V+S+D :)

Kodō (鼓童) is a professional taiko drumming troupe. Based on Sado Island, Japan, they have had a role in popularizing taiko drumming, both in Japan and abroad. In Japanese the word Kodō conveys two meanings: heartbeat the primal source of all rhythm and, read in a different way, the word can mean children of the drum.

Although taiko are the primary instrument in their performances, other traditional Japanese musical instruments such as fue and shamisen make an appearance on stage as do traditional dance and vocal performance.

In performance, players are often seen wearing a sole loincloth called a fundoshi as a component of attire. Internal publications from the group state that they are used to help focus a players strength while performing. Others have noted that the use of fundoshi clearly represents a masculine component to the Kodōs performance.

The appeal of Japan’s traditional taiko drumming lies in its vigorous and powerful sound, which stirs players and listeners alike, physically and spiritually. The instrument plays a central role in many types of traditional music and performance, and drumming is a popular pastime for many in Japan and abroad.
Part of the dynamism of the taiko is the way drummers involve their whole bodies to achieve a profound level of expression. This aspect of physical performance—almost like dancing, as powerful rhythms combine with dynamic movements—is one factor that has brought the instrument international attention. Performances by large troupes wielding sticks in perfect time as they drum complex and powerful rhythms are particularly spectacular.
The instruments originally came to Japan from continental Asia. The oldest drums in the country have been discovered at sites dating back to the Jōmon period (ca. 10,000 BC–300 BC).

From ancient times the taiko was used in Japan for communicating with allies, frightening pests away from crops, and inspiring morale in battling soldiers. It also played an important role in festivals, rainmaking rituals, and the lively dancing of the bon odori.

While there are various kinds of taiko, the nagadō-daiko (long-bodied drum) is considered to be the standard. 









Major Drummers:
Yoshikazu FUJIMOTO - In 1972, Yoshikazu Fujimoto joined Sado no Kuni Ondekoza, and when the group became Kodo in 1981, he was one of the founding members. For many years, he stood center-stage as the group’s featured O-daiko player and center-man for the Yatai-bayashi.
He is presently Kodo’s most senior performing member - 70 yo!!!.

Tomohiro MITOME - Tomohiro Mitome began playing taiko with a local group in his hometown when he was five. He entered the Kodo Apprentice Centre in 1989 and became a Kodo member in 1990. He stood right-stage as the group’s featured O-daiko player and right-man for the Yatai-bayashi.

Yuichiro FUNABASHI - Kodo Ensemble Leader - Yuichiro Funabashi first encountered taiko while studying archeology as a university student. He entered the Kodo Apprentice Centre in 1998 and became a Kodo member in 2001. On stage, Funabashi is mainly featured on taiko drums, metal percussion instruments and vocals. He stood left-stage as the group’s featured O-daiko player and left-man for the Yatai-bayashi.

KODO - Yatai-bayashi: