Posts by Members

Jul 18 (Wed), 2018 / Last updated : Jul 18 (Wed), 2018 melanie Posts by MembersFrance, Kodo Next Generation, Paris, Theatre du Soleil, Yuta Kimura

[Kodo Next Generation] “Just Go For It” by Yuta Kimura

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“May I come and watch your practice tomorrow, the one just for young members?”

Plucking up the courage one year ago to ask that question to Ryotaro, who was directing a new program, turned into the beginning of my own “Kodo Next Generation” journey.
When I was a Kodo apprentice, Ryotaro talked to me more than anyone else. So while I didn’t say it out loud, I was thinking all along that I really wanted to appear in the first work that he directed.

When everyone gathered up after that rehearsal that I went to watch, Ryotaro said, “I’m going to add Kimu* to the Next Generation team.” (*Kimu is my nickname at Kodo)
I was so happy to hear that!

Most of the rehearsals for Kodo Next Generation were squeezed in between other rehearsals. Time was really tight, but when we got together and worked on songs, it was really exciting. Kind of like when being a kid again and making a secret base with friends.

Then, the time came for the last rehearsal before our first performance. And it was all over the place.
I was flustered. I really wondered if we could pull it off. I don’t remember the exact words that were said at the meeting after that final practice, but I remember that we all knew that there was no turning back. We just had to be strong and get ready to perform with all our might.

Last year, we gave our all in that first-ever “Kodo Next Generation” performance. The audience really enjoyed it. While I’d like to say this year’s performance is going to have a new flavor, I don’t really have any flavors up my sleeve other than young. All I can do is just go for it.

So I’ll do just that, with all my might!

Kodo Next Generation

Jul 17–22, 2018 Théâtre du Soleil, Paris, France

Jun 29 (Fri), 2018 / Last updated : Jun 29 (Fri), 2018 melanie Posts by MembersEri Uchida, Kodo Apprentice Centre, Kodo Apprentices, Mitsuru Ishizuka, Practice, Rehearsal, Sado Island, 鼓童村

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

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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

May 24 (Thu), 2018 / Last updated : May 24 (Thu), 2018 melanie Posts by MembersCollaboration, Hatsune Miku, Rehearsal, Sado Island, Yuki Hirata, 鼓童村

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

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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.

Hatsune 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.

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.

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!

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 MembersEri Uchida, Kodo Apprentice Centre, Sado Island

“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).

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.

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.

The 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

Mar 27 (Tue), 2018 / Last updated : Mar 27 (Tue), 2018 melanie Kodo BlogEstonia, Europe Tour, Finland, Hayato Otsuka, Kodo One Earth Tour: Evolution

“Once-in-a-Lifetime Smiles” by Hayato Otsuka

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Mar. 23, 2018

We had a day off in Tallinn, the day before our performance there. It’s a lovely city with buildings dating back to the middle ages.

The town is adorned with elaborate details.
Even at the restaurants, their consideration showed through their attention to detail.

I felt fulfilled and full: my body, soul, and stomach!
Also, many people attended and enjoyed our performance.

After back-to-back performances in Switzerland and one performance in Estonia, today we are heading to Finland. Right now, I feel keenly aware that every trip is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

From the devoted agents who have presented Kodo for many years
to the many wonderful supporters who facilitate our performances.

The audiences who welcome us with passion and enthusiasm.
The atmosphere and history of each venue.
The unique characteristics and background of each country.
The taiko and us, the performers.

All these people and elements come together for each performance and meld together to create sound each night.

There is nothing I take for granted, not even breathing the air in a place I visit on tour.
Each time we are on stage, a glimmering chemical reaction is created that we can only encounter right there and then.
While I sometimes feel a sense of inevitability, every time I’m on stage it never fails to feel new and wondrous.

For that reason, I want to always reflect on the value of each moment.
I want to continue to sense all those moments

And among those moments are the occasions when everyone smiles.

They are all once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
I will always treasure these feelings and sensations.

“Kodo One Earth Tour 2018: Evolution” Europe Tour

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