Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Chieko Kojima, Yoko Fujimoto and Motofumi Yamaguchi came together on Sado Island connected by the performing arts when they joined Kodo's antecedent group Sado no Kuni Ondekoza, and these four were among the founding members of Kodo. These performers form the heart of this year's special concerts on Sado Island, filled with a deep gratitude for Sado and made possible by Kodo's three decades of activities. This autumn, they will be joined by Okinawan dancer Mitsue Kinjo and the performances will take place at Ayusu Kaikan in Ogi.
For this season, pre-orders and discounts are available for Friends of Kodo members. The Kodo Ticket Service will handle all pre-orders by telephone for two days only, July 30-31, so please mark your calendar and take advantage of this special offer.
Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Chieko Kojima, Yoko Fujjimoto, Motofumi Yamaguchi
Mitsue Kinjo (Okinawan dance)
From Naha, Okinawa. An instructor of Taka-ryu Hana no Kai Okinawan dance and a Kodo Apprentice Centre lecturer, Mitsue Kinjo began her training in 1979 under Takako Sato, head of the school of Taka-ryu Okinawan dance. It was through her activities in Okinawan dance that Mitsue first encountered Kodo. Later, after receiving the Okinawa Times Highest Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts, Mitsue moved to Sado Island when she got married. In 1992, she joined two female Kodo members to launch the unit Hanayui and they have been performing and teaching workshops together ever since.
Ayusu Kaikan, Ogi, Sado Island, Niigata