Who is Kodo Drummers

I heard the Kodo troupe last night, which inspired me to create this lens. The power of their performance is like no other.

Kodo is a tremendous visual and auditory experience that's energizing, uplifting, and truly moving. It's as if their sound rearranges the molecules, bringing unity through rhythm to everyone in the room. You don't just listen to the sounds of Kodo. You feel the rhythms moving through you. Traditional and ever new at the same time, Kodo pushes the limits of art and of music.

Takao Aoki, the Managing Director of Kodo, describes the power of the taiko drums played by Kodo in the following way: "The taiko houses a mysterious power. Something special happens when a human being steps up to a hollow tree covered with animal hide. An organic trinity of flora, fauna and humankind merge to unleash a hidden force that reverberates from the taiko's empty cavity. It's almost as if the space between man and drum disappears and a fusion of the two entities opens up another realm. There is nothing tangible created, but there is a palpable life force, and everyone who shares that space is somehow transformed." *

The Japanese name Kodo has a double meaning, according to the group's website. The first meaning is "heartbeat;" the primal source of rhythm, in which the sound of taiko drum is said to resemble the heartbeat of the mother. As stated on their website, "It is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations." The second meaning of Kodo is "children of the drum," which reflects the desire of Kodo to play music in its purest form, with the heart of child.

The main focus of the Kodo performance group is taiko drumming, which includes all shapes and sizes of taiko drums. Other traditional Japanese instruments are also used, including the "fue," which is a high pitched Japanese bamboo flute, cymbals, and a small Japanese violin called a kokyu. Vocals, dance and movement combine with the instruments to create an unforgettable experience.

Taiko drums come in many shapes and sizes. Many of them are enormous. The largest, referred to as an O-daiko, is about four feet across, weighs over 800 pounds, and is carved from a single tree. This great drum is played by two men and produces extremely deep sounds.

As I listened to the intense reverberations of this giant taiko drum last night, I couldn't help comparing it to the deep sound of chanting Aum (Om). The sounds of the giant O-daiko were focused and intense. And, when the final humming vibrations began to fade, a deep tranquility was felt.

Photograph by Richard Epworth.
Creative Commons License: Some rights reserved.

Photograph by Richard Epworth.
Creative Commons License: Some rights reserved.

There are 24 performing members of Kodo (17 men, 8 women) and 24 staff members. The group lives in an art community completely designed and constructed by the members.

Kodo's first performance was at the Berlin Festival in 1981. Since then, it has given 3100 performances in more than 45 countries.

Kodo spends about a third of the year performing in countries around the world, a third of the year performing throughout Japan, and a third resting and preparing new material at their home on Japan's Sado Island.

In addition to their extensive touring schedule, Kodo hosts a 3-day festival on Sado Island called "Earth Celebration" every August. Musicians from all over the world come and perform. In the past, the guest musicians included Africa's Drummers of Burundi, Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead, Indian master percussionist Zakir Hussain, and jazz legend, Max Roach.

Being a member of Kodo can take several years. One begins as an apprentice. After passing a series of interviews and exams, each apprentice must complete a rigorous two year training program within the Kodo Apprentice Center on Sado Island. There, trainees learn to master demanding physical drumming techniques, along with a variety of skills that include rice farming and tea ceremonies. Modern comforts such as television and radio do not exist for these trainees.

Once the apprentice program is over, generally 1-3 people are chosen and given probationary status before becoming full members of the group. The number of probationers are usually under 12.

Kodo at Birmingham, UK February 2006 Photograph © http://www.disturbing.org.uk

Photograph by Wesley Oostvogels from Kodo 2008 One Earth Tour.
Creative Commons License: Some rights reserved.

Photograph by Richard Epworth.
Creative Commons License: Some rights reserved.

This is an amazing video of what it takes to become a member of Kodo. Apprenticeship is true hell to these students. If you have an interest in Kodo, in drumming, or even in teaching for that matter, this is worth watching all the way through.

So sorry. The producer disabled showing the video on sites other than YouTube but you can watch it there. Simply click on the underlined link below to go there. Then use your "back" arrow to return to this site.

Demon Drummers - Japan