KODO
"Kodo" was formed in 1981 by a community of people who had come to Sado Island in the Sea of Japan ten years earlier to devote themselves to the study of the taiko, the traditional Japanese drum. Their objectives are not only the study and preservation of traditional Japanese performing arts, but also the creation of new directions for what they believe are still vibrant living art-forms. They also place great emphasis on cultural exchange through joint-performances, festivals and workshops, and pursue a continuing belief in the importance of contact with the natural world. 1981 marked the beginning of the continuous "One Earth Tour," Kodo's major vehicle for its performance activities.
The Japanese characters for "Kodo" convey two meanings: Firstly, "heartbeat" the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heart-beat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations. Secondly, read in a different way, the word can mean "children of the drum," a reflection of Kodo's desire to play their drums simply, with the heart of a child. This willingness to throw away pre-conceptions also lies behind Kodo's success in experimenting with new musical forms and creating some startling new fusions for taiko.
Kodo is dedicated to international exchange in a variety of forms, and places great importance both musically and culturally on its worldwide contacts with other percussionists and artists, as well as of course it's audience. The major expression of this is "Earth Celebration," a 3-day percussion and arts festival which brings performers from all over the world to Kodo's home base of Sado Island every summer.
Nature has always played a very strong role in Kodo's lifestyle, training and musical inspiration. All of the community's efforts over the last decade have been directed towards the gradual building of Kodo Village in a thickly-forested area on the southern peninsula of Sado. It is here that the community of around 60 people lives, trains and prepares for its worldwide tours.
SADO ISLAND
Since its early days as a staging post on the northern trade routes, Sado Island has had a rich tradition of performing arts from all over Japan. Its natural beauty, changing seasons, and everyday rural activities continue to exert a profound influence on Kodo's way of life and creativity.
EARTH CELEBRATION
From their base on Sado Island, the One Earth Tour has taken Kodo all over the world, and during the time they have been steadily making friends among percussionists and artists from many cultures, the idea of inviting the world's musicians back to the beautiful surroundings of Sado has progressed from a dream to a reality.
Together with the celebrations for the opening of Kodo Village in 1988, the first "Earth Celebration" festival was held in the town of Ogi, nearby to where the group had finally found the land for its long-dreamed of village. Driven by Kodo's dedication to providing ways in which the world's cultures can learn more about each other, Earth Celebration is now firmly established as a 3-day international percussion and arts festival that takes place in Ogi every August. The central theme is always "Tataku" - to beat a rhythm.
The major evening performances in the natural outdoor theatre of Shiroyama Park have featured performers ranging from Africa's exuberant Drummers of Burundi, through Bali's mysterious Suar Agung giant bamboo xylophone ensemble to jazz-great Elvin Jones. In particular, Earth Celebration has become identified with some extraordinary joint-performances and impromptu sessions between performers who are often unable to speak to each other.
In addition to Kodo and the major guests, the festival includes lectures and workshops (which can range from African dancing to how to make bamboo xylophones), art exhibitions and an all-comers fringe event modelled on the Edinburgh Festival.
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