Kodō Blends Old and New in its Latest Show

11 hours ago4 min read

Japanese taiko drumming takes the stage at Segerstrom Center on Tuesday.

A drummer wields bachi, the large drumsticks used to play the giant taiko drums. Photo courtesy of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County — A drummer wields *bachi*, the large drumsticks used to play the giant taiko drums. Photo courtesy of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County

Kodō honors ancient and revered Japanese musical traditions, but the ensemble has barely been around long enough to stage a retrospective. The world’s pre-eminent taiko drumming troupe, presented by the Philharmonic Society at Segerstrom Concert Hall on Feb. 11, was formed in 1981. Its newest show, “Warabe,” combines some of its earliest work with newer material that showcases the power and virtuosity of its carefully chosen members.

“‘Warabe’ is the second half of our 40th anniversary concerts that premiered in 2021,” said Kodō’s production manager Yui Kamiya. “While the first production, ‘Tsuzumi’ focused on the drum aspect of our identity, ‘Warabe’ celebrates the sound, resonance and physicality synonymous with Kodō.” Its sonic palette and musical explorations are broader than usual, Kamiya explained.

Based on isolated Sado Island, Japan in a compound where its members live and work, Kodō has single-handedly popularized taiko drumming, in the process becoming one of Japan’s most prominent cultural ambassadors. They regularly tour Japan, Europe and the United States. In Japanese, the word “Kodō” conveys two meanings: “heartbeat,” the primal source of all rhythm, and “children of the drum.”

Kodō drummers play Ō-Daiko drums - the largest taiko drums which can be up to 72 inches in diameter. Video posted by AgoraVoxFrance

Taiko drums were introduced to Japan through China and Korea as early as the sixth century C.E. Some taiko bear a striking resemblance to instruments from India. Archaeological evidence suggests that taiko were present in Japan as early as the Kofun period (250-538 C.E.).

SIDEBAR: The DRUMS of Taiko

Taiko drumming served many purposes throughout Japanese history: communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, religious ceremony and concert performances. In modern times, taiko have also played a central role in social movements for minorities both within and outside Japan.

“Warabe” acknowledges that long tradition, but it also showcases the gifts and personalities of the performers, Kamiya said.

“The performance features repertoire that allows our performers to bring out their individual character and be playful with one another as they continue to perform as one ensemble. It also features elements from (traditional) folk performing art forms in Japan, allowing the audience to not only enjoy watching taiko, but (other) forms of Japanese artistic expression.”

Kodō is sometimes considered to be simply renamed from the taiko group Ondekoza, which was organized in 1971. “In 1981 the group re-launched under the name ‘Kodō’ and eventually moved to their current home,” Kamiya said. “In this beautiful natural environment, Kodō has developed a center devoted to creativity and exchange.”

Being a member of Kodō involves rigorous physical training, Kamiya said. “To become a member of Kodō, one must go through a two-year apprenticeship (which) requires (members) to live communally in an old school house with no internet or smartphones, honing their skills on the drum, learning different methods of Japanese performing arts, growing their own rice and cooking their own meals. This has been a tradition since our establishment, which helps create a shared mindset of values among the generations of our performing members.”

The Kodō ensemble in performance. Photos courtesy of Philharmonic Society of Orange County

All members of the ensemble are required to stay in Kodō Village.

“Kodō Village consists of our rehearsal hall, office, cafeteria, resources, workshop, tea room and dormitories,” Kamiya said. “Dormitories are for the younger performers of the troupe, while the older members live near the village for an easy commute. This is where we create and rehearse together as an ensemble. Kodo performs all over Japan and the world most of the time of the year, but having Sado Island as our home helps us get back in touch with the beautiful nature, reset our minds and five senses, and allows us to focus on our art form.”

The audition process for Kodo is famously rigorous. Kamiya describes it:

“The audition process begins with document submission in the fall. Then the selected few will come to Sado Island for final auditions and interviews while experiencing a glimpse of an apprentice lifestyle. Once they are admitted as an apprentice, they go through the two-year (training) program. During the program, we have a selection process every year, where a few may be cut. After making it through two full years and being selected as a junior member, they tour and perform with the actual members of the troupe. Anyone who is cut during this process will go home, no matter how far they’ve come.”

Kodō has been described as a goodwill ambassador for Japan. It’s a responsibility that members take as seriously as their technical training, Kamiya said.

“We tour the world under the theme: One Earth. We hope to bring our sound to all corners of the globe as our music and message resonates with myriad cultures and ways of life.”