Role

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Ensemble

Country

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Peru

Genre

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Miscellaneous

 

Kodo is a Japanese taiko drumming group that has been captivating audiences around the world for over four decades. The group was founded in 1981 on Sado Island, Japan, by a group of young taiko drummers who were determined to preserve and promote the traditional art form of taiko drumming. The birth of Kodo can be traced back to the formation of the Ondekoza group in 1969. Ondekoza was a group of young taiko drummers who were inspired by the teachings of their mentor, Den Tagayasu, who believed that taiko drumming could be used as a form of physical and spiritual training. The members of Ondekoza lived together in a communal setting and trained rigorously for hours each day, performing in festivals and competitions throughout Japan. In 1981, a group of Ondekoza members decided to break away from the group and form their own taiko drumming group. They named their new group Kodo, which means "heartbeat" in Japanese. The founding members of Kodo were Yosuke Yamashita, Tatsuo Sasaki, and Akio Tsumura. Kodo quickly gained a reputation for their powerful and dynamic performances, which combined traditional taiko drumming with contemporary music and dance. The group's performances were characterized by their intense physicality, precision, and energy, which captivated audiences around the world. One of Kodo's early highlights was their performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where they performed in front of a global audience of millions. The group's performance was a huge success, and it helped to establish Kodo as one of the premier taiko drumming groups in the world. Over the years, Kodo has continued to push the boundaries of taiko drumming, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and world music into their performances. The group has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including jazz pianist Keith Jarrett, composer Philip Glass, and the Blue Man Group. In addition to their live performances, Kodo has also released numerous albums and DVDs, which have been critically acclaimed for their innovative and dynamic approach to taiko drumming. Some of the group's most popular albums include "Mondo Head," "Ibuki," and "Heartbeat: Best of Kodo." Kodo has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Japan Foundation Award, the Kyoto Prize, and the Order of the Rising Sun, which is one of Japan's highest honors. The group has also been recognized for their contributions to cultural exchange and understanding, and they have been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Despite their success and international acclaim, Kodo remains committed to preserving and promoting the traditional art form of taiko drumming. The group continues to train young taiko drummers on Sado Island, and they have established a cultural center that offers workshops and performances to visitors from around the world. In conclusion, Kodo is a truly remarkable group that has made a significant contribution to the world of music and culture. Their innovative and dynamic approach to taiko drumming has captivated audiences around the world, and their commitment to preserving and promoting the traditional art form of taiko drumming is truly inspiring. Kodo's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians and artists for years to come.

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