The other day, we did some agricultural work with the Kodo apprentices at a persimmon orchard managed by Mr. Shokei Kusaka at Konin-ji, a temple in Hamochi. Mr. Kusaka teaches us how to do debudding, cut the weeds, and pick the persimmons properly.

When we went to the orchard, the apprentices exclaimed:
“Those small persimmons have gotten so big!”
“What a beautiful shade of orange, they look delicious!”
“We’ll have to work hard to harvest them all.”

We harvested the persimmons, learning from Mr. Kusaka how to pick them without damaging them. After picking the fruit, we put alcohol on them to remove the astringency and carefully pack them into boxes.

The apprentices’ wishes for a swift delivery are also sealed in each parcel along with the sun-ripened persimmons.

We hope they reach everyone quickly and safely.
If a box is heading your way, we hope you enjoy this delicious taste of autumn!

(These persimmon are sent annually to selected supporters in Japan and members of Kodo no Kai)

About Kodo no Kai

“Kodo Juku” is a 4-day, 3-night live-in workshop at Kodo Apprentice Centre, surrounded by lush nature on Sado Island.
Eiichi Saito’s Kodu Juku Taiko Workshop began in 1992. Ever since, Saito has led these workshops with overt enthusiasm, sharing his passion for taiko and facilitating self discovery and new connections through this powerful resonant instrument.

At Kodo Juku, you’ll experience the daily life of Kodo apprentices. It promises to be a memorable escape from your usual life!

No taiko experience is necessary, just come along and give it a go.
We hope you’ll apply!

Apply for Kodo Juku 2018↓
https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/performance_en/performance_ws_en/10716

*Note: Workshop will be conducted in Japanese.