Mitsuru Ishizuka 

I recommend Kodo’s Akatsuki album and Honoka DVD!

Both of these were recorded in 2010–2011 as special works to commemorate Kodo’s 30th anniversary.

I remember that time as a really tough one.

The entire Kodo ensemble seemed to feel bound by the invisible shackles of its 30 years of history, which had an indescribable oppressiveness on us. And in early 2011, the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami struck. So it was also a period which made us question our reason for doing what we do.

At that complex time, I think each Kodo member was hanging in there, struggling to make it through by focusing on the fundamentals: taiko, their own playing, and the people waiting for Kodo’s tours and concerts.

That led to the emergence of an array of really simple, bold, powerful compositions, which were captured in these recordings.

Akatsuki and Honoka are both works that might feel rather rough, raw, and more rugged that Kodo’s previous works… I think that’s due to an overflow of all the energy we poured in. Our struggles added to our power, so I think that made the works interesting and well worth a listen. (lol)

I hope you’ll enjoy my picks!

Album | Akatsuki

↓Listen to sample tracks

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/od006_en.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_75.html

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

Today the Kodo apprentices came to Kodo Village for their mid-year recital and a group training session.

The training session is a valuable time where they receive training by the Kodo members who stand centerstage in our ensemble’s touring productions.

The apprentices heard the words, “I know you want to do it, but you can’t do anything with that feeling alone.”

It all comes back to practicing the fundamentals, after all. It’s all about creating sound with clean, solid strokes.

The apprentices have more eyes on them than usual during this session, but they don’t lose focus for even a second as they take in the detailed instruction.

The apprentices hope to stand on stage as members of Kodo one day. The words the Kodo members impart with the young hopefuls during these sessions are specific, simple, and carry significant weight.

Deliberate, repeated practice is what creates that sound, that performance.

Today’s group training session was a fruitful time for the apprentices, who now have a clearer picture of their common goal: creating sound that truly reaches the audience.

About the Kodo Apprentice Centre

[Applications Open Soon for 2019 Intake!] Application Period: July 6 (Fri)–Nov. 9 (Fri), 2018

Application Procedure: https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/apr_en/research_students

Earth Celebration 2017 is just around the corner! Chihiro Watanabe and I will be the MCs at the “EC 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert” on Aug. 20, the final day of EC. We don’t usually chat with the audience when we appear on stage with Kodo, but we will do our very best to entertain everyone with our banter at this outdoor performance!

Also…guess what! All the members of Kodo are going to appear on stage during this performance! That is so rare, believe me!

The cast ranges in age from 20 through to 66 years old. We’re going to drum, dance, and sing our hearts out. Mitsuru Ishizuka has created a great setlist for your enjoyment.

Please join us this weekend for this one-night-only performance. We’re waiting for you all, drumming everyday on Sado to get ready for all the performances!

See you there!