Kodo Chicago’s Symphony Center Chicago, Ill. February 21, 2011

What is Kodo?

Kodo is one of the contemporary performing arts group in Japan that was formed in 1971. We have been trying to learn, reinterpret and introduce the diverse styles of Japanese folk performing arts found in different regions in Japan to the international performing arts market. We are always deeply rooted, respectful and stay connected with the original styles in Japanese traditional cultures, Kodo has been ambitious in exploring intricate arrangements, new compositions and collaborations with versatile artists around the globe without losing the core of the strong original traditions.

How did Kodo happen? Can you tell us about Taiko Drumming and how it has evolved with Kodo?

The Taiko drumming was imported to Japan during the 7th century with Buddhism. So we are not sure where we can trace back to its roots before China, but at least the drumming in Japan started as part of rituals in Buddhism setting. So it was first used in sacred settings, and later it has spread to become popular instruments once it is attached to local festivals in smaller villages or communities throughout Japan. This is how it became important tools in secular settings.

Hearing the sound of a drum, and dancing to the rhythm of the drum makes you feel more tight unification within a community. But importantly, the musical aspect of the Japanese drumming has become dominant only after mid 20th century when people were looking for many ways to revitalize the traditional culture of Japan which had been underestimated during the westernization process in Japan after the late 19th century. Kodo was formed by one of the newly emerged post-war generation of people who were trying to start something new performing arts using the ancient instrument.

Why should people go see Kodo/ what do you expect your audience to take away with them/ how do you expect them to feel when seeing Kodo?

Probably people can feel universal intensity and strength of human being through very simple and most primitive way of expression called "drumming", and people may feel direct acoustic vibration of people's will and positivity to "live" and "cooperate" through Kodo's performance.

This kind of drive force can be common in any kind of nationality and ethnicity, but at the same time Kodo can be one of the best resources and doors to the people to feel and experience a beautiful part of Japanese traditional performing arts cultures.

Tell us about your background, personal and professional and what is your part in Kodo?

I am a company manager with Kodo for 10 years. I have a background of growing up in western musical culture in Japan, started classical violin from three until 12, drums (jazz, blues, Latin and rock) and acoustic guitar (jazz, Brazilian) from 13 up until now. I was a graduate student and received a doctorate in musicology (ethnomusicology, sociology of music and popular music studies) before joining Kodo. So Japanese drumming has been a rather new field for me, and I am still trying and enjoying learning about it and its deep relationship with the history/culture of Japan and its role in the contemporary international music/performing arts industry.

What does it feel like to tour the world and play for thousands of people at time?

We always enjoy different reactions from the audience throughout the world, but it is more important for Kodo to feel the mutual understandings of the people with different cultural, social, geographical background. The more we travel, more we find mutuality in people.

What was your favorite and least favorite show?

For me, any kind of performances with energy and love are great. But I am often disappointed with any kind of shows with less commitments and intricacy even with famous huge successful shows and entertainments.

How do you get along with the other 40 some members of the group and how were they brought into the group?

They are both family and business colleagues. We respect each other but at the same time need to have strict eyes on each other to maintain higher level of competence as member of the commercial professional performing arts group in the international industry and market. Whoever wishes to become a regular performer of Kodo is required to spend at least three years of apprenticeship and probation.

What has been your biggest challenge personally, and professionally with Kodo, and how did you overcome those things?

It is always difficult to be being honest to myself. This is challenging to maintain all the time throughout your life. It is also important for me and for Kodo’s members to trust each other and keep a good balance of intimacy and objectivity in relationship with others.

What are you plans for the near and distant future?

We have several plans to collaborate with internationally acclaimed artists and groups for the next few years both in Japan and abroad. We are also trying to develop our own skills and strengthen the educational system for younger generations to come.

Kodo choreographs highly technical and highly energetic Taiko drumming with elegant music and dance, which represents the culture and history of Japan. You can see KODO performing at Chicago’s Symphony Center – Monday February 21 starting at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Tickets are anywhere from $25 - $80.