Kodō Drummers

In “Cycles,” Kodo endeavors to capture the feeling of extensive natural cycles, using rhythmic sequences to conjure soul-stirring resonance and infinite supernatural realms. This ambitious, innovative work features all new compositions. Cycles explores the ever-changing rhythms of the natural world. The rising and setting of the sun. The rise and fall of the tides. The waxing and waning of the moon. To do this, Kodo challenged itself with a new approach: composing music based on spatial and mathematical concepts. The performers' souls resonate within these intriguing soundscapes, producing reverberations like never before. Featured Programme: Cycles Ten-Ten, Games Solo, Trio n Lagrange Point Gyoei 5:30 (Encore)

Kodo, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021, performed the piece "Warabe" as the third part of its commemorative tour. This performance was recorded in its entirety on September 18, 2021, at Kodo's home base in Sado. Enjoy the rich expressions that incorporate dance and vocal elements from various Japanese performing arts, along with the "sound of life" created by humans.

In 2022, Kodo celebrated the milestone 10th year of its annual concert series in Tokyo’s Asakusa with a new production. This is the full stage performance of “Shoso,” filmed live at the newly refurbished Asakusa Public Hall. This bountiful two-hour programme features 15 pieces in all. They range from Kodo's classic repertoire—Miyake, Chonlima, Jang-Gwara, O-daiko, and more—to new compositions by the performers leading Kodo’s sound creation today, such as Yuta Sumiyoshi, Ryotaro Leo Ikenaga, and Masayasu Maeda. Bringing the energy and creativity that Kodo generated during its pandemic-induced touring hiatus to the stage in full force, Shoso welcomes audiences back to the theater with a creative, uplifting world of taiko music.

“Kodō One Earth Tour: Tsuzumi” premiered in 2020 as the first commemorative work in the Kodo 40th Anniversary Concert Series. In early 2021, the work was filmed for release on DVD and limited release on VOD streaming. The opening number, Dyu-Ha, was created by the late Maki Ishii, a modern composer who was introduced to the precursor of Kodo in the 1970s by conductor Seiji Ozawa. Ishii presented this piece to Kodo as a gift to congratulate the ensemble on its debut in 1981. Tsuzumi also features Ishii’s masterpiece Monochrome and other Kodo signature pieces such as O-daiko, and Yatai-bayashi, coupled with new compositions. Join Kodo as the ensemble traces its origins back to the beginning, to reflect on its history and reaffirm what has shaped Kodo today. Tsuzumi will serve as a cornerstone for Kodo’s next ground-breaking chapter.

Jean grew up in a community under the influence of a guru named Chris. Years after escaping its grip, he receives a mysterious package. Chris has just died and Jean's sister who has lived all this time reclusive by his side sends him recordings. In these mysterious sound and visual archives, Jean rediscovers voices and sounds emerging from the past. On the tapes, interviews between members of his family and Chris. The memories start to come back : Jean decides to follow in the footsteps of the missing guru to try and decipher his family history.

No plot available for this movie.

KODO – THE HEARTBEAT OF THE DRUM takes us deep into the world of Japan’s famed KODO company of percussionists and its school on the island of Sado. As the seasons go by we share the lives of teenagers who for two years commit themselves totally to the fulfilment of their dream: that of becoming a fully-fledged member of the KODO troupe. The only one of its kind in the world, this is a school that teaches not just an art form, but an entire way of life. The artistic director of the KODO ensemble is Tamasaburo Bando, the famous kabuki actor/dancer and Living National Treasure.

Legend marked a departure for Kodo into new creative territory under the direction of visionary artistic director Tamasaburo Bando. After touring throughout Japan, Legend was further honed on its U.S. tour, visiting 25 cities from Las Vegas to New York. The stage finale in Asakusa was broadcast live online and the footage from that concert has been newly arranged for this special Legend DVD.

This live Video is a recording of the powerful stage finale of "Kodo 30th Anniversary One Earth Tour 2011," held at Tokyo's Aoyama Theatre in December 2011 after an extensive nationwide tour throughout Japan.

KODO has been exploring the limitless possiblities of the traditional Japanese drum, "Taiko" for over 30 years. In their pursuit of striving to take their theatrical art further, KODO has actively been seeking new collaborations with other musicians and mentors. One result of this can be seen in "One Earth Tour Special", a performance that has Tamasaburo Bando, one of Kabuki's most renowned performers, serving as artistic director. Under Tamasaburo's keen direction, KODO's aim is to reincarnate their performance, not just a mere improvement in quality, but to reinvent their performance with power and grace. It will show KODO's journey back to the basics of drumming to capture the beauty of simple movement. With sold our tours and over 500,000 units sold in the US, KODO will continue to captivate American audiences with the "One Earth Tour Special" release.