Aug 11 (Sat), 2018 / Last updated : Aug 11 (Sat), 2018 melanie Posts by Members, , ,

“A Change of Scene for the Kodo Apprentices” by Eri Uchida

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July 26, 2018Photo: Yasuhiko Ishihara

After their regular training session yesterday afternoon, Kodo Apprentice Centre manager Gan (Yasuhiko Ishihara) took the apprentices to Sobama Beach.
That may sound like fun, but it wasn’t for leisure.

Photo: Yasuhiko IshiharaFirst, the apprentices ran along the sandy beach… and then they ran some more.
Running on sand slowed them down but it gave them a change of scene, with a different view to their training every morning. It feels different for them, too, running barefoot with gentle waves lapping at their feet.

Photo: Eri Uchida

After that, they all danced Onikenbai together, a demon sword dance. You’d expect dancing on sand to also be harder than usual, but dancing on the beach together looked liberating and enjoyable for them.

Photo: Yasuhiko Ishihara

They had some free time after their workout and they all took this chance to leap into the sea.

Photo: Yasuhiko Ishihara

At the Apprentice Centre, they may experience a lot of difficult challenges and tough times. I guess when you have fun times and happy experiences after such lows, the highs feel even higher.
Seeing them have as much fun as they could during this short break made me think about the spectrum of emotions they experience during the programme.

Photo: Eri UchidaMaybe this setting created that sense of liberation I noted.
Sado truly is an island filled with nature.

I’m glad Kodo is based on Sado. This island helps us grow everyday.

 

About the Kodo Apprentice Centre

Seeking Apprentices for the Kodo Ensemble Performer Development Course

Applications are now open for the 2019 intake!

[Application Period] July 6 (Fri)–Nov. 9 (Fri), 2018 *Note: Applications must be received by Nov. 9

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

*Please note that all apprentices require advanced Japanese-language skills.

Jul 27 (Fri), 2018 / Last updated : Jul 27 (Fri), 2018 melanie Posts by Staff, , , , , , ,

“Applications Close Soon for Kodo Juku 2018” by Misato Akazawa

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“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.

Jun 29 (Fri), 2018 / Last updated : Jun 29 (Fri), 2018 melanie Posts by Members, , , , , , ,

“June 20: Apprentice Group Training Session with Kodo” by Eri Uchida

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Photo: Mariko Sumiyoshi

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

Photo: Mariko SumiyoshiThe 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.

Photo: Mariko Sumiyoshi

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

May 24 (Thu), 2018 / Last updated : May 24 (Thu), 2018 melanie Posts by Members, , , , ,

“Hatsune Miku x Kodo Rehearsals on Sado” by Yuki Hirata

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Photo: Erika Ueda

Recently we had rehearsals at Kodo Village for the upcoming “Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live Performance 2018” on June 2 & 3 at Shibuya’s NHK Hall.

Photo: Erika UedaPhoto: Erika UedaHatsune Miku band members and staff came to Sado Island for two days. The energy that filled the hall as we rehearsed felt as if it was a actual performance.

Photo: Erika Ueda

These practices strongly bonded Hatsune Miku, her band, Kodo, and the team of staff. Our sense of unity has increased since last year, something you’re sure to notice when you see us on stage together.

Photo: Erika UedaPhoto: Erika Ueda

I really want you all to experience this energy! You can all look forward to a lot of new pieces on the lineup this time!

By the way, last year I made my debut on the Kodo stage at “Hatsune Miku x Kodo,” so it was an especially memorable performance for me. I am so excited for this year’s collaboration, too. I simply can’t wait.

Please join us for the next stage of Hatsune Miku and Kodo’s collaborative journey!

Photo: Erika Ueda

See here for tickets! (Japanese website)

Hatsune Miku x Kodo Official Website (Japanese website)

This is NIPPON Premium Theater “Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live Performance 2018”

Apr 19 (Thu), 2018 / Last updated : Apr 19 (Thu), 2018 melanie Posts by Members, ,

“Where Kodo’s Sound Begins” by Eri Uchida

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We currently have seventeen Kodo apprentices after welcoming a group of new entrants to Kodo Apprentice Centre at the beginning of April. The first day of training for the new first years was making and shaping bachi (taiko drumsticks).

Photo: Eri Uchida

Under Tomohiro Mitome’s instruction, they learn why they make their own bachi, and the step-by-step process of bachi making, from how to choose the wood to whittling the wood into shape. The things they learn are packed with the wisdom that Mitome has gained from his own experience of trial and error making bachi to date with his own two hands.

“When you make bachi, you are crafting your sound”

The local carpenter who joined the lesson to teach them how to sharpen their planes said,
“If your equipment works well, you can do your job well.”

Those words are painfully true, I thought.

Photo: Eri Uchida

Bachi making is not a skill we can master in one day, no matter how clearly we are taught.

Life gets busier as the days go by at Kodo Apprentice Centre. I wonder how much time they can make for themselves to practice what they are being told and embody those lessons.

Photos: Eri UchidaThe roots. The fundamentals. The essence of things.
That is what we all learn at the Apprentice Centre.
It reminded me that I mustn’t forget these foundations, regardless of the experience I gain traveling the world and appearing on stage.

 

About the Kodo Apprentice Centre

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