.or.jp/?p=2924 May 21, 2017

We are pleased to announce that all five of the premiere performances of “Yugen” at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Tokyo were sold out. Thank you very much to everyone who came along!
Next, we will share Yugen with audiences in Niigata and Nagoya. We look forward to seeing you at one of the theaters below very soon.

  • 2017.05.26 (Fri) – 2017.05.28 (Sun) Niigata Prefectural Civic Center, Niigata City
  • 2017.05.31 (Wed) – 2017.06.02 (Fri) The Theater, Aichi Prefectural Art Theater, Nagoya, Aichi

Sneak Peak at “Yugen” on Stage

Photos: Takashi Okamoto

Tamasaburo Bando

　Masayuki Sakamoto (Kodo)

Hanayagi-ryu Dancers with Kodo

Tamasaburo Bando with Hayato Otsuka (Kodo)

From left: Kodai Yoshida (Kodo), Masakatsu Hanayagi, Tamasaburo Bando, Jusuke Hanayagi, Kengo Watanabe (Kodo)

Tamasaburo Bando

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

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